News

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) this month published research studies on both windstorm and earthquake events.The first study, by Alan Davenport, looks at the relationship between quake magnitude, epicentral distance and shock amplitude. The study assesses the application…

With the 2005 sunset deadline for the U.S. federal government terrorism backstop fast approaching, commercial brokers are urging legislators to extend the program.In a survey of its members, the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB) found 80% want to…

After three years of sharp price increases, auto insurance rates in the U.S. are expected to rise just 3.5% in 2004, says the Insurance Information Institute (III).However, certain states may not see this leveling trend, such as Florida, Massachusetts and…

Insurance brokers are pleased with two federal budget announcements which they say will promote continuing education and help small businesses. The Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC), reacting to the budget handed down by Prime Minister Paul Martin and announced…

U.S. property and casualty insurers will post a combined ratio of 98.0% for 2003, 6.9% better than 2002, says Fitch Ratings. Return on equity was up to 11.6% last year from 6.5% the year prior.The rating agency looked at 55…

Following shareholder support, and settlement of a shareholder lawsuit, the Travelers-St. Paul merger is set to take place April 1, the companies announce.Shareholders had approved the merger two weeks ago, with regulators following suit. The new company, St. Paul Travelers,…

Signs of recovery are evident, but problems linger for European non-life insurers and reinsurers, says Fitch Ratings.The rating agency is continuing its stable outlook for non-life insurers in most European countries, noting operating results should continue to improve over the…

A group of U.S. businesses are joining together under the mantle of the Chamber of Commerce to fight against global forum shopping.The practice, whereby plaintiffs seek to find any possible link to allow a case to be tried in a…

The world’s second-largest reinsurer, Swiss Re, posted net income of CHF 1.7 billion (Cdn $1.77 billion) for 2003, with the property and casualty segment reporting a solid combined ratio of 98.4%, almost 6% less than 2002.Premium income was up 16%…

A new study by Standard & Poor’s Risk Solutions suggests credit risk management is drawing the attention of banks worldwide.Following up on a 2001 survey, the survey focused on senior executives from more than 30 banks of various size and…

The long-awaited report on public auto insurance in New Brunswick will be released on April 2, says Elizabeth Weir, NDP member and chair of the “select committee on public automobile insurance”.Weir says the delay in producing the report comes as…

In response to urging from the Facility Association (FA), the Nova Scotia government has decided the industry’s pool for high-risk drivers will change its risk classification system at the same time the rest of the industry is required to do…