All About Surety Bonds

People Moves: AEGIS London Hires AIG’s Johnson and Lambert for New Cyber Underwriting Team; Markel Promotes Gordge to Head of Terrorism in London

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:07:03 -0500

This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Lloyd’s syndicate AEGIS London and Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group. A summary of these new hires follows here. AEGIS London Hires AIG’s Johnson and Lambert for New Cyber Underwriting …

Fleming Acquires James River’s Casualty Reinsurance Business, Ending Legal Dispute

L.S. Howard — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:33:01 -0500

James River Group Holdings Ltd. announced that Fleming Intermediate Holdings has completed the $277 million acquisition of James River’s casualty reinsurance business – after a period of legal wrangling that had threatened to derail the deal. The transaction, which was …

People Moves: Chubb Names Scheffler COO of Personal Risk Services; AXIS Appoints Morley Head of US E&O

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:51:23 -0500

Chubb said it has promoted Melissa Scheffler to chief operating officer of Personal Risk Services (PRS). Currently, Scheffler serves as regional executive officer for the Mid-Atlantic region. In a corresponding move, Bryce Graham, who currently serves as the Philadelphia and …

Severe Storms Cause Damage in Middle U.S.

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:41:04 -0500

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Strong storms caused damage in parts of the middle U.S. this week and spawned tornadoes in Kansas and Iowa, including one that left two people hurt. An EF-1 tornado touched down shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday …

U of Kentucky ‘Distressed’ Over Alleged Misconduct by Former Swim Coach

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:34:40 -0500

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky spokeswoman says the school is “distressed to hear disturbing allegations” of sexual assault by former swimming and diving coach Lars Jorgensen outlined in a lawsuit by two former team members and will cooperate fully …

Travis Scott’s Attorneys Argue for Dismissal of Astroworld Lawsuits

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:34:18 -0500

HOUSTON (AP) — Attorneys for rap star Travis Scott argued in court this week that he should be dismissed from hundreds of lawsuits filed over the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival, saying he was not responsible for safety planning and watching …

Kansas Roofing Contractor Fined $233K for Deadly Fall Hazards

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:24:28 -0500

Federal workplace safety inspectors found a Kansas roofing contractor again putting its employees at risk of falls from elevation — the construction industry’s deadliest hazard — by not providing required protective equipment at two residential worksites in October 2023. U.S. …

Inszone Acquires Texas’ Talerity

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:19:21 -0500

Inszone Insurance Services announced the strategic acquisition of Talerity, LLC, a specialized insurance agency focusing on professional liability for medical providers. Founded in 2008 by Cary Smith, Talerity has carved a niche in the insurance landscape with its forward-thinking approach …

Georgia Town Aims to Disrupt Student Beach Bash After Last Year’s Chaos

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:19:04 -0500

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Thousands of Black college students expected this weekend for an annual spring bash at Georgia’s largest public beach will be greeted by dozens of extra police officers and barricades closing off neighborhood streets. While the …

Former Congressman Charged After Collision with State Trooper in Florida

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:02:31 -0500

A former Congressman from North Carolina may soon be facing higher auto insurance premiums after he slammed into the back of a Florida state trooper’s patrol car on Interstate 75 near Naples. Madison Cawthorn, 28, who represented part of North …

Tesla to Recall 3,878 Cybertrucks Over Faulty Accelerator Pedal, NHTSA Says

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:45:27 -0500

Tesla is recalling 3,878 Cybertrucks to fix an accelerator pedal pad that could come loose and get lodged in the interior trim, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday. A trapped accelerator pedal could cause the …

Gun Makers Urge Supreme Court to Hear Appeal in Mexico’s Lawsuit

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:27:12 -0500

U.S. gun manufacturers on Thursday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their challenge to Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit seeking to hold them responsible for facilitating the trafficking of firearms to violent drug cartels across the U.S.-Mexico border. Eight companies …

People Moves: Sears Joins USQRisk; Grindle Retires from Maine Agency

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:02:18 -0500

USQRisk, headquartered in New York City, hired Ashleigh Sears as the company’s Head of Casualty. She is tasked with growing distribution networks, scaling in-force structured casualty portfolio and building the casualty underwriting team. Before joining the USQRisk team, Sears held …

Vermont Farms Still Recovering From Flooding As Growing Season Begins

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:38:48 -0500

Hundreds of Vermont farms are still recovering from last July’s catastrophic flooding and other extreme weather as they head into this year’s growing season. Dog River Farm, in Berlin, Vermont, lost nearly all its produce crops in the July flooding. …

FBI Says Chinese Hackers Preparing to Attack US Infrastructure

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:35:11 -0500

Chinese government-linked hackers have burrowed into U.S. critical infrastructure and are waiting “for just the right moment to deal a devastating blow,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said on Thursday. An ongoing Chinese hacking campaign known as Volt Typhoon has successfully …

