Montana News

A.M. Best B+ (Good) Rated Contractor GL Insurance Carrier Expanding to 35 States

National Contractors Insurance Company, Inc., a Risk Retention Group (“NCIC”), A.M. Best Rated B+ (Good), is expanding from 25 to 35 states, with their Commercial General Liability coverage now being made available in Alabama, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Mississippi, …

People

Thomas J. Schaffler has been named president of Lockton Cos. employee benefits practice in Chicago. He joined Lockton more than 10 years ago as executive vice president and producer and serves on the Chicago executive committee. He is also a …

Foodborne Illnesses Cost U.S. $152 Billion a Year: Study

Foodborne illnesses cost the United States $152 billion in health-related expenses each year, according to a study released by consumer and public health groups on Wednesday. Food safety advocates are hoping that the study will boost efforts in Congress to …

Zurich Names Two Regional Managers for Commercial Environmental Business

Zurich named two new regional managers for its North American Environmental team: Richard Calvert has been named manager for the South Central region, and Warren Puffer is the new manager for the Northwest region. Calvert, who prior to joining Zurich …

Montana 100-Year Flood Plain Expanded

The mayor of Miles City, Mont., said a new federal map nearly doubles the size of the city’s 100-year flood plain and could result in hundreds of residents paying for increased flood insurance. Joe R. Whalen said the maps by …

One Person’s View: 7 Wonders of P/C Insurance History

What events have shaped the modern insurance landscape? Which ideas, innovations and accidents stand out as landmarks in the development and growth of this most important industry known as insurance? Following is one person’s opinion of the seven wonders of …

Idaho Home Insurance Costs Lowest in Nation

Idaho homeowner insurance is the least costly in the nation, averaging $422 per year, according to a nationwide survey. This compares to an average $822 countrywide. The Gem State also had among the lowest average rates for renters insurance, at …

Private Crop Insurers Oppose Funding Cuts

The private crop insurance industry is blasting a proposed restructuring in the crop insurance program it says would cut $4 billion — or $800 million a year — over the next five years. The proposal by the U.S. Department of …

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” …