North Bay Business Journal

George Petersen Insurance acquires NorthWest

SANTA ROSA — George Petersen Insurance Agency has acquired longtime competitor NorthWest Insurance Agency Inc., bringing together the North Bay’s second- and fifth-largest property and casualty insurance brokerages.

George Petersen Insurance acquires NorthWest

SANTA ROSA — George Petersen Insurance Agency today announced it acquired longtime competitor NorthWest Insurance Agency Inc., bringing together the North Bay’s second- and fifth-largest property and casualty insurance brokerages.

The acquisition, set to begin Sept. 1, includes six NorthWest Insurance operations in Santa Rosa, Napa, Ukiah, Gualala, Fort Bragg and Eureka, according to George Petersen President and Chief Executive Officer Charlie Bussman. Other terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

High-deductible plans see sharp cost increases

NORTH BAY – In an informal survey of the region’s top insurance brokerages, experts described prospects for the open enrollment season in several recurring and dismal themes: watered-down coverage, double-digit increases and more simply giving up on benefits all together.

Brokers warn of higher comp rates

CALIFORNIA – The four-year decline in workers’ compensation insurance rates, which dropped another 18 percent last year, is showing early signs of a halt in 2009, according to North Bay brokers who warn that a dramatic swing could come fast and without warning.

Business Insurance: 8% now in HSAs; insurance agency cuts budget 10%

When the health-savings-account-based, “consumer-driven” insurance concept was introduced about 10 years ago, it puzzled many and enrolled few, but brokers say with the deepening recession and persistent health benefit cost increases the plans are gaining traction.