Small, fuel efficient mini and micro-cars have a cost of repair for bumper damage that's big, a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today.

The Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey Inc. selected William R. Vowteras president of the association during its recent joint business meeting of the PIANJ and PIA New York in Atlantic City, N.J.

Fitch Ratings said U.S. property-casualty insurance industry profits fell "dramatically" in 2008 and this year the sector has a negative outlook based on economic and investment uncertainty.

ALPS Corporation announced today that its risk retention group, Attorneys Liability Protection Society, Inc., will acquire Southern Title Insurance Corp. Financial terms were not disclosed.

A lack of electronic integration between firms performing workers' compensation bill review and medical management operations may be costing businesses millions, a consultant said.

American International Group said it has closed the sale of its interest in reinsurer Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., reducing its holdings in the company to 14 percent and netting the New York-based insurer $1.14 billion.

The Public Entity Risk Institute, a nonprofit risk management training and education group, said it has released a book with the latest research and developments in emergency management.

The multiline, risk management program will serve customers, agents and brokers.