United States News

Quake Models to Reduce Loss Estimates

Newark, Calif.-based insurance and risk modeling firm Risk Management Solutions (RMS) has unveiled its next-generation models for North America earthquake risks, covering the United States and Alaska, Canada and Mexico. The new models are likely to lead to a reduction …

All About Teamwork

Fostering Close Working Relationships Is a Priority for The NIA Group Top 100 Agency Profile Ranking No.: 19 Agency Name: The NIA Group LLC Headquarters: Paramus, N.J. Year Founded: 1926 Additional Locations: 11 2008 Total Premium Volume: $953.72 million Property/Casualty: …

At Home and Abroad, Vacated Properties Posing Greater Risks

A global recession, which has led to layoffs and a sharp drop in consumer spending, has also created a glut of commercial real estate space around the world. Vacated properties are a significant concern because they are especially vulnerable to …

Huge Hacking Case Highlights Companies’ Vulnerability to Breaches

Consumers and companies are vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves even after U.S. authorities arrested a man they said was a master hacker who stole 170 million credit and debit card numbers. Estimates on the total financial impact of breaches …

Top 25 Workers’ Comp Insurers Show 36% Increase in Average Direct Premium Written

Results Based on Insurers’ Growth June 30, 2009, versus June 30, 2008 As I write this article, the unemployment rate in the United States was reported to be 9.4 percent as of the end of July. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) …

Burke Joins Arkansas’ Stephens Insurance

Patrick J. Burke has been appointed as a senior vice president with Stephens Insurance LLC, based in Little Rock, Ark. Burke has spent the last 30 years advising select utilities and utilities mutual insurance companies. He has designed risk coverage …

Mexican Buses Avoid Safety Checks When Entering U.S., Says Audit

Some Mexican passenger buses are not being inspected when they enter the U.S. because they cross the border on evenings and weekends, there are no inspectors or the crossings lack safe places for inspections, according to a government audit. Daily …

Louisiana Commissioner: Don’t Raise Taxes on Reinsurers

Now that the hurricane season is well underway, Louisianans remember when Katrina came ashore, late in August 2005, with a storm surge that eventually flooded New Orleans and leveled many Gulf Coast towns, costing more than 1,500 lives and causing …

Hurricane Jimena Swirls Past Southern Baja Resorts

Hurricane Jimena weakened to a Category 2 storm as it bore down on the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Jimena’s maximum sustained winds decreased late Tuesday to near 110 mph (175 kph) and the National Hurricane Center in Miami …

Doha Round Talks Now an ‘End-Game’ Says Australian Trade Minister

The World Trade Organization’s Doha round to free up trade is nearly complete and world leaders are voicing the political will to reach a deal next year, Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean said on Wednesday. But at a meeting of …