Michigan News

2007 State Obesity Rates

2007 State Obesity Rates State % Alabama 30.3 Alaska 27.5 Arizona 25.4 Arkansas 28.7 California 22.6 Colorado 18.7 Connecticut 21.2 Delaware 27.4 Washington DC 21.8 Florida 23.6 Georgia 28.2 Hawaii 21.4 Idaho 24.5 Illinois 24.9 Indiana 26.8 Iowa 26.9 Kansas …

Michigan Termite Case Could Hike Liability for Real Estate Sellers

A dispute over termites now before the Michigan Supreme Court could affect the liability of sellers of real estate. When Richard and Stacey Roberts bought an old house for $475,000 on Michigan’s scenic Leelanau Peninsula, they thought the home’s other …

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. Livestock Mortality Insurance Market Detail: Chopra Insurance Brokerage Inc. offers an “all risks of mortality” …

Ratings Recap: Medical Mutual, Eastern, Kaufmann, Seaworthy

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘B++’ (Good) and issuer credit rating of “bbb+” of Medical Mutual Insurance Company of Maine (MMIC). Best said the “revised outlook reflects …

Herson Joins J.M. Wilson in Portage, Mich.

Managing general agency J.M. Wilson has added Erin Herson as a property and casualty underwriter in its Portage, Mich., location. In this position, Herson will quote and service commercial P/C accounts. Previously, she was a commercial lines account manager at …

Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Ban on Insurers’ Use of Credit Scoring

The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a ban on the use of credit scoring by insurance companies. In 2005, the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation’s (OFIR) promulgated rules banning the use of insurance credit …

Michigan Objects to Chrysler-Fiat Deal Over Workers’ Compensation Funds

Michigan is objecting to the sale of Chrysler LLC assets to Italian automaker Fiat, claiming the new company won’t meet obligations to a state workers’ compensation fund. State Attorney General Mike Cox filed papers in bankruptcy court in New York …

Missouri Becomes Latest State to Require Fire-Safe Cigarettes

Missouri has become the latest state to join a national movement in requiring cigarettes to be self-extinguishing. The Missouri House voted 137-16 on May 5 to give final approval to legislation that requires the special type of cigarettes starting in …

People

Joseph Tracy has been named president of Travelers Inland Marine business unit. Tracy, who joined Travelers in 2006, most recently served as chief underwriting officer for the Inland Marine business unit. Prior to joining Travelers, Tracy was the head of …

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. Products Liability for Roller Coasters and Rides Market Detail: MarketScout offers agents access to products …