Washington News

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. Vacant Property Market Detail: American Management Corp. offers property protection to owners of residential and …

AIG, 6 Other Bailed Out Firms to Report Executive Pay by Aug. 13

Seven financial and automotive companies that have received “exceptional” government aid face an Aug. 13 deadline to submit compensation plans to the U.S. Treasury Department’s executive pay czar, people familiar with the process said on Monday. Kenneth Feinberg, who has …

Continental Risk Offers Commercial Property Market

Continental Risk of Lodi, Calif., is offering a market for commercial properties for 10 or more dwellings with no maximum number. Rental, seasonal, or vacant dwellings are acceptable. Coverages include: 1) building; 2) liability; 3) BPP; 4) BI/rental value including …

U.S. and China Sign Memorandum on Climate Change

The United States and China, the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, signed an agreement Tuesday that promises more cooperation on climate change, energy and the environment without setting firm goals. Chinese and U.S. officials signed the memorandum of understanding …

Earthquake Monitors Placed in North Dakota

North Dakota, known for blizzards and floods, is getting sensors to check for earthquakes as part of a national project listening to what happens underground. The possibility of a big quake damaging the state is remote: Only a handful of …

Washington Implements Flood, Disaster Protections

Washington bills that establish legal protections for consumers in the wake of future disasters went into effect this week. The flood insurance and states of emergency bills (Senate Bill 5417 and House Bill 1566) require insurers to tell consumers that …

Report Claims Public Option Would Not Drive Out Private Health Insurers

Democrats in the House pounced on a congressional budget analysis to bolster their plan for a government-run health insurance option Monday, as party leaders said they were closer to agreement on healthcare reform. The report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget …

Houston Joins Griffin Underwriting Services in Oregon

Griffin Underwriting Services of Bellevue, Wash., has added John Houston as a property/causalty underwriter in the company’s Portland, Ore., office. In this position, Houston will be responsible for underwriting and marketing contract commercial property and casualty business in Oregon. Houston …

White House Study: Small Businesses Pay 18% More for Health Coverage

President Barack Obama, citing a new White House study suggesting that small businesses pay far more per employee for health insurance than big companies, said Saturday the disparity is “unsustainable — it’s unacceptable.” “And it’s going to change when I …

Connecticut Fines Safeco $434K over Numerous Violations

The Connecticut Insurance Department has fined Safeco Cos. $434,000 following a market conduct exam of the five subsidiaries for the insurer. The fines are for violations that include improper cancellations, improper rating and using unlicensed agents and adjusters among others. …