The criticism of a consumer watchdog by an industry analyst heated up when Bob Hunter, the director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, refuted the analysis of his work by industry consultant Charles Ruoff.

A line of severe storms ripped through the Midwest yesterday causing severe damage from Oklahoma into Illinois and leaving four dead, according to reports.

Bond insurer Ambac Financial Group Inc. says it has offered to pay the Internal Revenue Service more than $100 million dollars and give up tax credits to settle a dispute over tax treatment of credit default swaps.

Bond insurer Ambac Financial Group Inc. says it has offered to pay the Internal Revenue Service more than $100 million dollars and give up tax credits to settle a dispute over tax treatment of credit default swaps.

Agent satisfaction with their carrier partners shows little change from last year and regional carriers would appear to be doing a better job with agents than the national carriers, according to an agents association survey.

Insurance broker Aon says it has acquired a provider of member services for the rent-to-own market to join its consumer, association and group program business, while Willis Group Holdings says a subsidiary of Credicorp Ltd. has acquired close to 50 percent interest in Willis Peru.

Insurance broker Aon says it has acquired a provider of member services for the rent-to-own market to join its consumer, association and group program business, while Willis Group Holdings says a subsidiary of Credicorp Ltd. has acquired close to 50 percent interest in Willis Peru.

A culture clash between Willis Group Holdings and Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs (HRH), acquired in 2008, led to a significant amount of business lost in North America, contributing to a 57 percent drop in net income for Willis 2011 fourth quarter.