A Massachusetts Superior Court judge rules MIIA must indemnify Braintree for $6.05 million of a wrongful conviction settlement but rejects the Town’s Chapter 93A claim.
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Latest News
New England Agency M&A Down 55% Through Q3 2026
New England insurance agency acquisition activity declined 55% during the first nine months of 2026
MountainOne Insurance Acquires Encharter Insurance Agency from Plymouth Rock
MountainOne Insurance has acquired Amherst-based Encharter Insurance Agency from Plymouth Rock Assurance, effective October 1, 2026. The transaction adds 22 insurance professionals and establishes MountainOne’s first office in Hampshire County.
Coverage Denial: Insured Awarded Its Legal Fees
A Massachusetts federal judge awarded $99,059 in attorney fees following Mount Vernon’s unsuccessful coverage denial involving a real estate brokerage’s E&O policy. The court also denied the insured’s attempt to add a Chapter 93A claim.
The Freefall in Insurance Agency Mergers & Acquisitions Continues
Insurance agency M&A activity is down 40% from the previous five-year average, with 439 acquisitions announced through September 2026, OPTIS reports.
Insurance Rates in 2027: Property Falls as Auto Liability Rises
Willis’s 2027 insurance market forecast points to continued reductions in commercial property rates while auto liability and excess casualty rates rise. The report also identifies improving high-value homeowners insurance conditions in Massachusetts.
CopperPoint Completes $84.3 Million Purchase of General Indemnity Group, Former Parent of Quincy-Based UCS
Announced earlier this year, CopperPoint Insurance Company has completed its $84.3 million acquisition of General Indemnity Group from Boston Omaha Corporation.
Nearly 200 Years Later, These P&C Insurers Still Do Business in Massachusetts
Some of Massachusetts’ oldest property and casualty insurers have been in business for nearly 200 years or more. From Norfolk & Dedham and Hingham Mutual to Quincy Mutual, The Andover Companies, and The Hanover, a look at the historic insurers that continue to serve policyholders today.
Insurance Coverage Cases
MIIA Ordered To Pay Braintree $6.05M In Wrongful Conviction Case
A Massachusetts Superior Court judge rules MIIA must indemnify Braintree for $6.05 million of a wrongful conviction settlement but rejects the Town’s Chapter 93A claim.
Coverage Denial: Insured Awarded Its Legal Fees
A Massachusetts federal judge awarded $99,059 in attorney fees following Mount Vernon’s unsuccessful coverage denial involving a real estate brokerage’s E&O policy. The court also denied the insured’s attempt to add a Chapter 93A claim.
Insurance Fraud
Lowell Temp Agency Owner To Do 13 Months for Payroll and Workers’ Comp Fraud
A federal judge sentenced Henry Lam, owner of Lowell-based HL Temporary Services, to 13 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to employment-tax charges and mail fraud involving workers’ compensation insurance premiums.Insuran
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.
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
Economic & Legislative News in Massachusetts
Regulators Eye In-State Path for Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Patients
Massachusetts cannabis regulators are considering eliminating residency requirements for medical marijuana purchases, a move that could expand access for out-of-state patients as medical sales continue to decline.
Lawmakers Want Moratorium on Drone Delivery
Westborough Town Meeting approved a new unmanned-aircraft bylaw in response to Amazon Prime Air’s proposed drone delivery operation, while Massachusetts lawmakers seek a temporary moratorium on commercial drone applications.
Wrong-Way Driving Systems Have Recorded More Than 215 Events Since June
MassDOT says its wrong-way driving detection systems have recorded more than 215 events since June, with about 140 drivers correcting course after alerts.
Mass. Gained Jobs in September, but Unemployment Rate Held at 4.3%
Massachusetts added 3,500 jobs in September while the unemployment rate remained at 4.3% and the state labor force increased by 8,400, according to preliminary state data.
Business Confidence Held in Negative Territory in September
Massachusetts business confidence improved in September, with the Associated Industries of Massachusetts index rising 1.2 points to 48.6, though sentiment remained in negative territory.
Limited Bus Camera Pilot Found 26,000 Violations
The MBTA says an automated camera enforcement pilot on four buses captured 26,000 bus stop and bus lane violations during a 30-day test as the agency prepares for broader enforcement in 2027.
New England Newswire
Vehicle Thefts Fall 21% Nationwide; Vermont, New Hampshire Among Biggest Declines
New Hampshire Insurance Department Issues Bulletin on Auto Policy Termination for Nonpayment at Renewal
Arbella Opens First Commercial Lines Office in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Insurance Department Contributes $189.2 Million To State General Fund
Company Newswire
Arbella Marks 18th Annual “Pink Day” in Support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Arbella Insurance Group employees and the Arbella Insurance Foundation raised $65,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute during the company’s 18th annual Pink Day.
SIAA Acquires Canopy Specialty Insurance, Expanding Specialty Underwriting Capabilities
SIAA has acquired Canopy Specialty Insurance, a U.S.-U.K. specialty commercial P&C managing general agent, adding underwriting and product development capabilities to its distribution platform.
MountainOne Insurance Becomes 15th Massachusetts Agency With MAIA Five Star Designation
MountainOne Insurance has earned the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents’ Five Star Agency Designation, becoming the 15th agency in the state to hold the recognition.
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.
