Massachusetts News

Poll Finds Mass. Residents Split Over New Health Insurance Requirement

Massachusetts residents are split on the question of whether they should be required to pay for health insurance. Nine out of ten residents say they know about the state’s new health care law, but 49 percent of those questioned said …

Survey: Inlanders Oppose Subsidies for Risky Drivers, Coastal Homes

A new survey is reporting that 80 percent of drivers and 64 percent of homeowners in non-coastal areas in two states disagree with state insurance pricing regulations that benefit risky drivers and homeowners in high-risk coastal areas. The “Consumer Opinions …

Ratings Recap: Travelers, Mapfre (NJ & FL), AXA Art, Progressive (debt)

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of “A+” (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of Travelers Insurance Companies and its P/C members. Best also affirmed the debt ratings of “a-” on senior debt, “bbb+” …

House Bill Renews Federal Terrorism Reinsurance for 10 Years, Expands Definition

Congress officially has a new bill to reauthorize the federal terrorism reinsurance program. Two Democrats from Massachusetts — U.S. Rep. Mike Capuano and the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Barney Frank — have introduced H.R. 2761, the Terrorism …

My New Markets

Privacy Protection Nuts & Bolts: ELM Insurance is offering privacy protection coverage forelectronic and non-electronic security events, including phishing, social engineering and physical theft. Sub-limited coverage for 1798* security breach; breach of statute including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Account-ability …

People

Gregg Effner has joined The Main Street America Group as assistant vice president of distribution management. Effner will be based at the headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., and report to Doug Eden, senior vice president of field operations. In this newly …

People and Places

Gregg Effner has joined The Main Street America Group as assistant vice president of distribution management. Effner will be based at the headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., and report to Doug Eden, senior vice president of field operations. In this newly …

My New Markets

Privacy Protection Nuts & Bolts: ELM Insurance is offering privacy protection coverage for electronic and non-electronic security events, including phishing, social engineering and physical theft. Sub-limited coverage for 1798* security breach; breach of statute including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and …

Former AIG Exec’s Estate Makes Largest Donation to Mass. Art Museum

The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass., long known as a home for French and American paintings, is making room for a $90 million British invasion thanks to a donation from the foundation of Sir Edwin Manton. Works by Renoir, …

Commerce West Signs 3-Year, $170 Million Pact with Stonewood Agency

The Commerce Group Inc.’s California-based subsidiary, Commerce West Insurance Co., has entered into a general agency agreement with Stonewood Insurance Services Inc. of Rancho Cordova, Calif., which promise to bring the insurer up to $170 million in California private passenger …