Munich Re Group reported second-quarter net income increased 12 percent over the same period last year on improvements in investments and cost cutting.

A Virginian's failure to comprehend the months of the calendar ultimately thwarted his auto fraud scheme.

The Americas Division of Australian insurer/reinsurer QBE announced the appointment of Stephen Fitzpatrick as president of QBE Specialty Insurance, replacing Susan Rivera, who resigned in June.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. said it has acquired the Portland, Maine, and Cranston, R.I., operations of wholesale broker Gresham & Associates Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. Financial terms were not released.

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., said it is reorganizing its reinsurance business, news that appeared not to dramatically affect the rating of the overall company as it also reported improved second-quarter financial results.

American International Group's property and casualty business gained further distance from its beleaguered parent with the creation of a special-purpose vehicle and a second brand name change--to Chartis.

If single-payer in other countries is so horrific, why haven't voters revolted and demanded a return to private health insurance, wonders NU Editor In Chief Sam Friedman in his blog today at www.NUSamSoapBox.com.

Even if the provisions in health care reform legislation that concern the insurance industry and risk managers the most are passed, they would not go into effect for four years, until 2013.