Legislation that would clear the way for the use of auto parts from after-market suppliers for collision repairs was introduced Thursday in the House and Senate.

Creating a new federal consumer protection agency for insurance would result in "a duplicative, inefficient system that would add even more costs" for buyers, a top property and casualty industry official warned Congress last week.

Expressly, race-based employment decisions are illegal, the Supreme Court ruled today in a closely watched discrimination case brought by white and Hispanic firefighters.

While they may be known as property and casualty insurance agents, commercial intermediaries have no intention of sitting on the sidelines while one of their most lucrative sources of income is threatened by health insurance reform efforts.

WASHINGTON-Bills modernizing and reforming regulation of the surplus lines and reinsurance industries and streamlining nonresident insurance agent and broker licensing could be acted on by the full House next month, according to industry officials.

WASHINGTON-Legislation streamlining and reforming state regulation of surplus lines insurance and reinsurance was introduced Thursday in the Senate.

A subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing next Thursday in Palm Beach, Fla., on catastrophe insurance issues.

WASHINGTON-Three House bills have been introduced to provide federal funds through several programs to assist homeowners, businesses, public officials and first responders in preparing for disasters.