Keyword
Ratings/Research
Marsh expects favourable U.S. insurance market conditions in 2014
February 11, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterBarring higher than expected catastrophe losses, notes a new report from Marsh, the ample capacity and competition that helped temper firming of commercial insurance rates in the United States in 2013 is expected to continue into 2014. In its U.S.…
Net income up 60% in 2013 for U.S. P&C companies after lower cat losses
February 5, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterLower catastrophe losses have allowed the property and casualty insurance industry in the United States to increase net income by an estimated 60% in 2013, according to a new special report from rating agency A.M. Best. Last year, the industry…
Outlook stable for global reinsurance segment as underwriting discipline continues
January 9, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterRating agency A.M. Best Co. has issued a stable ratings outlook for the global reinsurance segment going into 2014, expecting a minimal number of ratings upgrades or downgrades over the next year to 18 months. “Reinsurance companies continue to be…
Stable outlook for personal lines, negative outlook for commercial lines in U.S.: A.M. Best
January 9, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterAs auto insurers adopt usage-based insurance and investment yields remain low, A.M. Best Company Inc. recently announced it is maintaining a negative outlook in commercial lines and a stable outlook in personal lines in the United States in 2014. The…
AXA tops A.M. Best list of world’s largest insurers
January 6, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterFrance’s AXA S.A. remained at the top of the list of global insurers in terms of net premiums written in 2012, based on figures released Monday by rating agency A.M. Best. AXA, with $106.4 billion in net premiums written, was…
Hidden Talent
January 1, 2014 Margaret Parent, Director, Professionals' Division, Insurance Institute of CanadaCanada’s insurance industry has a hidden retention issue and employers should expect some challenges. Although progress has been made to meet the industry’s changing demographics and retirements to date, the impact of upcoming retirements looms, demanding steps be taken to support smooth transitions.
2014 ratings outlook for U.S. P&C industry stable
December 11, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterFitch Ratings has issued a stable rating outlook for the commercial and personal lines sectors of the property and casualty insurance industry in the United States for 2014. The sector outlook is also stable, based on “expectations for a second…
Consistent profitability ‘eludes’ American home insurance carriers: A.M. Best
December 3, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterHomeowners insurance is frequently unprofitable for United States carriers and but those who use tools such as exposure mapping software and “more rigorous property inspections” can manage their risk exposures better, suggests a new report from credit rating provider A.M.…
Reluctant Innovators
December 1, 2013 Karen Forward and Allan Buitendag, PwCCanadian financial institutions are struggling with innovation, new research by PwC shows. How can these institutions, including insurance companies, change to focus on opportunities, rather than barriers, and ensure that they are not outrun by more innovative players in the years to come?
Tackling Digital
December 1, 2013 Doug McPhie, Partner & Canadian Insurance Leader, EYMost insurers are looking to build companies with strong foundations and innovative approaches that will stand the test of time. But getting the business strategy right also means getting the digital piece right, something that is proving tough for many insurers
Despite destruction, low penetration means low insured losses after typhoon Haiyan
November 13, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterInsured losses from super typhoon Haiyan are expected to be minimal because of low non-life insurance penetration, “significantly less than 1% of gross domestic product,” according to a new briefing from rating agency A.M. Best. The firm notes one preliminary…
Commercial p&c pricing in U.S. steady in third quarter, some brokers reporting addition of wind/hail deductibles
October 30, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterIndications that the commercial property/casualty market in the United States was hardening have tapered off, with pricing in 2013 Q3 similar to the second quarter of the year, reports the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB). “The market looked…