Losses from a magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand Feb. 21 (Feb. 22 local time) could total as much as $12 billion, according to one estimate cited in a note to clients from a JP Morgan Chase & Co. analyst.

With spoliation of evidence claims on the rise, insurers need to be increasingly aware of steps that must be taken to preserve damaged property. To better understand this, it is important to first recognize and understand chain of custody.

Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.-based insurance broker USI Insurance Services said it has acquired The Amerisc Corp., Atlynx Surety Brokers LLC and its principal affiliates.