Kansas

• Drought Deepens in Plains States; Wheat Crop Suffers

  By Carey Gillam, Reuters  |  November 8, 2012

  Hot and dry conditions in parts of middle America deepened an ongoing drought in many states over the last week, according to a climatology report issued Thursday.

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  We The People

  By Christina Bramlet, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  October 1, 2012

  In times of crisis, we can call on claims professionals to help restore order. But are employers rising to the occasion to provide an appropriate benefits package?

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  Staying Compliant Amid Escalating Cyber Threats

  By David M. Governo, Corey M. Dennis  |  September 17, 2012

  Despite the increased focus on data security, many insurers experienced data breaches in the past 12 months. Here, two attorneys explore compliance regulations in the wake of complex schemes.

• Crop Insurance Payments Not a 'Bailout' for Farmers, Associations Say

  By Mark E. Ruquet, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  September 12, 2012

  Farm income is forecast to increase over last year, helped by insurance payouts from the crop-insurance program covering losses from the disastrous drought in much of the country, but insurance associations argue that the program is not a “bailout” that guarantees profits for farmers.

• IQ: Provision Could Raise Crop Premiums, Cap Subsidies

  By Industry IQ  |  September 1, 2012

  Farmers could see another round of cuts to crop subsidies under recent proposed changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP).

• Drought-Induced Crop Losses Could Climb To $5B, S&P Says

  By Mark E. Ruquet, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  August 29, 2012

  Insured crop losses caused by the worst drought since 1988 could cost insurers and reinsurers more than $5 billion.

• Provision Could Raise Crop Premiums, Cap Subsidies

  By Melissa Hillebrand, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  August 23, 2012

  Under the Senate’s proposed amendment, premiums would rise 15 percent for farmers with incomes of more than $750,000.

• S&P Says Crop Losses Could Cost Insurers $5 Billion-Plus

  By Mark E. Ruquet, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  August 21, 2012

  A report from Standard & Poor’s says insured crop losses caused by the worst drought since 1988 could cost insurers and reinsurers more than $5 billion.

• Study: Drought Could Yield $2.8B in Losses for 12 Crop-Producing States

  By Phil Gusman, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  August 20, 2012

  Due to prolonged drought conditions in the Midwest, underwriting losses for 12 major corn- and soybean-producing states could be more than $2.8 billion, a recent report warns—and the trade group representing the crop-insurance industry says insurers have already paid out $822 million so far this season.

• Little Relief Seen from U.S. Drought Despite Cooler Trend

  By Sam Nelson, Reuters  |  August 14, 2012

  Midday weather maps indicate drier conditions this week for the already drought-stricken U.S. crop region than earlier forecasts had shown, an agricultural meteorologist said on Tuesday.

• Study: Drought Could Cause $2.8B in Losses for 12 Crop-Producing States

  By Phil Gusman, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  August 10, 2012

  Due to prolonged drought conditions in the Midwest, underwriting losses for 12 major corn and soybean producing states could be more than $2.8 billion, a recent report warns, and the trade group representing the crop-insurance industry says insurers have already paid out $822 million so far this season.

• AFG Drops Earnings Guidance Due to Potential Crop Losses

  By Chad Hemenway, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  July 31, 2012

  After reporting an increase in second-quarter profit, American Financial Group says it has reduced its earnings guidance for 2012 over potential losses in its crop-insurance line.

• Surplus Carriers Now Offering Wrap-Up Cover to Contractors for Small Jobs

  By Dave Lenckus  |  July 9, 2012

  Insurers are rewarding general contractors with a history of running effective wrap-up programs, but are hiking others’ rates.

• Drought Could Spell Steep Crop Insurance Losses

  By Arthur D. Postal PropertyCasualty360.com  |  July 5, 2012

  Signs are emerging that severe temperatures and lack of rain may cause steep losses in the Midwest’s corn crop, but insurers remain hopeful that beneficial rains will fall and help crops in troubled areas of the country.

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  States Across Nation Prepare for Fireworks-Free Fourth

  By Christina Bramlet, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  July 3, 2012

  From Utah to Indiana, officials are eschewing annual fireworks displays to avoid triggering more wildfires.

• Colorado Is Burning

  By Christina Bramlet, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  June 26, 2012

  On June 9, lightning ignited what has become the most destructive blaze in Colorado’s history.