An adjuster was presented with a water-damage claim involving what was described as an antique 10-by-13-foot Heriz Rug valued at $25,000. The water damage caused the colors to run, rendering the Persian rug a total loss, according to the insureds claim.

Accurence Inc., a provider of on-site-inspection and automated-scoping software for property-insurance claims adjusters, has announced a long-term strategic alliance with First Choice Repair.

Marsh, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Cos., says it has acquired Cosmos Services (America) Inc., the U.S. insurance-brokerage subsidiary of global trading firm Itochu Corp.

Spokesmen for insurance-trade groups insist that when all is said and done, officials of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) will support insurers view that insurance activities, by their very nature, do not pose a threat to the stability of the U.S. financial system.