2025
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In Need of a Lift: Taxi and FHV Businesses Stall on Way to an Insurance Solution
FHV sector. Commercial Auto Industry is Bleeding Thanks to Rising Costs of Drivers, Rampant insurance Frauds & Regulatory Abuse. By Kamal Ahmed New York City’s For-Hire Vehicles (FHV) industry is witnessing multifarious snags mainly due to the rising costs of drivers, widespread insurance frauds, regulatory abuse and imbalanced opportunity, impacting the livelihood of taxi and […]
Collector Car Owners to the Rescue
Standard auto insurers continue their efforts to recover from the unprecedented losses they experienced during COVID-19 due to spikes in catastrophic insurance claims and increased vehicle repair costs. As a result, US drivers have experienced the largest rate increase seen in nearly 50 years, including less risk-prone collector car owners. While “Bundle and Save” programs […]
Have You Been “Brushed?”
Scammers continue to come up with creative ways to disrupt people’s lives. Brushing scams – receiving items that you did not order, or having your name used in reviews of products you don’t use – is one of the current popular schemes. It is called brushing because the perpetrator is trying to “brush up” or […]
PIANY applauds the governor for signing two PIA-priority bills into law: parametric insurance and expansion of C-MAP
Insurance Advocate In The Associations
ALBANY, N.Y.—The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc., applaud Gov. Kathy Hochul for signing two pieces of legislation into law that would expand the insurance marketplaces regarding weather-related events: parametric insurance and the expansion of eligibility for the Coastal Market Assistance Program. These bills were top legislative priorities for PIANY for the 2024 […]
NAILBA Announces Winners of 2024 ID Twenty Awards, Celebrating 20 Industry Innovators and Trailblazers
The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) has unveiled the 2024 ID Twenty Award recipients, a distinguished cohort of industry leaders who exemplify excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing independent distribution. These honorees have redefined the insurance landscape with their visionary strategies, groundbreaking solutions, and dedication to progress. “NAILBA proudly recognizes […]
Ivans Issues Annual Agency-Carrier Connectivity Trends Report
Survey indicates continued demand from agents for a more technologically connected insurance ecosystem despite carriers craving personal interactions Ivans® has revealed the 2024 findings of its annual agency-carrier connectivity report, Agency Digital Technology Adoption Trends. The report highlights the adoption of digital technology by agencies and the opportunity to align digital initiatives between carriers and agencies for […]
AssuredPartners Sold to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. for $13.45 Billion
Sale is the Culmination of Successful 13-year Relationship Between GTCR and AssuredPartners that Began as a Leaders Strategy™ Partnership with Insurance Industry Veteran Jim Henderson GTCR, a leading private equity firm, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell AssuredPartners (“Assured” or the “Company”), a leading independent insurance broker, to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. […]
American Transit Insurance Company Files Over $450 Million Insurance Fraud Case Against Over 180 Defendants
American Transit Insurance Company (ATIC), a leading commercial automobile liability insurance provider with specialization in the taxi and for-hire vehicle sector, filed a lawsuit seeking more than $150 million in compensatory damages (over $450 million in trebled damages), as well as punitive damages, from over 180 defendants in the New York and New Jersey area. […]
Celebrities Boost Applied Underwriters Invitational Golf Tournament’s Record Charitable Contribution
More than 12,000 golfers across the U.S. participate in large-scale benefit competition leading to National Finals in May 2025 This year, the world’s largest national annual charity golf event heads toward its final rounds in early 2025 with 80 events completed and more than 12,000 golfers participating. The Applied Underwriters Invitational golf tournament has […]
Millions of Americans could be underinsured due to multiple structures on their property
Analysis by ZestyAI of one million properties finds nearly half have more than one structure that may not be covered by their insurance provider ZestyAI, a leading provider of climate and property risk analytics solutions powered by AI, has released a new analysis of residential properties across the United States, revealing a startling proportion of homes with […]
Expert Fees Owed Because Plaintiffs Failed to Accept Settlement Offer
Zero Damages Constitutes Prima Facie Evidence That Offer of Settlement was Reasonable Wild Chang and Kenneth Lo appealed from a post judgment order denying their motion to strike or tax costs. The trial court awarded costs to defendants Fire Insurance Exchange and Stacy Chern (collectively, insurance defendants) after the trial court granted their motion for […]
