Business Moves

American Westbrook Insurance

Westchester, Ill.-based American Westbrook Insurance has launched a national private health insurance exchange. The individual insurance exchange serves members in more than 40 states and offers products and services from more than 15 insurance companies, the company said.

The exchange technology narrows results based on individual needs. The website, www.myhealthplan.us.com, is designed as a consumer resource that allows Americans to compare plans and decide what health insurance policy is best for them. In addition, the exchange consulting team provides phone support to answer questions, make recommendations, take applications verbally and enhance policy outcomes.

Daly Merritt Insurance

Daly Merritt Insurance, an insurance agency headquartered in Wyandotte, Mich., has opened a new office in Ann Arbor. Daly Merritt also has an office in Monroe, Mich.

This third location will allow the agency to better address the needs of its present and future clients in the Washtenaw County market, the company said in announcing the opening of the new office.

Daly Merritt Insurance is located at 2950 S. State Street on the third floor of the Ann Arbor Commerce Bank Building.

Daly Merritt Insurance was established in 1928, and offers property/casualty insurance and life/benefits products and services in more than 20 states.

Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance

The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) added 10 independent insurance agencies in the Midwest in January.

SIAA’s newest members in the Midwest are: Tervo Agency of Hancock, Mich., Fairview Insurance Network of Fairview Park, Ohio; Eagle Eye Insurance & Financial Services of Dubuque, Iowa; Kiefer Insurance Group of Woodridge, Ill.; Pinnacle Value Solutions of Gurnee, Ill.; Insure Net Group of Homer Glen, Ill.; Insurance Dynamics of Woodbury, Minn., T3 Insurance of Chesterfield, Mo., Shelter Insurance Agency of St. Francis, Wis., and Palman Insurance Agency of Laporte, Ind.

Since its inception in 1995, SIAA has signed more than 4,000 new members. SIAA members wrote more than $780 million in new written premiums in 2011.

Wells Fargo Insurance

Wells Fargo Insurance — part of Wells Fargo & Co. — announced a new regional structure for its insurance brokerage and consulting division.

Previously operating with 15 regional offices, the business is now based upon seven regions, with approximately 160 local offices. Serving the insurance needs of business banking, middle market, large corporate and high net worth clients, the group is led by Kevin Kenny, executive vice president with Wells Fargo Insurance.

Northwest Region will be led by Rich Lane, and will include Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Southwest Region will be led by Howard McClure, and will include Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

West Region will be led by Sam Elliott, and will include Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Southern/Central California and Utah.

Midwest Region will be led by John Meder, and will include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Northeast Region will be led by Pete Gilbertson, and will include Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Mid-Atlantic Region will be led by John Meehan, and will include District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

South Region will be led by Tom Longhta, and will include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Wells Fargo Insurance writes $20 billion of premiums annually in property, casualty, benefits, international, personal lines, and life products.