Nebraska News

Business Moves

Markel, Aspen, FirstComp Markel Corp. completed the previously announced acquisition of Aspen Holdings Inc., a privately held insurance group that provides workers’ compensation insurance and related services, principally to small businesses, in 31 states. Aspen, headquartered in Omaha, Neb., operates …

Business Moves

Ironshore, Distinguished Programs Bermuda-based specialty insurer Ironshore Inc. and New York-based program administrator Distinguished Programs Group LLC have formed a joint venture acquisition vehicle targeting the managing general underwriter and program manager segments of the insurance distribution business. IDP Holdings …

Business Moves

Aon, Hewitt Associates Aon Corp. said it will cut 1,500 to 1,800 jobs over the next three years after acquiring Hewitt Associates. Aon expects to save $355 million per year, including $280 million per year by eliminating jobs. The cuts …

How an E&O Claim Could Affect Agency Employee’s Career

Survey Finds Agencies Take a Second Look at Hiring Employees With Past E&O Histories Today’s soft insurance market, reduced commissions and a tough economy for agency owners and their clients might be adding to agency errors and omissions (E&O) exposures. …

Berkshire Hathaway Moves Step Closer to Buffett Succession

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Monday said hedge fund manager Todd Combs would join the firm, potentially bringing the company a step closer to solving Buffett’s succession puzzle. Berkshire Hathaway owns multiple businesses concentrated in insurance as well as tens of …

Markel Completes Acquisition of Aspen, FirstComp

Markel Corp. has completed the previously announced acquisition of Aspen Holdings, Inc., a privately held insurance group that provides workers compensation insurance and related services, principally to small businesses, in 31 states. Aspen, which is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, operates …

Nebraska: Information on On-Board Sensors Must Be Complete

The Nebraska Department of Insurance said auto insurance companies are increasingly using information obtained from on-board sensors in establishing premium rates. The DOI is concerned that some of that information may not be complete in insurers’ rate filings for both …

Robertson Selected to Lead Indiana Insurance Department

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has appointed Stephen Robertson as commissioner of the Department of Insurance (DOI). Robertson, who has served as DOI’s executive director since June, replaces Carol Cutter who passed away last month. Robertson joined DOI in 2008, first …

Judge Lets States’ Suit Against Obama Healthcare Law Proceed

U.S. states can proceed with a lawsuit seeking to overturn President Barack Obama’s landmark healthcare reform law, a Florida judge ruled Thursday. U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson had said at a hearing last month that he would block efforts by …

Enforcement Issues Complicate Mississippi’s Efforts on Texting Drivers

Undoubtedly bills will be filed to strengthen Mississippi’s texting-while-driving ban during the 2011 legislative session, and questions about enforcement are sure to be raised. A law enacted in 2009 banned beginning teenage drivers from sending text messages from behind the …