All About Surety Bonds

State Insurance Legislators ‘Greatly Disturbed’ by Trump AI Regulation Order

Chad Hemenway — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:11:18 -0600

The National Council of Insurance Legislators have come out against President Donald Trump’s executive order last week, seen as a hinderance to state regulation of artificial intelligence. NCOIL officers in a statement on Dec. 15 said they are “greatly disturbed” …

Pacific Northwest Braces for Even More Flooding Rain This Week

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:45:37 -0600

Washington and the Pacific Northwest are facing multiple rounds of torrential downpours this week, raising flood risks in the region as residents are still grappling with last week’s historic rains. Heavy rain was peaking Monday in Washington, where as much …

AIG Gets Approval to Acquire Everest Renewals in 6 EU Countries – in Time for Jan. 1

L.S. Howard — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:33:00 -0600

AIG announced it has received approval to proceed with the acquisition of Everest Group’s renewals in Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Ireland. The European Union deal is part of AIG’s $2 billion acquisition of Everest’s retail commercial insurance renewal …

White House AI Czar Defends Trump Push to Rein In State Rules

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:45:31 -0600

White House AI czar David Sacks defended President Donald Trump’s push to rein in state-level regulation of artificial intelligence over objections from Democrats, saying the move seeks to ease a growing compliance burden for companies. Under the directive signed by …

Warren Buffett’s Successor Greg Abel Had Steady Rise at Berkshire

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:10:56 -0600

The elevation of Greg Abel to replace Warren Buffett at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway will cap the rise of a native Canadian who won over the legendary investor for being committed to the company’s culture, long-term thinking, and an …

German Insurers Hold $108 Billion Illiquid Debt Pile, EIOPA Says

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:58:28 -0600

German insurers are the most exposed in Europe to illiquid corporate bonds, a top watchdog said in one of the most detailed reports to date on the industry’s investments in private credit. At €91.8 billion ($108 billion), more than 40% …

Fairmatic in California Rebrands as LEEO With New Leadership

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:35:24 -0600

San Francisco, California-based Fairmatic, a commercial insurance company delivering data-driven fleet insurance using AI-powered technology and telematics, has rebranded and now has a new leadership team. LEEO officially launched on Monday after what the company says is a “a strategic …

Gas Explosion in San Francisco Bay Area Damaged Homes, 6 Hospitalized

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:17:42 -0600

A gas explosion set off a major fire in a San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood last week after obliterating at least one home, blowing out windows and shaking nearby houses. Six people were taken to hospitals for injuries, fire officials …

EU Announces New Sanctions on Companies and Individuals Over Russian Oil

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:55:59 -0600

The European Union has adopted fresh sanctions targeting companies and individuals accused of helping Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions on oil exports that help to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. The EU has imposed 19 packages of sanctions so far, …

India’s Nuclear Bill Spares Suppliers from Accident Liability

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:36:55 -0600

India’s new nuclear energy bill will spare equipment suppliers from liability in case of incidents, among other sweeping changes to the sector. The government introduced the bill in the lower house of parliament, seeking lawmakers’ approval on Monday. The existing …

Insurance Covers Settlement Paid by Stocks Instead of Money: Delaware High Court

Andrew G. Simpson — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:49:20 -0600

A settlement paid by stocks rather than money is a covered loss that must be paid by an insurer, the Delaware Supreme Court has affirmed. The state’s high court agreed with a lower court’s ruling that the definition of “loss” …

Aon Adds to List of Brokers Suing Howden US for Alleged Poaching, Theft

Chad Hemenway — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:42:04 -0600

A new broker is now suing Howden US and a pair of former employees for allegations of poaching and theft of trade secrets. Last week Aon Risk Services Cos. filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of …

India’s Cabinet Approves Opening Up of Insurance, Nuclear Sectors, Sources Say

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:39:48 -0600

India’s cabinet has approved sweeping changes to atomic energy laws and fully opened the insurance sector to foreign investors, two government sources said on Friday, key policy moves aimed at attracting billions of dollars in two critical sectors. India, which …

Germany Summons Russian Envoy Over Surge in Cyberattacks

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:03:56 -0600

Germany’s foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin and said it made it clear there’ll be consequences for hybrid attacks backed by the government in Moscow aimed at undermining democracy. “We have observed a massive increase in threatening hybrid …

Deadliest Morocco Flooding in Two Decades Leaves Dozens Dead

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:52:19 -0600

Flash flooding left at least 37 people dead in a city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the North African country’s deadliest such incident in more than two decades. Search and rescue operations remained underway in Safi on Monday after heavy rains …

