Monthly Archives: <span>August 2010</span>

6 Ways Agents Fail Their Workers’ Comp Customers

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, …

Virginia State Police Report on Weekend Patrols

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 …

Data Concerns – Small Agencies in Small Towns

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 …

P/C Insurance Brokers Profitable Despite Tough Economy, Soft Pricing

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 …

Ex-Stanford Executive Settles with Lloyd’s Over Defense Fees Under D&O

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 …

Commission Weighs Self-Governing Body for Oil Drilling Safety

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 …

Best Affirms Allied World, Operating Affiliates ‘A’ Ratings; Outlook Stable

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 …

Lloyd’s Warns of Perils Related to Electric Grid Transformer Failure

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 …

S&P Raises Validus’ Rating to ‘BBB’; Assigns ‘A-‘ Rating to Validus Re

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 …

Ireland Stung by S&P Downgrade

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 …