System Breakdown: shortage of “e-covers”
August 1, 2001 George Cooke and Anne MacKenzie of Dominion of Canada General InOne of the biggest challenges insurers face is dealing with the non-tangible and borderless world of e-commerce. Reinsurers have already imposed strict cover limitations, and insurers are finding it extremely difficult to offer their customers effective risk solutions. However, if the industry plans on retaining its customer base and growing it as the business environment increasingly moves toward e-commerce, then cyber risk solutions will have to be found.
U.S. insurers suffer heavy cat toll
August 1, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterProperty and casualty insurers incurred US$4.4 billion in catastrophe-related property losses for the second quarter to end June this year, according to the Insurance Service’s Office (ISO). The nine catastrophic events, of which two storms generated more than US$1 billion…
Managing Global Risks: Running for Cover
August 1, 2001 Vikki SpencerAn earthquake in Peru. The fall of the argentinean economy. tropical storm allison strikes several american states. Political tensions flare in the middle east. for the average canadian, these events seem a world away, having little impact on day-to-day life. But, for the average canadian company, these events can have a profound effect on the bottom-line. With the growth of canadian exports and domestic companies stretching their wings to establish operations beyond the border, managing these new international risks is a minefield of potential losses. and, with insurance rates hardening on a global scale and few companies willing to offer bundled international coverage, today’s corporate risk managers could find themselves scrambling for cover.
U.S. insurers suffer heavy cat toll for second quarter
July 20, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterProperty and casualty insurers incurred US$4.4 billion in catastrophe-related property losses for the second quarter to end June this year, according to the Insurance Service’s Office (ISO).The nine catastrophic events, of which two storms generated more than US$1 billion in…
Swiss Re enters into unique "risk swap" agreement
July 12, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterSwiss Re, the parent company of Swiss Re Canada, has entered into a unique "risk swapping" agreement with Japanese insurer Tokio Marine and Fire, through Tokio Millennium Re of Bermuda. The catastrophe risk swapping deal, worth US$450 million covers losses…
Chubb, Allstate tally Allison losses
July 11, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterBoth Chubb and Allstate recently announced estimated catastrophe losses for the second quarter of 2001, predicting a heavy hit from Tropical Storm Allison. The Chubb Corporation (NYSE: CB) reports an estimated US$80 million in pre-tax cat losses, equaling US$0.29 per…
Reinsurance Trends: Steady as It Goes
July 1, 2001 Vikki SpencerCanadian Underwriter Magazine recently asked Tom Hopkinson, the CEO of Guy Carpenter’s Canadian operations, to share his observations on the trends that affected treaty reinsurance year-end renewals, and his expectations for the upcoming season’s negotiations. According to Hopkinson, while reinsurance…
Canadian reinsurers: AT PURGATORY’S GATE
July 1, 2001 Sean van Zyl, EditorLast year may have been a period in “hell” for global reinsurers. after seven consecutive years of declining rate adjustments spurred by weak market conditions, reinsurers were struck a double whammy of soaring catastrophic losses and a sudden reduction in retrocession capacity. action had to be taken, and was taken with treaty renewal rates rising around the globe. However, if last year was “hell”, then this year the industry must face “purgatory”, where the sins of the past will be tested against the resolve of reinsurers to implement the necessary premium rate adjustments desperately needed to regain profitability.
WHAT COMES AROUND…
July 1, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterThe reason for cyclical rate peaks and valleys in the international insurance and reinsurance market always comes down to the issue of supply.; By Glenn McGillivray, assistant vice president & head of corporate communication at Swiss Reinsurance Co. Canada
Raising th Bottom-Line through subrogation efficiency
July 1, 2001 Michael Baumel, head of global subrogation at GE ERCThe area of subrogation is a necessary part of the claims process, one which is often overlooked or under-utilized by the primary insurer. A poor or effective claims management approach to subrogation can mean the difference of millions of dollars to the bottom-line. Faced with the current business climate, can insurers afford financial spillage?
Future for insurance risk securitizations immense
July 1, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterA recently released Swiss Re Sigma report titled “Capital Market Innovation in the Insurance Industry” suggests that the value of alternative risk securitization solutions will increase tenfold by 2010. The report notes that approximately US$12.6 billion has been funneled into…
Flying High Against Diversity
July 1, 2001 Vikki SpencerIn a time when insurers are cutting costs, including those associated with claims handling, it is difficult to say any adjuster is “flying high”. But Keith Edwards is one exception. Not only will he take over as president of the Canadian Independent Adjusters Association (CIAA) this year, but the licensed pilot also has high hopes for his profession. Edwards says this time of “belt tightening” is an opportunity for independents to prove their efficiency and expertise.