A new Big “I” survey finds 87% of consumers say having a dedicated insurance agent is important, while 61% are more likely to choose an agent using AI and other modern technology.
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Latest News
Progressive’s Electronic Cancellation Notice to Loss Payee Ruled Defective
A Lowell District Court found Progressive’s electronic cancellation notice to a loss payee defective, granting Source One summary judgment on two contract claims while leaving negligence for trial.
Massachusetts Barred His Phony Insurance In 2006. Now Kevin Kolenda Has Pleaded Guilty To Wire Fraud
Nearly 20 years after Massachusetts barred Kevin Kolenda from selling prize insurance without a license, the longtime operator of Hole-in-Won has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud related to his prize insurance business.
After Sixty-Plus Years in “the Best Job in the World”, Warren Buffet Becomes Chairman Emeritus
Berkshire Hathaway has named Warren Buffett Chairman Emeritus while keeping him on its board and has elected his son, longtime director Howard G. Buffett, as Chairman of the Board.
Bill Would Make Staged Auto Accident Insurance Fraud a Federal Crime
A bipartisan House bill would create a federal crime for staging or fabricating motor vehicle accidents to submit fraudulent insurance claims, with penalties increasing when schemes cause serious injury or death. The sponsors introduced the legislation Sept. 3.
Best’s Special Report: US Property/Casualty Industry Nearly Tripled Net Underwriting Income in First-Half 2026
U.S. property/casualty insurers recorded $31.2 billion in net underwriting income during the first half of 2026, nearly triple the prior-year result, as the industry’s combined ratio improved four points to 92.5.
Insurance Coverage Cases
Progressive’s Electronic Cancellation Notice to Loss Payee Ruled Defective
A Lowell District Court found Progressive’s electronic cancellation notice to a loss payee defective, granting Source One summary judgment on two contract claims while leaving negligence for trial.
First Circuit: No Broker Duty Without an “Intelligible Request”
The First Circuit affirmed dismissal of negligence, contract and fiduciary-duty claims against Marsh, holding that disclosing a yacht did not constitute an intelligible request for additional insurance coverage.
Insurance Fraud
Massachusetts Barred His Phony Insurance In 2006. Now Kevin Kolenda Has Pleaded Guilty To Wire Fraud
Nearly 20 years after Massachusetts barred Kevin Kolenda from selling prize insurance without a license, the longtime operator of Hole-in-Won has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud related to his prize insurance business.
The IFB: 106,707 Referrals Resulting in 4,823 Criminal Prosecutions
The Massachusetts IFB’s latest report reviews fraud trends, enforcement statistics, the Maxwell decision and key compliance lessons for insurers and agencies.
Ratings & Results
Chubb Q2 Net Profit Down 3.8% as Combined Ratio Improves
The Hartford Reports Strong Q2 Results as Business Insurance Drives Growth, Personal Lines Profitability Improves
AM Best Revises Safety Insurance Outlook to Negative, Affirms Ratings
Best’s Special Report: Personal Auto and Homeowners Markets’ Stabilization Evident Despite a Decline in Approved Rate Changes
AM Best Downgrades Arrow Mutual Liability Insurance Company Ratings
Liberty Mutual Posts $2 Billion Quarter as It Shifts from Defense to Growth
New England Newswire
Arbella Opens First Commercial Lines Office in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Insurance Department Contributes $189.2 Million To State General Fund
New Hampshire Insurance Department Says All Department-Requested Bills Became Law in 2026
Vermont Mutual To Reorganize As Mutual Holding Company
Economic & Legislative News in Massachusetts
Tariff ‘Game’ Threatens Alcohol Industry Jobs, Goldberg Says
Massachusetts alcohol suppliers can request immediate price changes as tariffs disrupt costs and supply chains, Treasurer Deb Goldberg and industry leaders said.
Census Offers New Snapshot of Mass. Income, Poverty
Massachusetts’ three-year average poverty rate was 9.1%, significantly below the national rate but above eight states, according to new Census Bureau data.
Study Pegs Median Net Wealth of Massachusetts Families at $370,000
A Boston Fed survey found Massachusetts median family wealth reached $374,000, while one-third of households could not cover a $400 emergency expense.
Higher Cannabis License Cap Worries Some in Industry
Mass. cannabis businesses raised concerns that new Cannabis Control Commission regulations could accelerate the consolidation of the marketplace.
Massachusetts Remains on Moderate Economic Growth Path
MassBenchmarks reports Massachusetts economic growth outpaced the U.S. in Q2 2026, while Boston inflation remained significantly above the national rate.
Senate Agrees to Limited Use of Cameras to Enforce Speed Limits
The Massachusetts Senate approved amendments authorizing speed cameras in school and construction zones while advancing new truck safety proposals.
Company Newswire
The Winners Of The MAIW’s Essex/Middlesex Chapter 2026 Estelle Jeter Scholarship
This is the 88th year of operation for the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Women.
Arbella Insurance Foundation Raises Over $214,000 for Hunger Relief Programs Across New England
Arbella Insurance Foundation raises $214K for hunger relief, supporting 120 food programs across New England amid rising food insecurity.
MassMutual turns 175, Marking Generations of Delivering on its Commitments
MassMutual marks its 175th anniversary, highlighting policyholder focus, $1T in coverage, and a legacy of dividends and community support.
FM and Disney Relaunch ‘Disney Wild About Safety,’ Presented by FM
FM and Disney relaunch the Wild About Safety program, expanding global safety education through updated content and enhanced storytelling.
