Washington News

Surplus Lines, Reinsurance Streamlining Bills Introduced in Senate

Legislation aimed at streamlining and reducing barriers in state regulation of surplus lines insurance and reinsurance has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. The Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act (NRRA) of 2009, or S 1363, would create a uniform regulatory …

Ratings Roundup: Plymouth Rock, American Sterling, Mercer, Iron Horse, Agrinational, Intrepid

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to negative from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A-‘ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of “a-” of Plymouth Rock Assurance Group (PRAC), which includes the operations of Plymouth Rock Assurance …

Texas Approves 8 Companies to Self-Insure for Workers’ Comp

The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) approved the renewal of the Certificates of Authority for eight companies to self-insure for workers’ compensation claims for a one-year period under the TDI-DWC Self-Insurance Regulation program. These eight companies …

Documents Show Connecticut Officials Were Warned about Chimp

Connecticut officials were repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by a chimpanzee that later mauled and blinded a woman and were urged — more than three years before the attack — to take action, but failed to do so, according …

Veterans Denied Damages from Government Computer Breach

Two Vietnam veterans are not entitled to damages from a 2007 Department of Veterans Affairs computer security breach in Birmingham, Ala., a federal appeals court panel in Georgia has ruled. Jim Henry Perkins and Jessie Frank Qualls had to prove …

Fireman’s Fund Offers Surface and Flood Endorsement in Washington

Novato, Calif.-based Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. is now offering a Surface Water and Flood endorsement to its Prestige Home Premier policyholders in Washington. Intense storms over the Pacific Ocean bring heavy rains to Washington each winter and spring. Weather conditions …

A.M. Best Lower Outlook for Boston’s Plymouth Rock Assurance Corp.

A.M. Best has revised the outlook to negative for Boston-based insurer Plymouth Rock Assurance Group. Despite the outlook downgrade, A.M. Best Co. affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of “a-” of Plymouth Rock Assurance …

Best Raises ProAssurance Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to ‘A’ (Excellent) from ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) to “a” from “a-” of ProAssurance Group and its group rated members. Best also upgraded the ICR to “bbb” …

Indiana Insurance Commissioner to Become a Utility Regulator

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has appointed Department of Insurance (DOI) Commissioner Jim Atterholt to serve on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Atterholt will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Greg Server. Bedford native and current DOI Chief …

Obama Seeks Doctors’ Support But Opposes Caps on Malpractice Awards

President Barack Obama warned doctors Monday the U.S. healthcare system was a ticking time bomb and urged them to support his overhaul, which includes a public insurance plan that many of them view with skepticism. Obama took his healthcare campaign …