August 25, 2010
Like most agents, you work hard at writing new accounts, what salespeople through the years have referred to as “getting the fish in the boat.” But it doesn’t take a master angler to know that once you get the fish, …
August 25, 2010
The latest Virginia State Police crackdown on speeders and reckless drivers has resulted in more than 4,000 traffic violations. State troopers tallied that impressive number over the weekend on Interstates 64 and 66. The safety campaign dubbed “Operation Air, Land …
August 25, 2010
For the past two weeks I have been discussing challenges faced by small agencies in small towns. This week I want to begin the discussion about various solutions I have seen these agencies us that have aided them in achieving …
August 25, 2010
It takes more than a bad economy and declining prices to weaken property/casualty insurance brokers. Moody’s Investors Service says in its new Industry Scorecard report that the insurance brokerage sector remains financially solid despite the weak U.S. economy and soft …
August 25, 2010
Laura Holt, the former chief investment officer for accused Ponzi schemer Allen Stanford’s financial firm, has reached a settlement with Lloyd’s of London over her defense fees, a federal judge said Tuesday. “Ms. Holt is not here,” U.S. District Judge …
August 25, 2010
The White House oil spill commission Wednesday will probe U.S. offshore drilling policies and consider pushing the oil industry to accept a self-governing body to help oversee tough safety standards. With a focus on offshore drilling safety after the BP …
August 25, 2010
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of Bermuda-based Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd. and its operating affiliates. Best also affirmed the ICR of “bbb”, debt rating …
August 25, 2010
A bulletin on the Lloyd’s of London web site (www.lloyds.com) warns that a “major transformer failure can wreak havoc, causing power shortages or outages affecting millions of homes and businesses and costing many millions of pounds.” Transformers are an essential …
August 25, 2010
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has raised its counterparty credit rating on Validus Holdings Ltd. to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-‘. S&P has also assigned its ‘A-‘ counterparty credit and financial strength ratings to Validus’ insurance subsidiary, Validus Reinsurance Ltd. The outlook …
August 25, 2010
Ireland’s financial headache worsened on Wednesday after Standard & Poor’s cut its credit rating in a move criticized by the country’s debt management agency. In a strongly worded statement, the National Treasury Management Agency said it disagreed with S&P’s view …