Monthly Archives: <span>June 2019</span>

What to Expect in Agency Technology

To say the agency technology space is robust is an understatement. Right now, the industry is seeing an “onslaught of technology available to enable agents and brokers to better manage, not only their business, but also their customer base,” says …

NFP Acquires Excel Bonds & Insurance Services in California

NFP has acquired Sacramento, Calif.-based Excel Bonds & Insurance Services Inc. The deal closed May 1. Cathy Skeen and Dave Garese, former founders and principals, will join NFP as senior vice presidents, reporting to John Hyland, senior vice president and …

California Governor Wants Wildfire Fund to Help Utilities

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pressing lawmakers on a wildfire fund that may be financed through bonds to help utilities pay for the catastrophic blazes their power lines keep igniting, according to people familiar with the proposal. Newsom is proposing …

New Hampshire’s SAN Group Hires Gray as Commercial Lines Placement Specialist

Satellite Agency Network Group Inc. (SAN), a Hampton, N.H.-based alliance of independent insurance agencies in the Northeast, has hired Kathy Gray as commercial lines placement specialist. Gray, a licensed broker and notary public, brings more than 25 years of experience …

Bird Knocks Out 84% of Massive California Solar Farm

An “avian incident” sparked a fire at one of California’s biggest solar farms, affecting 1,200 acres and knocking out 84% of the California Valley Solar Ranch’s generating capacity. The June 5 incident didn’t damage solar panels at the 250-megawatt power …

Severe Weather Spurs Flooding, Disrupts Rail Service in Pennsylvania

Severe storms containing heavy rains and strong winds have spurred flooding in the suburbs of Philadelphia, disrupting travel and damaging some property. The storms started Wednesday night and continued for several hours through early Thursday. It was the latest round …

Maine Eyes Compensation Fund for Property Crime Victims

A Maine proposal to more swiftly compensate victims of property crimes has passed a key test in the Senate. The Senate signed off Tuesday on a proposal to create a compensation fund for victims of the crimes. The sponsor, Democratic …

Oil Shippers Continue Sailing Through Strait of Hormuz – with Heightened Security

A series of attacks on oil tankers near the Persian Gulf has ratcheted up tensions between the U.S. and Iran – and raised fears over the safety of one of Asia’s most vital energy trade routes, where about a fifth …

Huge Fire Rips Through Philadelphia Refinery, No Casualties Reported

Fire ripped through a Pennsylvania oil refinery early on Friday, triggering a huge explosion that local media said rocked homes several miles away. Video footage showed the 335,000-barrels-per-day Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery, where another fire broke out 11 days ago, …

Hamilton Re Sponsors Issuance of Its First Cat Bond

Hamilton Re has sponsored issuance of its first catastrophe bond. The reinsurance platform of Bermuda-based holding company Hamilton Insurance Group said that the issuance has taken place through its Hamilton Capital Partners business unit. Specifically, the deal is with Cerulean …