Allstate Reports $731M in Q1 Pretax Catastrophe Losses

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:29:50 -0500

Allstate Corporation estimated pretax catastrophe losses of $731 million, with $328 million from the month of March. Six events contributed to the $343 million total for March — before favorable reserve re-estimates brought down the total. One hail event accounted …

Liberty Mutual Insurance Continues Restructuring of Global Risk Solutions Unit

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:24:33 -0500

Liberty Mutual Insurance announced strategic updates in its ongoing restructuring of Global Risk Solutions (GRS), the company’s global commercial and specialty re/insurer and international insurance operations. The restructuring includes the creation of a new international insurance business division, the unification …

UK Finance Watchdog Plans on Diversity Targets a ‘Bad Idea,’ Minister Says

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:36:26 -0500

Plans by Britain’s financial regulator to require firms to set targets for improving diversity could be counterproductive, UK business and women minister Kemi Badenoch said on Thursday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority …

Time-Tested Loss Reserving Methods Challenged: AM Best

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:15:33 -0500

Reflecting on one of the trends that surfaced as property/casualty insurers announced 2023 financial results recently, AM Best expects reserve strengthening for accident years 2015-2019 to continue, the rating agency said in a new report. As companies “finished reporting their …

Uncertainty Keeps Prices Up; No Prior-Year Loss Development: Travelers

Susanne Sclafane — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:06:02 -0500

With its personal lines business benefiting from the impact of rate increases earning into the book, and the commercial lines insurance premium changes staying in double-digits, Travelers reported $1.1 billion in net income for the first quarter. Still, it was …

People Moves: Slide Names Powell Sales VP; Garner Moves to Alliant SE

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:01:43 -0500

Tampa-based Slide Insurance has named former Farmers Insurance vice president Charles “Chas” Powell to be senior vice president of sales. Powell has more than 20 years in the industry and began his career at his family’s insurance agency in Florida. …

Auto Insurer’s $10M Fraud Claims Against Doctors Are Subject to Arbitration, Court Rules

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:45 -0500

A federal appeals court has sided with three chiropractors in ruling that claims under New Jersey’s personal injury protection statute concerning insurance fraud are subject to arbitration. GEICO has lost its bid to pursue litigation alleging fraud against the chiropractors. …

People Moves: Risk Strategies Names Newman Private Client Services Leader for West Region

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:39 -0500

Risk Strategies named Bryan Newman private client services leader for the West region. He will manage the region’s sales and service teams and key carrier and third-party relationships. Newman has more than 15 years of experie nce. Most recently, he …

Massachusetts AG Warns AI Systems Subject to Consumer Protection, Anti-Bias Laws

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:39 -0500

Developers, suppliers, and users of artificial intelligence must comply with existing state consumer protection, anti-discrimination, and data privacy laws, the Massachusetts attorney general cautioned Tuesday. In an advisory, Attorney General Andrea Campbell pointed to what she described as the widespread …

Judge Orders Pennsylvania Utility Board to Produce Chocolate Factory Blast Records

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:39 -0500

Pennsylvania utility regulators must turn over inspection records to the National Transportation Safety Board as part of the federal agency’s probe into a fatal explosion at a chocolate factory last year, a federal judge ruled this week. U.S. District Judge …

California Lawsuits Say Fertility Operation Destroyed Embryos

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:09 -0500

Several lawsuits in California were filed again Ovation Fertility, a large network of fertility clinics, were filed by former patients whose embryos were destroyed due to a reported critical error at the company’s Orange County branch. The lawsuits were filed …

California Sees Two More Property Insurers Withdraw From Market

Admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:03:49 -0500

California’s already strained property insurance market is facing a new challenge as two more insurers, Tokio Marine America Insurance Co. and Trans Pacific Insurance Co., plan to withdraw from the wildfire-prone state entirely starting in July. The two companies, units …

Marsh McLennan Reports Better Than Expected First Quarter Profit

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:48:43 -0500

Marsh McLennan reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday, helped by an increase in interest income the insurance brokerage earned from funds held on behalf of clients. The company’s shares rose about 2% to $201 before the bell. The U.S. …

CFC Acquires Solution Underwriting in Australia

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:40:56 -0500

CFC, the London-based specialist insurer, announced it has agreed to acquire Australian managing general agent, Solution Underwriting. Financial details of the deal, which is expected to complete on April 30, 2024, were not disclosed. CFC has been trading in Australia …

Investor Climate Group Sets Target for Assets in Private Equity, Debt

Admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:26:02 -0500

The world’s leading group of asset owners committed to turning their investment portfolios green said on Thursday it had set guidance for private assets for the first time and would also look to improve assessment of emissions tied to sovereign …

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