A New York, N.Y.-based international underwriter combined three of its business units into one platform for a “stronger” nationwide professional lines presence.

The National Insurance Producer Registry’s (NIPR) online licensing products will help the surplus lines industry in each state to meet new federal financial services reform licensing and renewal regulatory requirements.

A Florida company was ordered to pay $25,000 in fines and its agent from Cranberry Township, Pa., was placed on five years of license supervision because the man acted as a surplus lines agent even though he was not licensed.

Surplus lines producers in New Jersey cannot charge an originating broker a fee of greater than $50 through Oct. 1, according to a reminder from state insurance regulators.

A Houston, Texas, insurance agency paid about $30,000 in restitution to surplus lines policyholders it was found by Maryland insurance regulators to have overcharged.

Two insurance bills, including one to allow captive insurers companies to operate in New Jersey, are expected to move through the state’s General Assembly.

After touting the numerous benefits of acquiring HomeWise Holdings last month, Florida-based 21st Century Holding Co. has announced that both sides have called off a planned merger.

A national independent insurance agents’ group is applauding a U.S. Senate panel for approving an amendment to financial reform legislation freeing its membership from onerous data collection.

Senate Democrats have unveiled a comprehensive financial reform bill, calling for “responsibility and accountability” in the financial sector through several provisions, including those affecting the insurance industry.

The surplus lines sector of the property-casualty insurance market showed a 67% decrease in profit last year when compared to 2007.