All About Surety Bonds

Workers’ Compensation Medical Claims Costs Rising Across Most States: WCRI

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:12:43 -0500

Medical costs per claim have begun to rise following a period of relative stability post-pandemic, a new report shows. A new Workers Compensation Research Institute report shows medical payments per claim recently started increasing, fueled by an increase in medical …

Record Global Renewable Energy Growth Remains Short of Climate Target: Report

Admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:07:05 -0500

A record amount of renewable energy capacity was added globally last year, but that still left countries short of targets towards meeting a U.N. climate goal to triple capacity by 2030, a report by global renewable groups showed on Tuesday. …

CO2 Hits Highest Levels Ever Recorded, WMO says, Warning of More Extreme Weather

Admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:05:53 -0500

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have reached the highest ever recorded, potentially further warming the planet and leading to more extreme climate events, a new report by the World Meteorological Organization found. From 2023 to 2024, the global average …

‘Catastrophic’ Hacks Warning Follows Intrusion of Cyber Firm F5

Admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:05:42 -0500

The cybersecurity company F5 Inc. said nation-state hackers breached its networks, gaining “long-term, persistent access” to certain systems and stealing some source code. The breach prompted alerts from cybersecurity agencies in the US and UK, with a senior US official …

Ransomware Ensnares $4.3 Trillion Muni Market’s Key Site

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:04:16 -0500

A ransomware attack is disrupting state and local borrowers’ ability to post debt documents on the $4.3 trillion municipal-bond market’s main distribution platform. MuniOS, a website operated by Ann Arbor, Michigan-based tech company ImageMaster LLC, has been out of service …

All Commercial Insurance Lines Except One in ‘Soft-Market Territory’: WTW

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:01:47 -0500

Moment of opportunity. Clear horizons. The latest WTW Marketplace Realities report, published in early October, is heavy on descriptions of a “unique and promising” inflection point for commercial insurance buyers. “Today, nearly every commercial line of insurance—aside from excess casualty—finds …

Supreme Court Denies Alex Jones Appeal of $1.4 Billion Sandy Hook Judgment

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:55 -0500

The U.S. Supreme Court has turned down an appeal by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones of the $1.4 billion judgment against him for his false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting that took the lives of 20 …

Lawley Acquires Medicare, Health Insurance Specialist ROC

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:37 -0500

Buffalo, New York-based independent insurance brokerage Lawley reported its merger with ROC Insurance Services in Rochester effective September 1. Founded in 2012, ROC Insurance Services is a Medicare and individual health insurance agency. ROC Insurance Services founders Rick and Lynda …

TV’s ‘Real Housewife’ and Her Real Husband Charged With Fake Burglary Report

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:37 -0500

A cast member of the Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Potomac” and her husband have been indicted in Maryland for allegedly reporting a fake burglary. Carroll County officials said Dr. Wendy Osefo and her husband Edward were both …

People Moves: Cohill Joins LP in Employee Benefits; Koontz Named Alliant’s Pacific Northwest Employee Benefits SVP

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:17 -0500

Cohill Joins LP Insurance Services LLC Employee Benefits Team James Cohill joined LP Insurance Services LLC as part of its employee benefits team. Based in the Las Vegas, Nevada, office, Cohill will guide all aspects of employee benefits. Cohill has …

The Liberty Company Acquires High Ground Insurance Services in California

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers acquired High Ground Insurance Services in Torrance, California. High Ground is a locally owned regional insurance broker and risk management consultant with a national reach. The firm offers specialized services in workers’ compensation claims management, …

Trump Withholding $40.6M From California Over Truck Driver English Rules

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:44:54 -0500

The Trump administration said Wednesday it is withholding $40.6 million from California in federal transportation funding for failing to comply with truck driver English proficiency rules. The U.S. Transportation Department had warned California, Washington state, and New Mexico in August …

Illinois Sues State Farm for Refusal to Release Homeowners’ Insurance Data

Ezra Amacher — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:15:45 -0500

The State of Illinois is suing State Farm for refusing to provide nationwide homeowners’ insurance data at the request of the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI). Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed the lawsuit on Oct. 14 on behalf of Director …

UK Sanctions Russia’s Lukoil and Rosneft, Targets Shadow Fleet

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:38:42 -0500

Britain targeted Russia’s two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, and 51 shadow fleet tankers on Wednesday in what it described as a new bid to tighten energy sanctions and choke off Kremlin revenues. Lukoil and Rosneft were designated under …

People Moves: The Mutual Group Names Troy as CEO

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:34:02 -0500

The Mutual Group, LLC announced Tom Troy as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026. Troy has over 30 years of experience at several major insurance carriers, including senior leadership roles at some of the largest and most well respected …

