Chubb Corp. says 2011 second-quarter net income dropped 19 percent, compared to the same period a year ago, to $419 million due to catastrophe losses, but its underlying commercial and personal insurance performance is solid.

Transatlantic Holdings Inc. says the merger offer from Validus Holdings is not a superior one to the agreed deal it has with Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings—at least, not yet.

Zurich American Insurance Co. says it is not obligated to indemnify or defend Sony Corp. against lawsuits and investigations related to the hacking of Sony’s PlayStation Network.

Zurich American Insurance Co. says it is not obligated to indemnify or defend Sony Corp. against lawsuits and investigations related to the hacking of Sony’s PlayStation Network.

Eleanor Kitzman, a former director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance, has been appointed insurance commissioner in Texas.

The Travelers Cos. says it recorded a second-quarter net loss of $364 million, driven by catastrophe losses greater than what the auto, home and business insurer saw from Hurricane Katrina.

Insurance buyers can now use O.co, also known as Overstock.com, to get automobile and home insurance quotes thanks to a partnership with independent insurance agency Answer Financial.

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings and Validus Holdings continue the back-and-forth fight to acquire Transatlantic Holdings.