Commercial Lines

Starr International and its Chairman and Managing Director Maurice Hank Greenberg, have amended a lawsuit against the federal government to claim that the terms of government aid to AIG starting in 2008 amounted to an attempt to steal the business.

Greenwich, Conn.-based insurer W.R. Berkley says 2011 fourth-quarter net income was down 7 percent, but its chief executive says rate increases are taking hold and 2012 should be a better year.

Environmental experts agree that 2012 will be the year of the rate increase for pollution-related coverages. This presents both challenges and opportunities to independent agents, who must help customers understand the realities of the marketplace.

National Crop Insurance Services says indemnity payments surpassed $9 billion for the first time in history in 2011, and Moodys Investors Service says this development could put smaller, geographically concentrated insurers at risk.

National Crop Insurance Services says indemnity payments surpassed $9 billion for the first time in history in 2011, and Moodys Investors Service says this development could put smaller, geographically concentrated insurers at risk.

A.M. Best has revised its outlook to stable from negative on American International Group, Inc.s bbb issuer credit rating and on Chartis U.S. Insurance Groups A financial strength rating.

Zurich Financial Services Group says it expects its losses from flooding in Thailand to range between $250 million and $300 million.

Zurich Financial Services Group says it expects its losses from flooding in Thailand to range between $250 million and $300 million.