North Carolina News

It Figures

$35,200 The reduced fine issued to Walt Disney World by OSHA for a serious violation that contributed to the death of a 21-year old worker during a summer monorail accident last July. 11.7% The latest rate increase on homeowners policies …

Business Moves

Fiesta Auto Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Fiesta Auto Insurance is combining its two business models — insurance and tax preparation — under one roof, quadrupling its presence to more than 80 locations. Launched in 1999 to provide auto insurance to Hispanic …

State Bans on Phoning While Driving Fail to Reduce Crashes

As state legislators across the United States enact laws that ban phoning and/or texting while driving, a new study finds no reductions in crashes after hand-held phone bans take effect. Comparing insurance claims for crash damage in four U.S. jurisdictions …

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. Public Officials Liability Market Detail: Apogee Insurance Group a Berkshire Hathaway Group offers agents access …

U.S. Issues Safety Rules on North Carolina Plant Gas Explosion

On a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board yesterday recommended that national fuel gas codes be changed to improve safety when gas pipes are being purged of air during maintenance or installation of new piping. The federal recommendations came …

North Carolina Assisted Living Center Owners Avoid $1.2 Million Liability

The owners of a North Carolina assisted living home have declared bankruptcy and could escape responsibility for what a judge called a pattern of neglect by under-trained and understaffed employees. Superior Court Judge James Ammons ruled in 2006 that negligence …

Florida’s United Insurance to Expand Into 7 Northeast, Southeast States

United Property & Casualty Insurance Co. in Florida said it is seeking approval to write homeowners insurance in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and New Jersey. The company, which opened for business in 1999, currently …

Main Street America Launches New Business Owners Policy

The Main Street America Group launched its new Main Line Business Owners Policy (BOP) property and liability product. The insurer also launched Main Street Station for commercial lines quoting and policy issuance system in Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont and South …

North Carolina Reported 34 Workplace Deaths in 2009

State regulators say there were 34 accidental workplace deaths in North Carolina last year. The numbers released by the North Carolina Department of Labor show that accidental workplace fatalities dropped from 57 in 2008. Construction fatalities remained the highest, with …

Keystone Insurers Adds 4 More Kentucky Agencies

Limestone Insurance, Lexington Insurance Agency, Inc., Durrett Insurance and Insuramax have joined Keystone Insurers Group (KIG), bringing KIG’s number of agencies in Kentucky to six. Keystone is the nation’s sixth largest privately-held property/casualty agency. These four firms become part of …