FEMA to Send Georgia $300M in Helene Aid After Accusations of Delays

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:46:04 -0600

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday announced it would send $350 million in funding to localities and electric cooperatives for relief efforts following Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. The announcement comes two months after Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael …

Oil Tanker Rates to Stay Strong Into 2026 as Sanctions Remove Ships for Hire

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:44:58 -0600

The cost of shipping oil is likely to remain high in the first half of 2026 as the global fleet ages and a rising number of vessels are hit with Western sanctions, shipping sources say, though rates could be capped …

Death at Universal’s Orlando Resort Roller Coaster Ruled Accidental

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:27:50 -0600

The death of a 32-year-old man after riding a high-speed roller coaster at the Universal Epic Universe theme park was accidental, and an investigation has been closed, according to a Florida sheriff’s office report released this week. Meanwhile, a medical …

Fifth La Niña in Six Years to Disrupt Crops and Supply Chains

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:27:02 -0600

Deadly flooding in Asia and early snowstorms across the US are signaling the return of a weather-roiling La Niña, a cooling of Pacific waters that can disrupt economies and trigger disasters worldwide. In recent La Niña years, global losses have …

Jury Orders Johnson & Johnson to Pay $40M to Two Women in Latest Talc Trial

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:11:49 -0600

A California jury on Friday awarded $40 million to two women who said Johnson & Johnson’s JNJ.N baby powder was to blame for their ovarian cancer. The jury in Los Angeles Superior Court awarded $18 million to Monica Kent and …

Trump Administration Turning to Private Firms in Cyber Offensive

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:08:53 -0600

President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing to turn to private businesses to help mount offensive cyberattacks against foreign adversaries, according to people familiar with the matter, potentially expanding a shadowy electronic conflict typically conducted by secretive intelligence agencies. The White …

North Carolina Sting Operation Alleges Roofer Damaged Shingles to File Claim

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:02:23 -0600

Allegations that some roofers deliberately damage roofs in order to qualify properties for insurance claims have long been a concern for insurers. This fall, the North Carolina Department of Insurance and North Carolina Farm Bureau decided to do something about …

US Senators Push USDA for Urgent Action on Bird Flu Vaccine

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:52 -0600

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators this week urged the administration of President Donald Trump to finalize a science-based plan for developing a bird flu vaccine for livestock, according to a letter seen by Reuters. More than 180 million chickens, …

TDI Deputy Commissioner Receives NAIC’s Robert Dineen Award

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:34 -0600

Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Deputy Commissioner Jamie Walker won this year’s Robert Dineen Award, the highest honor for a state regulator bestowed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Walker began at TDI as an examiner trainee before …

Cincinnati Approves $8.1 Million Settlement With Protesters Arrested in 2020

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:23 -0600

The city of Cincinnati approved an $8.1 million legal settlement Wednesday with hundreds of non-violent protesters who had alleged mistreatment at the hands of city and county authorities when they were arrested during the racial justice demonstrations of 2020. Cincinnati …

Engine Failure Forces United Airlines Flight to Return to Dulles Airport

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:04 -0600

A United Airlines light bound for Tokyo was forced to return to Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia on Saturday afternoon after experiencing an engine failure during departure, the Federal Aviation Administration said. A United spokesperson said the flight landed …

Washington Commissioner Fines Illegal Health Insurer $350,000

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:04 -0600

Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer fined ClearShare Health, Clearwater Benefits LLC, and three related companies $350,000 for selling unauthorized health insurance. Kuderer also ordered the companies to stop transacting unauthorized insurance, including selling ClearShare health plans in Washington. Clearwater Benefits …

Senators Seek Changes to Bill Letting Military Operate Just Like Before DC Plane Crash

Admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Senators from both parties pushed last week for changes to a massive defense bill after crash investigators and victims’ families warned the legislation would undo key safety reforms stemming from a collision between an airliner and Army helicopter over Washington, …

Man Sentenced for Flashing Three Insurance Agencies in Georgia

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:19:38 -0600

A man convicted of flashing workers at three insurance agencies in Warner Robins, Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Demarcus Tyrell Mann, 30, pleaded guilty but mentally ill in October, after he was arrested for public indecency …

Black Lung Benefits Denied; Discrimination Claim Against UPS Shot Down by Court

Admin — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:46:22 -0600

A federal appeals court, one step below the U.S. Supreme Court, handed down two rulings in favor of employers and insurers, one involving black lung and one regarding a black delivery driver. In Keith McKnight vs. United Parcel Service, the …

