Massachusetts News

McGrath Insurance Buys Prouty

McGrath Insurance Group of Sturbridge, Massachusetts has acquired the Prouty Agency, also of Sturbridge, for an undisclosed sum. “Prouty Insurance has a strong tradition of providing close, personal customer service,” said McGrath President and CEO Richard McGrath. “For an independent …

Arguments For and Against Reinsurance Tax Bill Continue

Yesterday’s hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee has inspired both sides in the debate over Rep. Richard Neal’s (D-MA) plan, HR3424, to tax foreign-based insurers and reinsurers. [See IJ web site – https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2010/07/15/111603.htm ]. The immediate focus is …

Agents Applaud House Passage of Flood Insurance Program Extension

The U.S. House of Representatives has a measure extending the federal flood insurance program for five years. The bill, H.R. 5114, the “Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act of 2010,” sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), …

Reinsurance Tax Debate over HR 3424 Heats Up at Committee Hearing

Both sides presented their views at a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, July 14. Compromise over whether or not to disallow deductions for premiums paid to purchase reinsurance from “affiliated companies,” who are located outside …

Hanover Estimates $85 Million Catastrophe Loss for Q2

Worcester, Mass.-based The Hanover estimated its pre-tax losses resulting from catastrophe events in the second quarter of 2010 to be approximately $85 million. The majority of the losses were associated with six significant events, including two severe hail and wind …

The Hanover Expands Western Surety Business With ICW Group Agreement

Worcester, Mass.-based The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. has closed on an agreement with ICW Group that is designed to enhance The Hanover’s surety capabilities in the West, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Through the arrangement, The Hanover …

Hearing Scheduled Today on HR 3424, Reinsurance Tax Bill

HR 3424 will be the subject of a hearing House by the House Representatives Ways and Means Committee today at 10:00 a.m. The Bill, sponsored by Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-MA), has been the subject of a lengthy debate [See …

Ratings Roundup: Valiant, Mass. Homeland/York

A.M. Best Co. has placed under review with developing implications the financial strength rating of ‘A-‘ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a-” of Valiant Insurance Company and Valiant Specialty Insurance Company, both domiciled in Wilmington, Del., following the …

Munich Re Provides $96 Million Cat Bond to Mass. Property Association

Munich Re has provided the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA) with a $ 96 million catastrophe bond issuance that “transfers hurricane risk in Massachusetts to the capital markets,” said the reinsurer’s announcement. “Munich Re acted as joint lead manager …

Liberty Mutual Sues Goldman Sachs Over Fannie Mae Stock

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. was sued by Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. for fraudulently misleading it into buying preferred stock of mortgage financier Fannie Mae that would become “virtually worthless.” In a lawsuit filed last Thursday in Boston federal court, Liberty …