The amount of inforce individual disability income insurance rose 2% in 2011, reaching a total of more than $4.5 billion, according to a new survey of carriers.

A registered representative from Moorestown, N.J., was fined $5,000 after he was found to have improperly handled disability insurance applications.

The Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America expanded its flagship ProVider Plus individual disability insurance portfolio to enable producers to reach more clients across the income protection spectrum, the company said.

Guardian and Berkshire have released a new ProVider Plus series for their disability insurance portfolio, effective Jan. 3.

“Significant” opportunities exist for financial advisors to better educate consumers about the risk of income loss from illnesses or accidents, and to better prepare them to mitigate loss, a new survey says.

The Hilb Group, a Glen Allen, Va.-based middle-market insurance brokerage, is expanding its New York presence, where it will focus on selling disability and life insurance products for the medical and dental communities.

The California Insurance Department accused RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of unfair claims handling practices, including allegations that it developed practices designed to deny long-term care benefits to policyholders.

A Snellville, Ga., elementary school teacher was arrested Sept. 10 for allegedly collecting about $12,700 in disability insurance while employed as a fourth-grade teacher.

Securian Financial Group’s credit protection business with increase by about 25% after it completes its acquisition of American Modern Life Insurance Co. (AMLIC) and its subsidiary, Southern Pioneer Life Insurance Co. (SPLIC).

Guardian DI Brokerage will be hosting a two-hour continuing education course on disability insurance underwriting Thursday, June 16, at 9 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge in King of Prussia, Pa.