For Aviva plc, Canada’s good weather in 2010 Q1 makes up for Europe’s bad weather

Canada’s good weather in 2010 Q1 helped offset a higher-than-normal claims volume in Europe during the first quarter, Aviva plc reported.
“Claims were higher than expected in the first quarter because of adverse weather in the U.K. and Europe, but these were partly offset by better than expected claims levels in Canada,” Aviva plc reported of its general insurance results for 2010 Q1. “We continue to focus on a group combined ratio of 98% for the full year.”
In its North American general insurance division, Aviva plc reported, “our Canadian business applied targeted rate increases and focused on business initiatives to improve our operational and underwriting effectiveness.”
The company noted its North American sales in the first quarter were down, “in keeping with established seasonal trends,” but were nevertheless 10% higher compared to the same period a year ago.
Aviva’s North American general insurance division wrote £397 million ($606 million) in 2010 Q1, down from £449 million ($685 million) in 2009 Q1.