pandemic News

New Chief at Pinnacol in Colorado Plans to Transform Hundred-Year-Old Carrier to Deal with Changing Workforce

John O’Donnell picked an interesting time to change jobs. The way the world works is radically changing, and just as the pandemic – apparently – wanes, he’s taking the helm of a large workers’ compensation provider. The biggest challenge he …

Pandemic, Other Risks Weigh on Minds of Middle-Market Execs

Most middle-market firms experienced a recovery following the height of disruptions caused by COVID-19 and remain mostly optimistic about the global economy, but other business risks loom large. According to a survey of 1,000 executives by Chubb and the National …

California Considers Giving 500K Fast Food Workers More Power

California’s more than half-million fast food workers would get increased power and protections under a first-in-the-nation measure approved by the state Assembly this week. Workers would be included alongside employers and state agencies on a new Fast-Food Sector Council to …

Top 10 East Insurance Journal Stories of 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, Insurance Journal is looking back on its top stories of the year. In the East region, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remained top of mind for many readers. Beyond the pandemic, readers also took interest …

California Preparing for Possible Winter Pandemic Surge

California has begun positioning equipment and locking in contracts with temporary health care workers in preparation for another possible winter surge of coronavirus cases, Gov. Gavin Newsom said. The most populous state in the country still is doing comparatively well …

California Orders 3 Insurers to Give Refunds for Those Who Drove Less During Pandemic

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Wednesday directed three auto insurance companies to reimburse California drivers the excess premiums they were charged from the start of the pandemic, or face legal action. The commissioner’s order is directed at Allstate Northbrook …

California Justices Won’t Limit Governor’s Pandemic Powers

The California Supreme Court declined to consider reining in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving in place a lower court’s ruling that the governor acted within his authority. The justices unanimously denied the petition for review …

Pandemic Part of a Perfect Storm for Insurers, Homeowners Bracing for Bad Wildfire Season

A perfect storm appears to brewing for homeowners and property insurers in the drought-plagued, wildfire-riddled U.S. West – and as odd as it may sound, the trouble may have begun with the pandemic. Property insurance rates and availability for homeowners …

Washington Commissioner Wants Auto Claims, Rebate Data from Insurers

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued a data call of 124 auto insurance companies for recent rebates given to policyholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kreidler is requesting claims data for private passenger auto claims from 2016 to 2020 and how …

Most COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted in Washington

Most of the COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place and modified several times since last spring were lifted in Washington on Wednesday, meaning restaurants and bars and other businesses could resume full indoor occupancy levels and physical distancing requirements …