Connecticut Developments

Subscribe to Connecticut Developments via RSS

The Second Circuit has declared that a bond insurer’s D&O program was obligated to pay costs incurred by an independent consultant who was hired during the course of settlement negotiations, despite the carrier’s claimed lack of an effective association in the settlement.  MBIA, Inc. v. Federal Insurance Company and ACE American Insurance Company, No. 10-355 (2d Cir. July 1, 2011). 
…
Read More Second Circuit Finds That D&O Policies Must Cover Costs Incurred By Independent Consultant Hired During Settlement Discussions

In 2008, shopping mall owner Front Gate brought suit against Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, accusing it of mishandling property damage claims resulting from wind and rain.  During the course of the litigation, Sunil Chand, an employee of Primero, a contractor for Front Gate, contacted Fireman’s Fund attorney Melissa Dubbs at the law firm of Carlson Calladine & Peterson LLP and provided her with documents evidencing insurance fraud on Front Gate’s behalf. …
Read More California Court of Appeal Vacates Order Requiring Insurer’s Attorney to Answer Deposition Questions; Work Product Privilege Applies

A federal court recently denied a cedent’s motion to transfer a lawsuit commenced by its reinsurer from New York to Connecticut.  The cedent argued that the case should be transferred because the issues involved were related to similar lawsuits commenced by the cedent against other reinsurers in Connecticut, and because the action could have been brought in that forum. …
Read More Federal Court Rules that Reinsurance Dispute Should Not be Transferred from New York to Connecticut

As we originally reported here, the Connecticut Legislature’s proposed bill, S.B. 11, An Act Concerning the Rate Approval Process for Certain Health Insurance Policies, if enacted, would expand the current rate approval process as administered by the Connecticut Department of Insurance for proposed increases of 10% or more for health and long-term care insurance.  The bill has recently passed both the House and the Senate in the legislative body’s third attempt to get such a bill to the governor’s desk. …
Read More Connecticut Health Insurance Rate Increase Symposia Law Passes Through Legislature to Governor’s Desk

Following on the heels of double digit health insurance rate approvals last year, the Connecticut Legislature is considering S.B. 11, An Act Concerning the Rate Approval Process for Certain Health Insurance Policies, which would expand the current rate approval process administered by the Connecticut Department of Insurance (the “Department”). …
Read More Proposed Connecticut Law Requires Public Hearings for Health and Long-Term Care Rate Increases of 10% or More

The Connecticut Appellate Court held recently that an exclusion in a liability policy for “Athletic Activity or Sports Participants” precluded coverage for a claim stemming from injuries that a participant in an outdoor team-building exercise allegedly suffered during a rope-assisted free fall from an elevated platform.  Community Renewal Team, Inc. v. United States Liability Ins. Co., AC 31317 (Conn. App., April 19, 2011). …
Read More Connecticut Appellate Court Holds That Athletic Activity Exclusion Applies to Outdoor Team-Building Activity

As Connecticut homes are experiencing roof leaks, collapses and frozen pipes caused by this winter season’s unusually large snowfall, the Connecticut Insurance Department (the “CID”) has experienced a sharp uptick in applications for 90-day claims adjuster licenses by out-of-state adjusters.  While normally only a small amount of such applications are processed each year, the CID has received over 500 since January 1st. …
Read More February’s Record Snowfall in Connecticut has Brought an Avalanche of Out-of-State Claims Adjusters

Connecticut lawmakers are considering plans to require public hearings when health insurers raise rates.  Under the current law, the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner may hold hearings at his discretion.  The new law, if adopted, however, will require public hearings in certain cases to give the state Attorney General and consumer advocates the opportunity to be heard and call witnesses. …
Read More Connecticut Legislation Would Require Public Hearings for Rate Increases

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy announced today his appointment of Thomas Leonardi as the new Insurance Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Insurance.  Leonardi currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Northington Partners, Inc., an insurance specialty venture capital and investment banking firm, where he has worked with insurance companies on strategic, investment, capital raising and financial advisory matters. …
Read More New Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Announced Today

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has appointed Barbara C. Spear acting Commissioner of Insurance effective today.  Governor Rell’s office confirmed the appointment of Ms. Spear, who currently serves as the Director of Consumer Services and Business Regulation at the Connecticut Insurance Department (the “CID”). …
Read More Connecticut Names New Insurance Commissioner