Credit Suisse Bondholders Given Fresh Hope by Swiss Court Ruling

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:19:40 -0500

A Swiss court has given fresh hope to Credit Suisse bondholders who sought damages after their investments were wiped out when UBS Group AG rescued the bank in a government-brokered deal over two years ago. The complainants, some 3,000 investors, …

People Moves: Miller Taps Menn From Intact/RSA as Head of France; Aon UK Promotes Beverely as Chief Broking Officer, Gleeson as Head of Products, Facilities

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:05:36 -0500

This edition of International People Moves details appointments at the re/insurance brokers Miller and Aon in the UK. A summary of these new hires follows here. Miller Taps Menn From Intact/RSA as Head of France Miller, the London-based independent specialist …

Texas Ag Commissioner at Odds with USDA Over Screwworm Control Methods

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:59:42 -0500

USDA slaps down Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller over New World Screwworm Kate McGee and Berenice Garcia, The Texas Tribune October 14, 2025 Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is trading barbs with the Trump Administration over its response to a …

Stellantis to Invest $13B in the US, Focused on Midwest Plants

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:54:55 -0500

Stellantis STLAM.MI announced a $13 billion investment in the U.S. on Tuesday, a move it said will bring five new models to the market and add 5,000 jobs in plants across the Midwest over the next four years. The plan, …

Specialist Risk Group Acquires Wholesale Team From Lockton

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:38:15 -0500

Specialist Risk Group (SRG), the London-based insurance intermediary, announced it has acquired a new wholesale team from Lockton. SRG said the move further strengthens SRG’s London market capability and expands its specialist proposition across its existing subsidiaries Miles Smith, CBC …

Alliant Expands Transportation Risk and Cross-Border Expertise in Texas

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:30:57 -0500

Alliant Insurance Services acquired Texas Insurance Agency in Laredo, one of the U.S.’s busiest international trade ports, specializing in cross-border trucking risk and insurance; as well as McAfee Insurance Agency in Mabank, a leading insurance service provider in East Texas. …

UK Is Making It Easier to Assess Public Flood-Defense Funding

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:23:08 -0500

The UK is making it easier for flood defense projects to access public funds as climate change increases the risk to homes. On Tuesday, the government announced changes to the way that funds are allocated to protect homes from river, …

North Carolina Plan Wipes Out $6.5B in Medical Debt for 2.5M People

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:15:38 -0500

More than 2.5 million North Carolina residents are getting over $6.5 billion in medical debt eliminated through a state government effort that offered hospitals extra Medicaid funds from Washington if they gave low- and middle-income patients the financial relief and …

Semi-Trailer Crash Into Van Kills 7 on Northeast Georgia Highway

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:07:43 -0500

Seven people were killed in a fiery crash on a highway in Georgia on Monday afternoon when a semi-trailer struck a van and it burst into flames, according to law enforcement. The semi-trailer was following too close to the Dodge …

Volvo, State Farm Partner on Point-of-Sale Auto Insurance

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:47:51 -0500

There has been another announcement of a relationship between insurance and an auto manufacturer. State Farm and Volvo are collaborating to provide Volvo customers across the U.S. with access to car insurance options when they buy a car. Volvo customers …

IMF Warns of Elevated Risk of ‘Disorderly’ Global Market Correction

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:26:19 -0500

Global markets are too comfortable with risks, including trade wars, geopolitical tensions and yawning government deficits, which, combined with already overpriced assets, increase the chance of a “disorderly” market correction, the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday. Underscoring the IMF’s …

Delaware Supreme Court Hears Musk’s $56 Billion Pay Package Appeal

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:21:22 -0500

Elon Musk’s lawyers will urge the Delaware Supreme Court on Wednesday to restore his $56 billion pay package from Tesla, as one of the biggest corporate legal battles enters its final stage nearly two years after a lower court judge …

1 Dead, 2 Missing And Dozens Rescued After Remnants of Typhoon Lashed Alaska

Admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:55:29 -0500

One person was dead and two were missing in western Alaska after the remnants of Typhoon Halong over the weekend brought hurricane-force winds and ravaging storm surges and floodwaters that swept some homes away, authorities said. More than 50 people …

SIAA Launches New Data Driven AI Tool to Boost Agency, Carrier Growth

Andrea Wells — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:10:57 -0500

The agency network, SIAA, today announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence optimization platform called SIAA NXT, an intelligent distribution platform that combines a suite of solutions and services designed to help members and partners connect and grow in …

New Hampshire’s Davis & Towle Acquires Tassey Group

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:09:39 -0500

Davis & Towle Insurance Group, headquartered in Concord, New Hampshire, has acquired Tassey Group Insurance in Berlin, which is about 115 miles north of Concord. Davis & Towle also announced the merger of Tassey Group with Davis & Towle affiliate …

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