Monthly Archives: <span>February 2016</span>

El Faro Boiler Parts Were Severely Deteriorated

An inspection conducted on the boilers of a ship before it sank in a hurricane last fall found parts that had “deteriorated severely” or needed to be replaced, but company engineers believed it was still safe enough to set sail, …

State Auto Blames Auto Lines for Disappointing 2015

State Auto Financial Corp. ended 2015 with a steep drop in net income and a combined ratio that landed well above 100. Executives blamed a bad year for the insurer’s auto lines but added that they’ve taken corrective steps. Net …

Google to Shut Down Online Insurance Site, Partners Say

It appears Google Compare’s grand experiment in online comparison shopping for auto insurance is dead – for now at least. Insurance Journal has learned that two of Google Compare’s major partners were told yesterday that the giant tech firm is …

Study Reveals Significant Inconsistencies in Claims to Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts

A new, first-of-its-kind study of claims made to asbestos bankruptcy trusts shows widespread inconsistencies in the information single asbestos plaintiffs provide to the different trusts. These trusts currently hold over $30 billion in assets. Despite these “red flags” and the …

Rather Than Incentivize, More Employees Threatened to Exercise

When it comes to getting people to participate in workplace weight loss programs, financial rewards may not be much of an incentive. Penalties, on the other hand, work great. For three months, 281 employees at the University of Pennsylvania participated in a step …

Toyota SUVs Recalled After Seatbelt Separated in Fatal Crash

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling about 2.87 million sport utility vehicles worldwide after rear seatbelts separated in one fatal accident in Canada and during a crash that injured a passenger in the U.S. The automaker has been unable to confirm …

Most Joplin Public Safe Rooms Nearly Complete

Thousands of students and residents in the Joplin area will have shelter during the upcoming severe weather season thanks to the construction of safe rooms that began after the deadly May 2011 tornado. The Joplin Globe reported local school districts …

People on the Move

Assurant Names Mergelmeyer COO As part of its ongoing strategic realignment, Assurant, Inc. announced that Gene Mergelmeyer will be appointed to the role of chief operating officer, effective July 1, 2016. In his new role, he will be responsible for …

Tips on Handling Winter-Related Slip & Fall Claims

Slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of injury for businesses and workplaces, according to Travelers Insurance. Businesses with considerable foot traffic have a heightened concern, especially during the winter months. Some of the hazards associated with slip and …

Washington Ice Caves to Reopen With New Signs After Deaths

The trail to the Big Four Ice Caves, closed since a deadly collapse of the caves in July, is likely to reopen this spring with updated warning signs and a winter’s worth of new snow from which the caves could …