Covid Delay of Trial Appropriate
No Right to Trial if Defendant Waives Right to Speedy Trial by Defendant On February 12, 2020, the State charged Franklin Lee Boger with one count of Level 2 felony arson resulting in serious bodily injury, four counts of Level 4 felony arson, one count of Level 6 felony arson, and one count of Level […]
It’s Hard to Escape Coverage by Policy Wording but Insurers Keep Trying
Mutually Repugnant Other Insurance Clauses Frequently, an incident occurs which may be covered by policies issued by separate insurance companies. In such a situation, each company, through its policy, may attempt to make the other company primarily responsible for insuring the incident with its own coverage being secondarily responsible, i.e., excess insurance. In this case, […]
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Market Outlook 2025: Why Independent Agents Are Essential
By Diane Delaney As we look ahead to 2025, the high-net-worth personal lines insurance market offers a mix of cautious optimism and ongoing challenges. While there are signs of stabilization in certain areas, the same industry concerns continue to impact insurers and clients. Severe weather events, a complex regulatory landscape, rising reinsurance costs, and increasing […]
Shock to the System
Defendant Found “Not Liable” for Worker’s Electric Shock Claim Defendant Found “Not Liable” for Worker’s Electric Shock Claim Here is a surprise for WC professionals: a New York appellate court upheld a finding of no liability for the defendant on a worker’s claim for alleged injuries from a static electrical shock. Mario Saraiva allegedly suffered […]
XS Brokers Appoints Scott Burns to Lead New Cyber Insurance Division
XS Brokers (XSB), an independent insurance underwriting and wholesale brokerage group, has announced the creation of a new product division for Cyber Liability to be led by Scott Burns, Senior Vice President. “At XS Brokers, it is crucial that we stay ahead of the evolving needs of our retail clients. Cyber Liability has emerged as […]
How Insurance Agencies Can Start Adopting AI in 2025
As the insurance industry evolves, the idea of independent insurance agencies and brokerages embracing artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s become a necessity to stay relevant. In fact, according to Agency Forward, 79% of principal agents planned on adopting AI by 2025 (Source: Agency Forward). Because most agencies are leveraging the usage […]
American InsurTech Council and InsurTech Association Announce Strategic Alliance to Shape the Future of Insurance Technology
The collaboration aims to drive innovation in insurtech and regulatory policy The American InsurTech Council (AITC) and the InsurTech Association (ITA) have announced the creation of a new strategic alliance to help shape the direction of how insurance carriers use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related digital technologies. By merging their expertise and resources, AITC and […]
PIWA, NESLA merger expands outreach throughout the Northeast
GLENMONT, N.Y.—The Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association and the New England Surplus Lines Association have merged. This merger recognizes the importance of the role of wholesalers in the insurance industry, and it will combine the strength of two excess-and-surplus wholesalers associations into one unified front. PIWA is a professional association that represents insurance wholesalers who serve […]
Manhattan “on the Rocks” as Businesses Onerous Ice Congestion Pricing
New Tolling Program Debate: a Curse or Blessing For Small Businesses, Commuters & FHV Drivers After a lot of bumps in the roads, lawsuits-after-lawsuits and protests for and against it, the New York City, has, of late, embarked on the long-waited congestion pricing, brushing aside the elevated costs of living of the people from all […]
New York State Bar Association Recognizes Three Judges for Commitment to the Court and Community
By Jennifer Andrus The New York State Bar Association is honoring Judge James P. Murphy of Onondaga County, Judge Lawrence S. Knipel of Kings County and Justice Douglas J. Hayden of Nassau County at the association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. The three judges will receive the Outstanding Jurist Award for their contributions to […]
NYSIF Launches Innovative Program
Invites Technology Innovators to Reimagine Delivery of Insurance Products The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF), the state’s largest non-profit workers’ compensation insurer, has launched the Insurance Innovation program. NYSIF is committed to staying at the forefront of the technological capabilities that enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and support innovation within insurance product development. NYSIF has […]
Medicine Malpractice: New York Gov. Hochul Vetoes Grieving Families Act for Third Time
