The U.S. homeowners insurance segment posted a $16.5 billion underwriting gain in 2025, avoiding an annual underwriting loss for the first time in six years, according to AM Best.
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Latest News
AM Best: U.S. P/C Fronting Market Tops $30 Billion as Credit Risk Grows
The U.S. P/C fronting market continued to expand in 2025, with more than $30 billion in estimated premium, while AM Best warned that growing use of unrated and unauthorized reinsurers is increasing counterparty credit risk.
Senators Want Info on Insurers’ Use Of No-Pay Claim Practices
Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley are seeking 10 years of homeowners and personal auto claims data from Liberty Mutual and five other major insurers amid increases in claims closed without payment.
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.
Court: PURE Willfully Violated c. 176D, but Insureds’ 93A Claims Fail For Lack Of Damages Despite $16 Million In Claim Payments
A Suffolk Superior Court judge found that PURE willfully violated two provisions of Massachusetts’ unfair claims-settlement law, but the homeowners recovered nothing under Chapter 93A because they failed to prove compensable damages caused by those violations.
AM Best: U.S. P/C Insurer Rating Downgrades Fall in First Half of 2026
AM Best reported substantially fewer U.S. property/casualty insurer rating downgrades in the first half of 2026, while upgrades increased and affirmations continued to dominate rating actions.
Nearly 500 Insurance Professionals Gather to Honor Ryan Towle as 2026 Insurance Professional of the Year
Nearly 500 insurance professionals gathered at the InterContinental Boston as Davis & Towle President Ryan Towle received the 2026 Insurance Professional of the Year Award.
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
Insurance Coverage Cases
Court: PURE Willfully Violated c. 176D, but Insureds’ 93A Claims Fail For Lack Of Damages Despite $16 Million In Claim Payments
A Suffolk Superior Court judge found that PURE willfully violated two provisions of Massachusetts’ unfair claims-settlement law, but the homeowners recovered nothing under Chapter 93A because they failed to prove compensable damages caused by those violations.
No Broader ACE Coverage Despite Seller Holding Title to Vehicle
A Massachusetts federal judge ruled that a towing company never became the legal owner of a van because the seller failed to deliver the certificate of title. The court nevertheless held that an auto-business exclusion barred broader ACE liability coverage, leaving only compulsory coverage with Commerce excess.
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
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.
Poll Finds Top Concerns: High Costs, Housing and Taxes
Massachusetts residents still rank the Commonwealth among the best places to live, but a new MassINC Polling Group survey finds affordability is the state’s weakest measure, with cost of living, housing and taxes leading residents’ concerns.
Tech Chief Wants Dashboard to Track AI Impacts
Massachusetts technology chief Jason Snyder said AI regulation should begin with tracking how the technology is being used. The state is monitoring more than 400 AI use cases while considering guardrails, safety standards and human-accountability requirements.
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.
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
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.
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.
