Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. acquired Capital Bauer Insurance Agency, an Albany, N.Y.-based retail insurance broker allowing it to significantly expand its Upstate New York presence.

With the federal estate tax exclusion at $5 million through 2012, a vast number of estates will not incur any federal tax. Even if the exclusion drops back to the $1 million dollar limit in 2013, the majority of estates will have little or no federal estate tax liability.

The organization representing state insurance commissioners is promoting life insurance as an “overlooked” potential source of immediate funds.

Whoever said, “Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits,” may have got it right. While beginning a new year may be little more than a faint line in the sand, it can be useful for adjusting old business habits and assumptions in light of changing conditions and new opportunities.

A Shreveport, La., insurance agent was arrested Nov. 3 for alleged insurance fraud and forgery and has had her insurance license in that state suspended.

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 Maryland life insurance company is hesitating in handing over $1 million from a life insurance policy that was bought weeks before a Philadelphia man was murdered in his driveway.

Most life insurance policyholders have spoken to their beneficiaries about their policy, but are lax in updating policy information, according to a new survey.

An insurance policy may become a key clue in the ongoing investigation of a Maryland woman who disappeared in Aruba.