New York Gov. Hochul Vetoes Grieving Families Act for Third Time New York Gov. Hochul Vetoes Grieving Families Act for Third Time The 2024 session of the New York State Legislature was like déjà vu all over again, as it once again overwhelmingly passed the Grieving Families Act. For the third time, Gov. Kathy Hochul […]
Residence Premises Requires the Insured to Live in Residence
See the full video at and at and at https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 4900 posts. In Paul Villalobos v. Clear Blue Insurance Company, No. 24-20125, United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit (December 10, 2024) the the Fifth Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissa of Plaintiff-Appellant Paul Villalobos’s breach of contract claim following a coverage dispute between himself and […]
Fraud Defense Insufficient to Allow Plaintiff to Sue Under Pseudonym
Read the full article at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trial-must-proceed-under-plaintiffs-true-name-barry-zalma-esq-cfe-zc7ic/, see the full video at and at and at https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 4900 posts. LITIGANTS MUST NOT HIDE THEIR IDENTITY Plaintiff sued State Farm under a pseudonym. The Court subsequently issued an order requiring Plaintiff to proceed using his actual name. Plaintiff appealed that order, and he now seeks to stay […]
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Q1 2025 Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives
Property plays catch-up while auto shifts gears As 2025 began, underwriting fundamentals in auto and property were out of sync: While auto insurance again experienced profitability not seen since 2020, property profitability continued to lag, held back by climate-driven disasters and inadequate rates. But auto insurers face challenges as well, including the need to make […]
Mangione case rattles industry leaders
CEOs are scrambling to remove as much online information about themselves, their lives and families following the sudden popularity of Luigi Mangione assassin of health insurance leader Brian Thompson on December 4. Incredibly, to many the suspect has become symbolic of the rage, some policyholders have toward their health and other insurers. Instances of rage […]
Gallagher acquires firms in UK, New YorK
Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. claims management has acquired W K Webster & Co. Ltd., a London-based marine and transit claims consultancy. Separately, Gallagher said Monday it acquired Syracuse, New York-based Dominick Falcone Agency Inc. and Falcone Associates Inc. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed. W K Webster, with 250 employees, has offices in New […]
Trial Court Incorrectly Refused Insurer’s Demand for EUO
Apparent Staged Accident Requires EUO to Investigate Potential Fraud The trial court initially denied Allstate’s suit stating that Allstate failed to show good cause and did not cite any contractual provision compelling the Appellees to provide information in an examination under oath (“EUO”). Allstate argued that it had a duty to investigate suspected insurance fraud […]
The General Counsel Report Identifies Priorities and Biggest Drivers of Cost Increases for Legal Departments
FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) and global technology company Relativity PRESENTED findings from part one of The General Counsel Report 2025. The study found that 85% of general counsel expect corporate risk and demand on the legal department to increase at an accelerating rate in the year ahead. This expectation is combined with a reported increase in the overall […]
Risk Strategies Acquires Griffith Insurance, LLP
Strong alignment with construction industry, commercial and private client business segments Risk Strategies, a leading North American specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, announced it has acquired Griffith Insurance, LLP, a full-service independent insurance agency based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 1988, Griffith Insurance provides […]
Q4 2024 Auto and Property Insurance Shopping Increased 20% Compared to Q4 2023
Property insurers struggle with profitability due to delayed rate increases and natural disasters Chicago, Feb. 18, 2025 — Both auto and property insurance shopping saw 20% year-over-year increases in Q4 2024, according to TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) research. However, profitability for auto and property insurance was uneven. While auto insurance has come close to achieving rate […]
Post Procurement Fraud Prevents Rescission
Rescission in Michigan Requires Preprocurement Fraud Lie About Where Vehicle Was Garaged After Policy Inception Not Basis for Rescission This appeal turns on whether fraud occurred in relation to an April 26, 2018 renewal contract for a policy of insurance under the no-fault act issued by plaintiff, Encompass Indemnity Company (“Encompass”). In Samuel Tourkow, by […]
Electronic Notice of Renewal Sufficient
Renewal Notices Sent Electronically Are Legal, Approved by the State and Effective Washington state law allows insurers to deliver insurance notices and documents electronically if the party has affirmatively consented to that method of delivery and has not withdrawn the consent. The Plaintiffs argued that the terms and conditions statement was not “conspicuous” because it […]
