The board of IPC Holdings, Ltd. has finally agreed to a merger proposal from Validus Holdings Ltd. after spurning an initial offer and multiple court battles with Validus.

Two organizations battling over public policy for natural catastrophes issued competing statements concerning what kind of federal legislation should address the problem.

According to a recent TV special, the crumbling U.S. infrastructure is a cause for alarm, observes NU Assistant Managing Editor Caroline McDonald. Add your thoughts and read other discussions at www.NoRiskZone.com .

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has named Michael McRaith director of the newly formed Department of Insurance.

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, saying there is plenty of room for private insurers to cut costs, angrily rejected an industry request for a big hike in workers' compensation rates.

Allstate Floridian Insurance Group, which changed its name last week to Castle Key Group to "clarify" that it is separately capitalized from Allstate Insurance Company, has been downgraded by A.M. Best Co.

The major data group for the workers' compensation insurance industry said preliminary figures show claim frequency fell 4 percent in 2008 and is likely to decline again this year.

Although reinsurance rates have increased recently, only moderate growth in market volume can be expected this year, according to an analysis by Holborn Corp. insurance brokerage.