Minnesota News

Arizona Bill Banning Texting While Driving Dies in Senate

The Arizona Senate in an 11-11 vote failed to pass a bill that would have banned texting on a cell phone while driving. If it had passed, SB 1334 would have imposed fines of $50 for from operating a motor …

Foremost Insurance Expands Dwelling Fire Program in Minnesota

Foremost Insurance Group has expanded its dwelling fire program in Minnesota as of March 1, 2010. Foremost will target standard and preferred landlord and rental property customers with new, larger discounts and an overall rate decrease of 4.3 percent for …

Nebraska-Based Survey Suggests Midwest Economy Is Improving

The February Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region, a leading economic indicator from a survey of supply managers in a nine-state area, rose for a third straight month pointing to improving economic growth in the months ahead, according to …

Washington Fined Insurers More Than $400,000 in 2009

Washington state insurance commissioner Mike Kreidler issued more than $400,000 in fines in 2009, as well as revoking the licenses of several insurance agents, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner announced. Kreidler’s office collected a total of $407,600 in fines …

Business Moves

Brick Street West Virginia-based BrickStreet Mutual Insurance has been approved to write workers’ compensation insurance in Illinois. The move continues an expansion drive for the company, which was approved to write workers’ compensation coverage in Kentucky last year. BrickStreet said …

M&A Activity at Decade Lows

Leading into 2009, agencies were at a crossroads; uncertain of whether to sell, buy, or implement new or improved organic growth strategies. The path was uncertain, but it was widely believed that market, economic and political dynamics would impact and …

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” …

Agents Encouraged to Review Flood Risk in Minnesota

With the potential for serious flooding in the Red River, Minnesota and possibly Mississippi river valleys this spring, Governor Pawlenty is reminding insurance agents to talk with their homeowners customers about optional flood insurance before the snowmelt and spring rains. …

Blue Cross Competitor Sanford Gets OK to Sell Insurance in ND

North Dakota regulators have given approval to Sanford Health Plan to sell health insurance in the state, likely setting up competition with the company that has dominated the North Dakota market for decades but has drawn recent criticism for its …

Ratings Recap: Mass. Homeland/York, Rockhill, Paratransit, MGA,

A.M. Best Co. has placed the financial strength ratings of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of “a” of Massachusetts Homeland Insurance Company and York Insurance Company of Maine under review with negative implications. Best took the rating actions following …