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Drowning in the Details? Seven Steps to Overcoming the Urge to Micromanage
By Kate Zabriskie It starts innocently enough. You want to ensure everything runs smoothly, so you check in often. You spot a typo in a presentation, so you fix it yourself. Someone misses a minor detail, and you think, “I’ll just handle it next time.” Before long, you’re reviewing every email, sitting in on every […]
Another View of Micro Management
For as long as I can remember, insurance agents have been given advice from other agents, so-called experts who have been agents, and other experts, who are just self proclaimed experts. Most of them deal with aspects of management. How many Seminars have you seen advertised about time management? 100 200.? it is the same […]
Tokio Marine HCC President Mike Schell Retires After Five Decades in Insurance
Tokio Marine HCC, based in Houston, Texas, announced that Mike Schell will retire from his role as President of the company on March 31, 2025. Barry Cook, CEO of Tokio Marine HCC International, will additionally assume a newly created position of Deputy CEO, effective April 1, 2025. Mr. Schell joined Tokio Marine HCC in 2002 […]
Risk Strategies Appoints Craig D. Simon Managing Director, Private Equity
Risk Strategies, a leading North American specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, announced it has hired Craig D. Simon as Managing Director in its National Private Equity Practice. In his role, Simon will be responsible for brokering, servicing, and program administration for clients in the private equity sector. Based in New York […]
Accredited, Howden and Other A+ Rated Reinsurers Leverage Instnt’s AI to Transform Fraud into an Insurable Risk
Groundbreaking Fraud Loss Insurance Solution Redefines Fraud Loss Management by Integrating Proactive, AI-powered Verification and Insurance Protection Against Escalating Financial Risks NEW YORK (March 18, 2025) – Fraud has challenged businesses for decades, costing billions each year, but it no longer has to be an unavoidable cost. Instnt’s first-of-its-kind solution combines insurance-backed protection and AI-led verification […]
The Challenge of Creating Trust in the Workers’ Compensation Medical System
by Bill Zachry, SCIF Board Member 2004-2024 A Crisis of Trust Trust in the medical system has long been a fragile commodity in workers’ compensation. Unlike private healthcare, where patients select their providers and develop long-term relationships with physicians, injured workers often find themselves assigned to doctors they do not know and may not trust. […]
Assignment of Rights
Some Rights May not Be Assigned The Supreme Court, moving in a new direction, considered Arizona case law that generally allows the assignment of unliquidated legal claims except those involving personal injury. The broad prohibition on assignment exemplified the common law view that litigation was vexatious or otherwise socially undesirable. The reasoning was stated by […]
Unsubstantiated Legal Conclusion Defeats Bad Faith Claim
When Common Law Bad Faith Claim Fails so Does Statutory Bad Faith Claims In Cowboy Christian Missions, Plaintiff v. Church Mutual Insurance Company, SI, Civil Action No. 4:24-cv-00057-O, United States District Court, N.D. Texas (March 7, 2025) a bad faith claim was dismissed before trial. Defendant Church Mutual Insurance Company moved the court for Partial Summary Judgment […]
Who’s on First? Insured’s & Insurer’s Burden on Causation
Proof of Accidental Direct Physical Loss Shifts Burden to Insurer on an All Risk Policy Insured Must Prove Actual Loss Causing Peril to Claim on Named Peril Policy In Mark Alan Barger, Jr.; Margie Barger v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, No. 24-60178, United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit (March 7, 2025) the difference […]
Guilty of Forgery Affirmed
8 Years in Prison for Forgery to Establish Non-Existent Counseling In The People Of The State Of Illinois v. Robert A. Moylan, 2025 IL App (3d) 230248-U, No. 3-23-0248, Court of Appeals of Illinois (March 11, 2025) Robert A. Moylan was found guilty of seven counts of forgery for signing and delivering false documents stating […]
Staged Accident is One Where Claimed Collision Was Intentional
Evidence Needed to Use Staged Accident Claim as DefenseIn State Farm Fire And Casualty Company v. Felix A. Quinones, et al, INDEX No. 152505/2021, 2025 NY Slip Op 30754(U), MOTION SEQ. No. 002, Supreme Court, New York County (March 7, 2025) State Farm, sought to disclaim coverage for medical treatment provided to the defendants, who […]
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Data Security: Key Report Profiles 1,250 Data Security Incidents
2025 Data Security Incident Response Report Highlights Trends, Problems Baker Hostetler’s 11th annual Data Security Incident Response Report — the only law firm report of its kind —provides valuable insights and statistics drawn from more than 1,250 data security incidents in 2024 Baker Hostetler’s well recognized Digital Assets and Data Management Practice Group released its 2025 Data Security Incident Response Report, which […]
