Minnesota News

It Figures

8.1% After reviewing statewide data for insurance claims paid by employers for injured workers in 2009, the Missouri Department of Insurance is recommending an overall 8.1 percent decrease in workers’ compensation loss costs for 2010. The department’s recommended decrease is …

People

Global insurance broker and risk advisor Marsh appointed Philip Gawthorpe as Multinational Client Service Practice leader for the Midwest Zone. Gawthorpe, who has more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, will be based in Marsh’s Chicago office and report …

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. Stop All ID Fraud Market Detail: USX/S offers agents access to real ID theft protection …

North Dakota Has 3rd Lowest Auto Insurance Rates, Commissioner Says

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm says drivers in his state are still paying among the lowest auto insurance premiums in the nation, according to the “Auto Insurance Database Report 2006/2007” recently issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. …

Johnson Joins WRM America as Midwest Regional Marketing Officer

WRM America, a New York-based specialty insurance and alternative risk management company, reports that Jeffrey S. Johnson has joined WRM America Indemnity Company (WRMAI) as regional marketing officer for the Midwest region. Johnson will be responsible for the planning and …

Minnesota Man Held on 18th Drunk Driving Arrest

A 55-year-old St. Paul man remains jailed after his 18th arrest on drunken driving charges. The Minnesota State Patrol said he crashed his car on Highway 61 and Interstate 494 in Newport around 6:30 p.m. last Thursday. Capt. Matt Langer …

2009 P/C Insurance Mergers, Acquisitions Large and Small

Large insurers AIG, Farmers and The Hartford made moves in 2009, as did large brokers Marsh, Aon, Willis, Gallagher, Brown & Brown, Hub and Wells Fargo. So, too, did, many regional insurers and Main Street agencies. Here are the headlines …

Austin-Round Rock, Texas, Most Secure Large Metro Area

The central Texas area of Austin-Round Rock is the most secure U.S. community among large metropolitan areas (population of 500,000 or greater) in which to live, ccording to the sixth annual Most Secure U.S. Places to Live rankings from Farmers …

Wells Fargo Appoints Chicago Finance Officer

Wells Fargo Insurance Services has named veteran Wells Fargo executive Todd Wartchow as senior finance officer. Based in the company’s corporate office in Chicago, Wartchow is responsible for directing financial performance and the development of strategic business initiatives. He is …

Drunk Driving Death Rates Decline in 40 States

Drunken driving fatality rates have fallen in 40 states and the District of Columbia, an encouraging sign that crackdowns are improving highway safety. The Transportation Department said that 11,773 people were killed in drunken driving crashes in 2008 for a …