London-based insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson reported year-end profit before tax rose 17 percent despite the demanding economic and pricing environment.

The early February storm that affected 30 states has cost Ohio insurers about $23 million so far.

Interest in earthquake insurance has gone up following a magnitude 4.7 earthquake in Arkansas late Sunday, said the Arkansas Insurance Department.

Tower Group reported a 25.4 percent increase in fourth-quarter net income attributable to the company as higher written premiums and net realized investment gains outpaced higher losses.

Large insurance brokers do not rate as highly as their smaller, middle-market counterparts when it comes to customer satisfaction, according to a survey of large corporate insurance buyers.

Allstate Insurance Company has filed its fifth lawsuit in New York against a bank over investment losses on residential mortgage-backed securities.

The company's latest report cites a new quarterly record for consolidated revenues before reimbursements for the 2010 fourth quarter.

The jackhammers fell silent, church bells pealed, and a Maori lament filled the air as New Zealand came to a standstill to mourn the estimated 240 people killed in an earthquake one week ago Tuesday.