Maryland News

‘Shock and Awe’ Halts Euro Market Slide – for Now

A $1 trillion global emergency rescue package to stabilize the euro reversed the slide in world financial markets on Monday but left longer-term questions about whether Europe’s weakest economies can manage their debt. The plan, hammered out by European Union …

Best Removes Berkshire Companies from ‘Under Review;’ Affirms Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has issued three separate bulletins announcing that it has removed a number of Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance companies from the “under review with negative implications” status it announced in November. The companies directly affected are: Seaworthy Insurance Company …

Business Moves

Foremost Foremost Insurance Group has launched its DistinctChoice Auto program in Connecticut. The auto program features increased limits, deductible options and coverages. The program also offers broad eligibility and discounts, including multi-policy discount and a five-year accident/violation free discount. PURE …

Travelers Names 20 Personal Lines Agents of the Year

Travelers recognized 20 personal lines agents with its Agent of the Year award. Winners were picked for their community work, as well as high achievements in their lines of business. They are : Georgiana Carney, Pearl Carroll & Associates, Latham, …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Insurance for Nonprofits Market Detail: Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, Risk Retention Group (ANI-RRG) insures …

Hospitals Shifting Costs to Auto Insurance System

Low reimbursements from public health insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, have prompted hospitals to shift costs to automobile insurance companies – raising auto injury claim costs and forcing auto insurers to more closely scrutinize and negotiate hospital bills …

Medevac Crash Victim’s Family Sues for $15M

The family of a paramedic who died in a 2008 Medevac helicopter crash in Maryland is suing the federal government for $15 million. The attorney for flight paramedic Mickey Lippy’s family said that Lippy’s wife and young daughter deserve restitution …

Florida’s 21st Century Drops Bid to Acquire HomeWise; Gets Rate Hike

Florida’s 21st Century Holding Co. has dropped its bid to acquire domestic property insurer HomeWise Holdings at the same time it reported that its own Florida property insurance unit it has received approval to raise rates 14.9 percent on some …

Maryland Plaintiffs Awarded $400K for Contaminated Wells

A Maryland oil company has been found responsible for polluting wells in Carroll County with the toxic gasoline additive known as MTBE. A jury awarded nearly $400,000 in damages to four families who lived near a Jiffy Mart gas station …

Hospitals Shifting Costs to Auto Insurance System, Study Finds

Low reimbursements from public health insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, have prompted hospitals to shift costs to automobile insurance companies—raising auto injury claim costs and forcing auto insurers to more closely scrutinize and negotiate hospital bills prior to …