Author: completebodyneeds

Howden, the global insurance broking group, launched its new U.S. Aviation Practice, led by Julio Jimenez, aviation practice leader. Jimenez is a seasoned leader whose ability to build and inspire teams is matched by his experience and expertise across the aviation sector. He most recently served as a partner, vice president and risk management consultant at USI Insurance Services. The new practice delivers comprehensive risk management services and insurance placement across a broad range of clients in the aviation ecosystem, including commercial airlines, fixed-base operators (FBOs), charter operators, aircraft and parts manufacturers, military contractors, public entities, and aerospace companies. Liberty…

For the first time since the third quarter 2017, respondents to a recent quarterly survey said average premiums decreased across all account sizes. During the first three months of 2026, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB)’s market survey found premiums decreased an average of 1.2% across all accounts. Large account premiums fell an average of 2.7% while medium account premiums fell 1.9%. Small account premiums increased 1.1%, a 60% decrease from Q4 2025’s rise of 2.8%. Results for Q1 continue a trend. Overall results for Q4 2025 included an average increases in premiums for all account sizes rose…

In Granbury, Texas, city council meetings begin with a prayer. But at a session back in January, one local invoked the Almighty in a way that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. “I want to pray in Jesus’ name that the land annexed will not become a data center,” said Matt Long, a member of the development commission in surrounding Hood County. Despite his plea, and a chorus of complaints from his neighbors, the council voted just four months later to rezone 2,100 acres of land for a potential data center known as Project Patriot. The rebellion stands…

Iran is discussing with Oman how to set up some form of a permanent toll system that will formalize its control of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. “Iran and Oman must mobilize all their resources both to provide security services and to manage navigation in the most appropriate manner,” the Iranian ambassador to France, Mohammad Amin-Nejad, said in an interview with Bloomberg in Paris on Wednesday. “This will entail costs, and it goes without saying that those who wish to benefit from this traffic must also pay their share,” he said in Farsi, through an interpreter, adding that…

AM Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” (Good) of Missouri Valley Mutual Insurance Company (MVMIC) based in Burke, South Dakota. The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect MVMIC’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The revision of the outlooks to stable from negative reflects Missouri Valley’s improved operating performance metrics following multiple corrective actions implemented by management. This led to the company reporting…

This small city in rural northeastern South Dakota has established itself as an energy hub for the entire Great Plains region, and that reputation has received a big boost by landing what will be among the world’s largest energy storage projects. In a groundbreaking project, South Dakota-based POET has partnered with Antora Energy of California to launch a thermal energy storage system adjacent to POET’s ethanol plant in Big Stone City. The 5 gigawatt-hour thermal energy storage facility will absorb excess, low-cost energy from wind turbines that might otherwise be lost due to capacity limits on the existing power grid…

Rokstone, the international specialty re/insurance MGA, announced the launch of a cargo stock-only program, supported by US$25 million of capacity, to support brokers and their clients with smarter, more flexible coverage and competitive premiums. One of just a handful of MGAs with the appetite, capability, and capacity relationships to deliver stock-only coverage, this new program is designed to meet the realities of today’s property and transit exposures, Rokstone said. The flexible program, which is underpinned by Rokstone’s technology capabilities, delivers competitive pricing, broader wordings, and lower deductibles. Rokstone said the program aims to respond to demand for more tailored inventory…

After almost 20 years of bouncing from campground to campground, Orr Family Ministries finally found its home in 2022 on a 12-acre tree-filled campground located on a hill in Colorado County. Kids played in the swimming pool, worshipped by the fire pit, and watched the sunset over the hill while learning about Bible stories. They called it Camp Oak Haven, providing refuge for about 100 children from surrounding low-income and rural communities. But, this summer, Camp Oak Haven won’t be reopening. Orr Family Ministries has sold the land because it could not meet sweeping regulations the state abruptly placed on…

Howden US is again being sued by a rival broker over another group of new employees who are alleged to have breached loyalty and post-employment contractual obligations. According to a lawsuit filed May 19 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Willis Towers Watson Northeast, former members of its marine team specializing in broking insurance for high net-worth owners and managers of high-end yachts all resigned to join Howden US “consistent with Howden’s playbook of hiring entire teams from other insurance brokerage companies and having those former employees violate their duties of loyalty while still employed…

A court was right to acknowledge an insurance company’s settlement of a claim and dismiss the lawsuit against its insured without the insured’s approval, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court has ruled. The insured, Patrick O’Brien, objected to the settlement and dismissal of a complaint alleging that he trespassed. Why? Because he wanted to establish a claim of wrongful use of civil process against the woman who accused him. A lower court declined to keep the legal case alive after the insurer settled. O’Brien appealed, arguing that the court abused its discretion in dismissing the complaint with prejudice against him. Now…