Agency Management

Premiums are not likely to begin rising until early 2010, but federal insurance regulatory reforms before then could mean abrupt price spikes rather than gradual shifts, one leading industry economist has warned.

Not only did Eric Dinallo do an excellent job as New York's insurance superintendent in the most difficult of times, but he's destined for far bigger positions down the road, says Editor In Chief Sam Friedman in his blog today at www.NUSamSoapBox.com.

William Corrigan has been named chief financial officer of Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, which targets the insurance needs of small to middle market businesses and personal lines clients, it was announced.

London-based insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ltd. is advising company directors to take steps to mitigate risk of exposure to the current swine flu pandemic and check their directors and officers liability.

Offshore energy operations are facing Monday's hurricane season start with big insurance coverage problems including deep cuts in capacity and huge premium increases, an insurance broker said.

It's time for some tough love to prod the insurance industry into taking steps to improve its perpetually tarnished image, says NU Editor In Chief Sam Friedman in his blog today at www.NUSamSoapBox.com.

Chicago-based insurance broker Hub International Ltd. announced it has acquired Rettenmier Benefits Group Inc. of Everett, Wash., the second Washington state acquisition this month. Transaction terms were not released.

The Ronan Agency in Brick and New Egypt, N.J., has been named the Trusted Choice Agency of the Year for 2008-2009, by the Trusted Choice independent insurance agent branding program.