Applied Systems acquires Artizan Internet Services: Applied Systems acquired Artizan Insurance Services, and it's core product CSR24, a state-of-the-art program that allows agents to offer their insureds agenc-branded, online customer service, including an on=demand access to policy information. CSR24 enables round-the-clock claims reporting on the Web and by phone as well as self-service elements, including the ability to print documents such as auto ID cards, policies and many additional documents stored on agency management systems.

R-T Specialty acquires American E&S: R-T Specialty LLC, the wholesale brokerage unit of Ryan Specialty Group, aquired American E&S Insurance Brokers from Wells Fargo Insurance Services. With this acquisition, RT Specialty now has 22 office locations across the U.S.

New Policies

Venture's ClubCover available to CMAA members: The Club Managers Assn. of America (CMAA) will have exclusive rights to distribute Venture's ClubCover umbrella insurance product. ClubCover is a monoline unbrella liability cov erage for golf and country clubs offering a $25 million limit. It is offered on an admitted basis through a risk purchasing group.

K&B enhances senior living program: K&B Underwriters has enhanced and rebranded its seniro living program, DigniCARE Risk Solutions. The enhancements include an A.M. Best “A+” rating with coverage made on a Claims Made basis in all 50 states and a new holistic risk management program.

Crisis management expenses endorsement at Travelers: Travelers announced a crisis management expenses endorsement for commercial umbrella policies. The Travelers endorsement has an aggregate limit for all crises combined that will pay as much as $50,000 for expenses incurred for retaining a publicing relations or crisis management consulting firm or for managing a public relations campaign.

News

Arbella's “Drive Out Hunger” campaign raises $70k: The Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation completed the third year of its “Let's Drive Out Hunger” program, raising $71,233 for hunger relief programs in Massachusetts. Let's Drive Out Hunger centers on a matching gift program in which Arbella matches donations from any of its nearly 500 independent agents on a two-to-one basis, up to $500 per agency. This year, donations increased by more than 11 percent over 2010. The number of participating agents also increased by nearly 12 percent, from 85 to 95 different agencies. Ninety three different food pantries in Massachusetts received donations this year. Over the past 3 years, Arbella and its partner agents have contributed more than $211,000 to help many of the 400 emergency food programs, soup kitchens, food pantries and food banks across 130 Massachusetts communities.