Montana News

Montana Supreme Court: Claims for Bodily Injury Can Cover Injured Plus Observer

The Supreme Court of Montana has ruled that even a bystander’s claim for bodily injuries can be covered in an insurance policy. According to court documents in Allstate Insurance Co. v. Terry Wagner-Ellsworth and Tiffany Rusk, in February 2000, Wagner-Ellsworth …

Business Moves

Wells Fargo, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation launched a new Western Division. Wells Fargo Insurance Services will serve as the founder of the new division. The Western Division will involve: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, …

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. International Energy Package Market Detail: MarketScout provides a market for clients needing coverage for foreign …

Outlook Good for Montana: Calm Fire Season

The wildfire season is looking like it will be much easier on Montana than last year, fire managers told Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Strong mountain snowpack and cool, wet spring weather are combining to put the state in a far better …

Ratings: Argonaut, MAPFRE (Fla.), Pekin, Penn National, AXA Art, Tennessee Farmers, ALPS, BancInsure

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of the Texas-based Argonaut Insurance Group and its members. Best also affirmed the FSRs of ‘A’ (Excellent) and ICRs of …

Wells Fargo Insurance Services Founds Western Division of Industry Charitable Foundation

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation has launched a new Western Division. After 15 years operating solely in California, the Foundation has expanded to include all areas of the Western United States. Wells Fargo Insurance Services will serve as the founder …

Insurers Blast Regulators as Closed to Open Dialogue

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is losing trust because it at times operates behind closed doors and is not open to dialogue with the insurance industry. That was the criticism of NAIC, as voiced by representatives of the American …

Overlooked Heavy Construction Segment Includes Significant Small Firm Opportunity

Louisiana, Washington Rank High for Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction Business Within the broader construction industry sector, heavy and civil engineering construction (NAICS 237) is an often overlooked segment. Yet the segment generates more than $7.6 billion in all lines …

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. Custom Home Builders Market Detail: Lemac & Associates, a division of Risk Placement Services Inc. …

Montana Announces Proposed Asbestos Settlement With W.R. Grace

Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality is seeking comment on a proposed settlement agreement with W.R. Grace & Co. that would provide the agency more than $5 million for costs related to the cleanup of asbestos contamination in Libby, Mont. The …