London News

Declarations

20% The percentage of U.S. drivers who admit they have read or sent a text message while behind the wheel, even though nearly all of the respondents considered such action unacceptable, according to an AAA survey. $500 Million Georgia Insurance …

People

David Daniel was named chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”). He will lead the organization as chairman for the 2009-2010 term. Daniel is president of Daniel & Eustis Insurance in Baton Rouge, La. Prior …

Lava-Listed on Hawaii’s Big Island

Insurers’ Use of Lava Maps to Gauge Risk Doesn’t Set Well With Some Homeowners The U.S. Geological Survey’s 35-year-old maps of lava danger zones in this southern corner of Hawaii’s Big Island are a tableau of earthy colors and odd …

Lloyd’s D&O Coverage an Issue in Stanford Fraud Case

Lloyd’s of London has told a federal judge he should not allocate the proceeds of a directors and officers insurance policy for accused swindler Allen Stanford and other executives because they have no guarantee of coverage, according to a court …

Bermuda Finance Chief Warns Nations of Risk of Overtaxing Business

The world’s wealthiest nations risk harming “the goose that lays the golden egg” if they overtax businesses, Bermuda’s finance minister said on Thursday, adding that her island nation had surpassed other offshore centers in meeting new tax rules. “As a …

Best Affirms Ratings on QBE and Operating Companies

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a+” of UK-based QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited , Australia’s QBE Insurance (International) Limited and QBE Reinsurance (Europe) Limited, which is based …

Valiant Insurance Expands with Atlanta Office

New York-based Valiant Insurance Group, Inc. has opened a new office in Atlanta, expanding its specialty and casualty operations. Valiant has recruited a team of primary and excess casualty professionals from Markel Corp. to operate its new Atlanta office. With …

US May Target Insurers, Gasoline Imports in Iran Sanctions Strategy

The White House is weighing sanctions targeting Iran’s dependence on gasoline imports and insurance firms that underwrite the trade, even as U.S. officials focus for now on diplomatic efforts to resolve a nuclear standoff. President Barack Obama warned Iran last …

International Chamber of Commerce Urges G20 to Conclude Doha Round

A bulletin from the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) warmly welcomed the decision to make the G20 the primary forum for international economic cooperation, noting that the member countries represent 90 percent of global gross national product, and thus …

Insurers Back Away from Washington Flood Area

Insurance brokers say private companies won’t sell flood insurance in Kent, Renton, Auburn and Tukwila where the Corps of Engineers says Green River flooding is likely this winter. Federal insurance is still available but capped at $500,000 for a structure …