Washington News

Berkley: Economic Recovery Depends on Country’s State of Mind

Economic recovery in the United States is now very dependent on the state of mind of the American public and its business leaders, according to William R. Berkley, founder, chairman and CEO of W.R. Berkley Corporation. “No one in Washington …

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 …

Declarations

Always Exceptional “It’s easy to forget the good times during times of adversity, but we need to remember that our unique experiment with democracy has produced greater prosperity for more people than any other system in the history of civilization.” …

Berkley: Economic Recovery Depends on Country’s State of Mind

Economic recovery in the United States is now very dependent on the state of mind of the American public and its business leaders, according to William R. Berkley, founder, chairman and CEO of W.R. Berkley Corp. “No one in Washington …

Some Vestiges of Patent Infringement Coverage Remain

Despite multiple changes in general liability forms, redefined offenses, and the addition of exclusions, there are still instances in which coverage for patent infringement may exist. Under the standard commercial general liability policy, the coverage is provided in two sections. …

Declarations

No Place to Hide “Voters want leaders to stand tall on insurance reform …. Candidates cannot hide from this issue. Texans are looking for leaders to deliver results that will hold insurance companies accountable for their prices, coverage, and claims …

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 …

It Figures

$300,000 Amount members of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Washington have put toward the campaign to pass Washington voter initiative I-1082. The initiative would open up the state workers’ compensation insurance system to the private market. Currently, the …

Lockton: Commercial Lines Capacity ‘Remains Plentiful’

Underwriting capacity remains plentiful across most lines of commercial insurance and there are no significant insurance coverage restrictions, despite major losses associated with the Deepwater Horizon spill and the Chilean earthquake, according to a recent market report. In its Market …

Panel Finds Halliburton At Fault for Flawed Cement in BP Oil Well

Halliburton Co. used flawed cement in BP Plc’sdoomed Gulf of Mexico well, which could have contributed to the blowout that sparked the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, a White House panel said Thursday. Halliburton’s shares tumbled as much …