CIBGNY Campaign Needs Your Letter… and Support
The CIBGNY has called upon agents and brokers to lend immediate support to repeal an outdated and burdensome regulation affecting NYC property owners. The Anti-Arson Application requirement, implemented in 1984, continues to create unnecessary work and risks for our clients despite no longer serving its original purpose, CIB states.. The following is from a CIB […]
Applied Underwriters Completes Spin-off of its Subsidiary, United Risk, as Newly Independent Company
Mr. Jamie Sahara, President of Applied Underwriters, announced that its subsidiary, United Risk, has been established as an independent, ‘stand-alone’ operating company. United Risk, which remains affiliated with Applied and its related companies, has grown dramatically since its unveiling in November 2023 and provides a global P&C underwriting platform comprised of 28 different MGA and […]
Applied Underwriters Aerospace Names Richard Parker to Chair Growing Division
As the space insurance marketplace experiences dramatic change, in part driven by geopolitical issues and the well-known advances that Elon Musk’s inventiveness has introduced, Applied Underwriters Aerospace has strengthened its presence in the sector and will factor substantially in developing more flexible and customized coverage options for new technologies including small satellites and Moon and […]
Helix Underwriting Partners expands MGA offering with the launch of a Professional Lines program
HAMILTON, Bermuda, 09 April, 2025 – Helix Underwriting Partners Ltd (“Helix”), the Bermudian multiline independent Managing General Agent (MGA), has expanded its specialist offering with the launch of a new Professional Lines program. The new Bermuda-based program is backed by Somers Re and offers a maximum line limit of $10 million. The new platform will […]
12.6 Million US Properties at High Risk From Hail Damage, Exposing Insurers to $189.5 Billion in Potential Losses
ZestyAI analysis reveals the rising cost of hailstorms and the need for precise risk assessment. ZestyAI, the leader in AI-driven risk analytics for insurance, has revealed that more than 12.6 million U.S. properties are at high risk of hail-related roof damage, representing $189.5 billion in potential replacement costs. Powered by ZestyAI’s Z-HAIL™ model, the analysis underscores the growing financial threat […]
Workers Comp: High Court Rejects City’s Argument to Recover $106,000 in Overpayments to Firefighter
New York’s highest court rejected a city’s efforts to claw back $106,000 in overpayments to an injured firefighter. The New York Court of Appeals held that neither Workers’ Compensation Law Section 25(4)(a) nor Workers’ Compensation Law Section 30(2) allow reimbursement from workers’ compensation awards for payments made under General Municipal Law Section 207-a(2). The provision […]
Identifying Insurance Fraud: Red Flags Every Adjuster Should Know
Red Flags Concerning the Insured The insured has lived at his current address less than six months. The insured has been with current employer less than six months. The insured has a previous history of losses. The insured cancels scheduled appointments with the adjuster for statements and/or Examination Under Oath. The insured is employed with […]
Judgment for Insurer Because Suit Filed Late
Private Limitation of Action Provision Defeats Suit Against Insurer This case involves a contractual statute of limitations in an insurance policy. Sidney and Shatika Davis (together, “Davis”) argue the trial court erroneously granted summary judgment in favor of Homeowners of America Insurance Company (“HAIC”). In Sidney Davis And Shatika Davis v. Homeowners Of America Insurance Company, […]
The Insured Must Produce Tax Returns If the Insurer Demands Production
The Need for an Insured to Cooperate with Insurer’s Investigation as a Condition Precedent Every first party property policy contains a provision requiring an insured to produce all relevant documents required to be produced by the Insurer and to appear for examination under oath [California Insurance Code § 2071; NY Standard Fire Insurance policy]. The […]
Disbarred Criminal Lawyer Was Unable to Fool Bankruptcy Court
Bankruptcy Court Rules Against Lawyer-Felon Over Title to Real Property The litigation in the US Bankruptcy Court involved a dispute over the ownership of a property located at 1999 Deerfield Road, Watermill, New York. The Plaintiffs claim that a 2015 deed transferring the property to the Debtor was fraudulent and seek to have it declared […]
The Hazard of Using Agents Who Lie to Insurers
Insurers Can Rescind Policy When its Agent Lies on Behalf of the Insured Some years ago, my solution to a mid-life crisis was to buy a custom made replica of the Studebaker Avanti, a fiberglass sports car powered by a 5 Liter V-8. After I bought my dream car I found it was almost impossible […]
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