Topic Catastrophes
What’s new: In brief (September 27, 2004)
September 27, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterConverium had a spot of good news Monday, learning it faces a possible upgrade by Standard & Poor’s. S&P says it will upgrade the reinsurer to “BBB+” if it can successfully complete its proposed US$420 capital-raising move. Converium says it…
What’s new: In brief (September 26, 2004)
September 26, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterState Farm Insurance Companies has donated $6,500 to the Peterborough Area Relief Fund to help victims of the July floods. State Farm also notes that it has paid out more than $8.5 million in claims in the Peterborough area, with…
Jeanne makes history in Florida
September 26, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterHurricane Jeanne is making history in Florida, and causing extensive damage. The category-3 storm touched down near Stuart, Florida late Saturday, becoming the fourth hurricane to hit Florida this year a record number during one season to hit the state.For…
U.S. insurers face up to US$4.4 billion Frances tab
September 23, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThe total insured loss arising from Hurricane Frances will likely be in the order of US$4.4 billion, according to the latest loss estimate released by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The ISO expects that about 552,000 claims from both homeowners…
Ivan loss estimates lower than first thought
September 22, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterInsured loss estimates from Hurricane Ivan have been downgraded by risk modeling agency Risk Management Solutions (RMS) to US$3-$6 billion. This is on top of an estimated US$1-$2 billion in insured losses in the Caribbean, with the majority in the…
What’s new: In brief (September 21, 2004)
September 21, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterLloyd’s chairman Lord Peter Levene called Texas “a state at risk” and called upon the city’s business to do more in terms of improving security and risk management. “Many companies have improved their security measures considerably since September 11th, but…
What’s new: In brief (September 20, 2004)
September 20, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterWindow cleaners in the U.K. are up in arms over insurance rate hikes. The British Cleaning Council (BCC) says that a 50% or more hike in premiums for those who are even able to acquire coverage at all is putting…
Benfield “hazard review” addresses “Day After Tomorrow” scenario
September 19, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterWhile the film “The Day After Tomorrow” was certainly fictitious, some of the science behind it is not. The concept of global warming slowing down the Gulf Stream and its North Atlantic Drift, is currently the subject of much research,…
Charley, Frances and Ivan combined could top Andrew
September 19, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterWith Hurricane Ivan predicted to be the costliest of the three hurricanes which have hit the U.S. this season, combined with the earlier Charley and Frances, the events could top the insured loss from 1992’s Hurricane Andrew.Andrew, the worst storm…
What’ new: In brief
September 16, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThe vote to extend the U.S. Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) beyond its December 2005 sunset could come sooner rather than later. The House Financial Services Committee is slated to hold hearings on the act beginning September 29. Insurers this…
Ivan damage less than expected, but losses still mounting
September 16, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterRisk modeling agencies are generally lowering their estimates for insured damage as a result of Hurricane Ivan’s assault on the southern U.S., although expectations still vary widely between US$2-$10 billion.EQECAT estimates insured damages of US$4-$10 billion while Risk Management Solutions…
What’s new: In brief (September 15, 2004)
September 15, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterWICC Ontario is donating $25,000 to fund prostate cancer research projects in recognition of “Prostate Cancer Awareness Week”, September 20 to 26. The funding is part of WICC’s new goal to reach beyond breast cancer to the fight against all…