INSURANCE

Safeco Hikes Earthquake Loss Estimate to $225 Million: The parent of Safeco Insurance Co. had originally estimated its losses in the Jan. 17 Northridge quake at $175 million. Seattle-based Safeco Corp. becomes the second major insurer to sharply increase its loss estimate this month. A week ago, 20th Century Industries boosted its loss estimate to $815 million from $685 million. “As we work with customers and contractors in repairing homes and buildings, we continue to discover even more damage,” said Boh A. Dickey, executive vice president. Safeco stock closed at $54 a share, down 37.5 cents, in trading on the New York Stock Exchange.