Concerns with security are nothing new for educational institutions, say security experts, but the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. underscores both how important and difficult it is to keep people safe from a madman.

Houston-based HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. says fourth-quarter catastrophe losses will likely be between $30 million and $35 million, and the companys chief executive warned of substantial rate increases in the future.

German-based insurer Allianz SE has agreed to pay the Securities and Exchange Commission $12.3 million to settle charges that it bribed officials in Indonesia for the placement of insurance contracts.

Fitch Ratings says that, barring a rash of catastrophic losses or an increase in inflation, the property and casualty insurance industry should remain stable into 2013.

Due in no small part to major flooding in Manhattans subway system, New York Citys Mass Transit Authority reports estimated Sandy-related losses of $5 billionof which private insurers should kick in more than $1 billion.

Rates in both commercial- and personal-lines insurance continued to increase through November, according to electronic exchange MarketScout. Rates for commercial-lines accounts increased an average of 5 percent in November compared to the same period last year, and personal lines increased 4 percent, the Dallas-based company says. (In October, commercial-lines accounts...

American International Group (AIG) estimates its total insured losses from Superstorm Sandy will come to approximately $2 billion.

After 12 years at the helm, Joe Plumeri is stepping down as the CEO of Willis Group Holdings on Jan. 7. He will serve as nonexecutive chairman through July 13, when his contract expires.