The Massachusetts IFB’s latest report reviews fraud trends, enforcement statistics, the Maxwell decision and key compliance lessons for insurers and agencies.
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Latest News
WTW Sues Lockton After 18 Employees Exit in 44 Minutes
WTW sued Lockton after 18 construction brokerage employees resigned within 44 minutes, alleging client solicitation, contract breaches and fiduciary-duty violations.
Duffy Insurance Acquires Stephen J. Szczepanik Insurance Agency of Dracut, MA
Duffy Insurance Agencies acquired the 62-year-old Stephen J. Szczepanik Insurance Agency, expanding its Massachusetts footprint while preserving local service.
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.
Dowd Agencies Return To Full Family Ownership With Buyback Of Quincy Mutual’s 20% Interest
The Dowd Agencies repurchased Quincy Mutual’s minority ownership interest, restoring full family ownership after a decade-long strategic alliance.
NAIC: Northeast Homeowners Market Competitive Though Nonrenewals Jump 147%
NAIC data show Northeast homeowners premiums rose 55% since 2018 while nonrenewals surged, even as the region remained highly competitive.
Independent Agencies Make Up 2/3rds of Liberty’s U.S. Retail Premium
Independent agents now account for 67.5% of Liberty Mutual’s U.S. Retail Markets premium as the insurer reshapes its distribution model.
DOI Enforcement Actions in 2026 Not Previously In Agency Checklists
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance resolved four producer enforcement actions involving license revocation, expired licenses, policy loans and settlements.
Insurance Coverage Cases
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.
One Covered Allegation Triggers Full Regulatory Defense Duty, SJC Rules
The Massachusetts SJC ruled one covered allegation triggered MAG Mutual’s regulatory defense obligation, expanding duty-to-defend principles.
Insurance Fraud
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.
Grand Jury Indicts In $585K Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme
Roof Kings owner Craig Galligan and his company were indicted on workers’ compensation fraud charges alleging nearly $585,000 in unpaid insurance premiums
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
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.
Health Insurance Woes Reaching ‘Inflection Point,’ Commissioner Says
Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw says rising premiums and worsening risk pools have pushed health insurance to an “inflection point.”
Poll: Voters Want Guardrails on Large AI Companies
A new MassINC poll found strong voter support for Massachusetts AI safety regulations as the Senate considers legislation governing frontier AI developers.
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.