SFAA has updated its Small Business Loan Step by Step Guidance https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/govrel-pub/SBA-2020-04-24.pdf …. Additional COVID-19 resources can be found at https://www.surety.org/page/COVID pic.twitter.com/bXunH6jBW

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 19 May 2020 08:18:57 -0500

SFAA has updated its Small Business Loan Step by Step Guidance https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/govrel-pub/SBA-2020-04-24.pdf …. Additional COVID-19 resources can be found at https://www.surety.org/page/COVID pic.twitter.com/bXunH6jBWE

SFAA and NASBP commend DOD for taking Action to Provide Common-Sense Solution for Execution of Surety Bonds During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Order Will Provide a Safe Working Environment and Allow Critical Infrastructure Projects to Move Forward - https://c

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 05 May 2020 20:18:43 -0500

SFAA and NASBP commend DOD for taking Action to Provide Common-Sense Solution for Execution of Surety Bonds During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Order Will Provide a Safe Working Environment and Allow Critical Infrastructure Projects to Move Forward - https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/news/NR-2020-05-05.pdf … pic.twitter.com/V5DPtfRORh

Check out the most recent updates to the Small Business CARES Act Guide from SFAA. Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act that adds $310 billion in funding for the SBA Paycheck Performance Program (PPP). https://c

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 08:11:27 -0500

Check out the most recent updates to the Small Business CARES Act Guide from SFAA. Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act that adds $310 billion in funding for the SBA Paycheck Performance Program (PPP). https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/govrel-pub/SBA-2020-04-23.pdf … pic.twitter.com/LVziK7pcUl

SFAA issues Advisory Paper compiling best practices titled: COVID-19 - Cyber Criminals Exploiting Company Teleworking Platforms to Access Sensitive Data. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/covid/SFAA_CyberAdvisory.pdf …pic.twitter.com/M

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:58:11 -0500

SFAA issues Advisory Paper compiling best practices titled: COVID-19 - Cyber Criminals Exploiting Company Teleworking Platforms to Access Sensitive Data. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/covid/SFAA_CyberAdvisory.pdf … pic.twitter.com/MBnZ9Lbot8

Please find SFAA and NASBP's press release below, highlighting the need for federal, state and local officials, to take emergency action to expand the acceptance of electronic bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/s

(@SuretyFidelity) — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 09:52:21 -0500

Please find SFAA and NASBP's press release below, highlighting the need for federal, state and local officials, to take emergency action to expand the acceptance of electronic bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sfaa-and-nasbp-request-emergency-action-requiring-acceptance-of-electronic-execution-of-surety-bonding-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-301035927.html?tc=eml_cleartime … pic.twitter.com/xbfLXGMJq0

SFAA and NASBP commend the GSA for issuing the order to accept e-signatures for surety bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Release: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/news/NR-2020-04-09.pdf … The order allows critical infrastructu

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 08:02:20 -0500

SFAA and NASBP commend the GSA for issuing the order to accept e-signatures for surety bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Release: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/news/NR-2020-04-09.pdf … The order allows critical infrastructure projects to move forward. GSA Order: https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/CD-2020-05_0.pdf …. pic.twitter.com/dth8bLyniy

Please find SFAA and NASBP's press release below, highlighting the need for federal, state and local officials, to take emergency action to expand the acceptance of electronic bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sf

(@SuretyFidelity) — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:38:33 -0500

Please find important updates to the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program in the link below. Loan applications open today! https://lnkd.in/em272AC

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 07:24:09 -0500

Please find important updates to the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program in the link below. Loan applications open today! https://lnkd.in/em272AC

Thank you @USChamber for the great walk through on the SBA's new Paycheck Protection Program. See how your small business construction clients can take steps to access new Paycheck Protection Loans - https://lnkd.in/em272AC

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:45:37 -0500

Thank you @USChamber for the great walk through on the SBA's new Paycheck Protection Program. See how your small business construction clients can take steps to access new Paycheck Protection Loans - https://lnkd.in/em272AC

COVID-19 Executive Orders on Non-Essential Business and Construction Exemptions by State https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/covid-19-executive-orders-on-non-21153/ … | by @DorseyWhitney

(@BuildingLaw) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:17:17 -0500

COVID-19 Executive Orders on Non-Essential Business and Construction Exemptions by State https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/covid-19-executive-orders-on-non-21153/ … | by @DorseyWhitney

Thank you @SuretyFidelity team for all you are doing remotely to serve our members!!! Great to see everyone on Zoom this morning during our team meeting! #surety #bondingmatters #sfaapic.twitter.com/dqaxLdtOkA

