Massachusetts’ highest court upheld most of the Commissioner’s workers’ compensation rate decision while ordering further explanation of two portions of the 2024 ruling.
Main Content
NAIC Provides New Details on Cybersecurity Incident, Data Access, and Regulatory Reporting
The NAIC said a previously unknown Oracle PeopleSoft vulnerability enabled unauthorized access to portions of its website environment.
Big ‘I’ Report: Independent Agencies Hold 62% of U.S. P&C Market as Industry Results Improve
Independent agencies placed 62% of U.S. property and casualty insurance in 2025 as personal lines market share and industry underwriting results improved.
King Risk Partners Expands Massachusetts Presence with Acquisition of Perry Insurance Agency
King Risk Partners acquired North Andover’s Perry Insurance Agency, continuing its Massachusetts expansion through strategic independent agency acquisitions.
Ryan Towle To Receive Insurance Library’s 2026 Insurance Professional of the Year Award
The Insurance Library named Davis & Towle President Ryan Towle its 2026 Insurance Professional of the Year, recognizing his contributions to the industry.
SIAA-affiliated Sequel Insurance Agencies Acquires Five Independent Agencies
SIAA-affiliated Sequel Insurance Agencies acquired five independent agencies, including Worcester’s Feingold & Feingold.
Contractor Indicted For Comp Fraud On Sub Misreps
A Milford contractor was indicted on workers’ comp. insurance fraud charges on allegations that roofing work was misclassified to reduce insurance premiums.
Ward v. Liberty Mutual: A Lead-Generation Trap for Massachusetts Agencies
A federal court’s class certification ruling in Ward v. Liberty Mutual highlights how purchased leads, telemarketing vendors, AI voice tools and TCPA compliance can create major liability for insurance agencies.
Insurance Coverage Cases
Appeals Court Redefines “Contractual Relationship” Under Public Bond Statute
Mass. Appeals Court rules third-party beneficiary rights create a “contractual relationship,” avoiding Section 29’s 65-day bond notice requirement.
Court Rules: ‘Regardless of Whether’ In Exclusion Creates Ambiguity
A Massachusetts Federal court finds insurer must defend Vineyard hangar operator after $1.45M propeller damage claim.
Latest Agency Sales
King Risk Partners Expands Massachusetts Presence with Acquisition of Perry Insurance Agency
SIAA-affiliated Sequel Insurance Agencies Acquires Five Independent Agencies
World Welcomes Worcester’s Wolpert Insurance
Springfield’s Honor Capital and Ascend Announce Agreement to Merge
Insurance Fraud
Contractor Indicted For Comp Fraud On Sub Misreps
A Milford contractor was indicted on workers’ comp. insurance fraud charges on allegations that roofing work was misclassified to reduce insurance premiums.
Massachusetts Bolstering Efforts to Prevent Wrong-Way Crashes
Massachusetts expands wrong-way driving detection with sensors, signage, and alerts as fatalities rise and safety efforts intensify statewide.
Ratings & Results
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
$14.3M Q1 Loss For Safety: Back-To-Back Storms’ 1600 Claims Cost $42.7M
Record Q1 Results: The Hanover’s Combined Ratio Improves to 91.7%
Vermont Mutual Annual Meeting Shows Strong Results
New England Newswire
Lemonade Launches Renters Insurance in Vermont With Rates Starting at $5 Per Month
By AC Editor
New Hampshire Insurance Department Monitoring NAIC Security Incident
By AC Editor
Connecticut Named Captive Domicile of the Year at Captive Review Awards USA 2026
Davis & Towle Welcomes Turner Liberty Insurance to the Fold
By AC Editor
Economic & Legislative News in Massachusetts
Health Insurers Say Drug Costs, Patient Expectations Tightening Cost Bind
Massachusetts insurers propose average 12.9% premium increases for 2027, citing specialty drug costs and rising provider reimbursement rates.
Report Flags Insurance Woes for Security, Airport Service Workers
New report finds many union security and airport workers lack affordable health coverage, with high uninsured rates despite employer-sponsored plans.
Poll: Fewer Parents Expect Their Kids to Pursue Bachelor’s Degree
New polling shows declining interest in four-year degrees among Massachusetts students, with sharp gaps by income, race, and parental education.
Annual Sales Tax Holiday Set for Weekend of Aug. 8-9
Massachusetts will hold its 2026 sales tax holiday Aug. 8–9, suspending the 6.25% tax on most purchases under $2,500.
Healey Throws Support Behind Happy Hour in Pursuit of ‘Vibrancy’
Gov. Healey backs happy hour and extended last call as Massachusetts tests new nightlife policies aimed at boosting business and retaining young residents.
Court Rejects Bid to Derail Marijuana Ballot Question
Massachusetts SJC rules AG’s summary fair and allows marijuana repeal ballot question to advance toward the November election.
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.