Chris McMahon

The connected car technology company has launched its NSpire platform, which the company describes as a set of tools, modules and programs designed to support customized telematics strategies.

With Progressive Insurance’s recent patent loss to Liberty Mutual Insurance, insurers are running out of reasons for not pursuing leading edge technologies, such as telematics and usage-based insurance, industry experts say, and recent changes in patent law are favoring those who challenge patent holders.

Allstate’s Drivewise Mobile application now features Allstate Rewards, which safe drivers now can use to earn points for deals on merchandise, gift cards and local offers, regardless of whether they have an insurance policy with Allstate.

The UK-based Insurance aggregator has launched a point-of-quote fraud detection and prevention service that combines its customer and quote database with Iovation’s Risk Solution, which assesses the likelihood of based on the current and past behavior of a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

John Vasturia was named president of Munich Re America’s specialty markets and a member of the insurer’s U.S. P&C executive board. Jill Beggs has replaced Vasturia as head of new strategic markets, which includes Munich Re America’s innovation practice, corporate communications and the U.S. P&C cross-platform team.

In addition to adding former Assurant CEO Greg Tachetti as tech leader, the personal lines insurer is realigning its business units .

Liberty Mutual has prevailed over Progressive Insurance in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. At issue was the validity of five Progressive patents related to online customer experience, insurance telematics and driving scores that support Progressive’s Snapshot program.

Julie Stephenson has been appointed senior vice president and chief underwriting officer for CNA Commercial; she will report to Kevin Leidwinger, president and chief operating officer, CNA Commercial, and will be based in Chicago, CNA said.

Brian Griffith will join QBE North America as executive vice president of field management and distribution on August 31, and will lead the strategy for all distribution channels across QBE, including major and regional trading partner engagement in the United States.

The board of directors has appointed Harsha V. Agadi, a board member, as interim CEO and will begin a search for a permanent CEO.