(@LeeCovington) — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:42:47 -0500

Thank you @SuretyFidelity team for all you are doing remotely to serve our members!!! Great to see everyone on Zoom this morning during our team meeting! #surety #bondingmatters #sfaa pic.twitter.com/dqaxLdtOkA

Cheers to @ASAupdate #Subexcel2020 and tonight's Award Winners!!!! @SuretyFidelity is excited to sponsor tonight's festivities!!!pic.twitter.com/sF0Ya6TxsD

(@LeeCovington) — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 20:01:44 -0600

Cheers to @ASAupdate #Subexcel2020 and tonight's Award Winners!!!! @SuretyFidelity is excited to sponsor tonight's festivities!!! pic.twitter.com/sF0Ya6TxsD

Great to support @ASAupdate at ASA's #Subexcel2020!!! Thank you Richard Bright, Mike Oscar and all ASA Members for your partnership!!!pic.twitter.com/zCN3xyhKOM

(@LeeCovington) — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:39:18 -0600

Great to support @ASAupdate at ASA's #Subexcel2020!!! Thank you Richard Bright, Mike Oscar and all ASA Members for your partnership!!! pic.twitter.com/zCN3xyhKOM

Thank you SFAA members and @nasbp members for participating in SFAA's 2020 Legislative Fly-in. We appreciate your hard work as surety advocates in Washington. @ZurichAdvocacy @fwbondman #surety #Congresspic.twitter.com/ucel7FubHC

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:43:09 -0600

Thank you SFAA members and @nasbp members for participating in SFAA's 2020 Legislative Fly-in. We appreciate your hard work as surety advocates in Washington. @ZurichAdvocacy @fwbondman #surety #Congress pic.twitter.com/ucel7FubHC

Thank you @SenJoniErnst for recognizing the importance of #suretybonds on #infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurancepic.twitter.com/meYeL

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:45:01 -0600

Thank you @SenJoniErnst for recognizing the importance of #suretybonds on #infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurance pic.twitter.com/meYeL4ZNCW

Thank you @RepPeterDeFazio for your leadership on infrastructure reform... great to meet w/ your team about importance of #suretybonds on these vital projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:40:40 -0600

Thank you @RepPeterDeFazio for your leadership on infrastructure reform... great to meet w/ your team about importance of #suretybonds on these vital projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond pic.twitter.com/8ZqhdTGCld

Great to meet with @RodneyDavis regarding importance of #suretybonds to the success of infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds...local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurancepic.twitte

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:34:05 -0600

Great to meet with @RodneyDavis regarding importance of #suretybonds to the success of infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds...local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurance pic.twitter.com/YSRP73j06q

Today, @ZurichNA's @GWhidby and Mary Jean Pethick were on Capitol Hill discussing #suretybonds while supporting the @SuretyFidelity (SFAA) #FlyIn! #SFAAOnTheHill #ZurichAdvocacy #AdvocacyInActionpic.twitter.com/jlmNbsAm9P

(@ZurichAdvocacy) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 17:17:45 -0600

Today, @ZurichNA's @GWhidby and Mary Jean Pethick were on Capitol Hill discussing #suretybonds while supporting the @SuretyFidelity (SFAA) #FlyIn! #SFAAOnTheHill #ZurichAdvocacy #AdvocacyInAction pic.twitter.com/jlmNbsAm9P

Great meeting with @RepSamGraves to discuss the important role #surety #bonds play in the #infrastructure projects. #suretybonds @SuretyFidelity @CNA_Insurance @MerchantsBond @LBT1823pic.twitter.com/2Za7yTswk8

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 09:55:16 -0600

Great meeting with @RepSamGraves to discuss the important role #surety #bonds play in the #infrastructure projects. #suretybonds @SuretyFidelity @CNA_Insurance @MerchantsBond @LBT1823 pic.twitter.com/2Za7yTswk8

Requiring that surety bonds are in place to protect state and local entities as federal money comes in to improve our nation’s #infrastructure is vital to insuring the infrastructure work we need to move quickly on. Read more about Zurich's position here:

(@ZurichAdvocacy) — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 10:07:11 -0600

Requiring that surety bonds are in place to protect state and local entities as federal money comes in to improve our nation’s #infrastructure is vital to insuring the infrastructure work we need to move quickly on. Read more about Zurich's position here: https://bit.ly/36Dzwfm pic.twitter.com/RTBZzHSStP