Citing data that demonstrates notable increases in suspicious car fires, slip-and-falls, and hail-damage claims, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is supporting the notion that a poor economy is causing an increase in fraudulent insurance claims.

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Past-President Alex Soto received the Woodworth Memorial Award today for his contributions to the independent insurance agent system.

The property-casualty insurance sector most likely to see any swine flu claims would be the workers' compensation line, an insurance expert who has studied influenza pandemics said today.

In its second announcement this week on the subject, Validus Holdings today outlined steps to speed up its efforts for a hostile takeover of IPC, which is backing an alternative deal with Max Capital.

Another name change for AIG's commercial and property-casualty sector, now going under the title "AIU Holdings," may be in the works.

Robert D. Graham, the former General Re Corp. attorney convicted in a scheme to manipulate American International Group financial statements, was sentenced in federal court today.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., reversing a $6 million loss for the period in 2008, reported first quarter net income of $26.4 million, helped by a strategy of acquisitions and cost cutting.

Credit scoring supporters and detractors were making their arguments at a hearing today before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.