Latest Trends Headlines
All the headlines from our Trends Topic Page, ordered by recency.
Rockwood Decreases Agent E&O Rates in Massachusetts, California, Texas
May 7 2013 // Rockwood Programs has implemented underwriting guideline changes to its P&C Agents E&O program. The modifications will result in a rate decrease in the states of California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Texas. The...
Commercial Rates Up 5% in April; Berkshire Move Could Affect Market: MarketScout
May 7 2013 // Property, casualty and professional liability insurance rates were up five percent in April, according to MarketScout’s most recent composite index. That matches the increase for March. Commercial property and...
Most Carriers Provide Training on Selling Online: Survey
May 6 2013 // A two-thirds majority of independent insurance agents say their carriers are providing them with training and consulting on how to use their agency websites to increase sales, a new survey reveals. The annual survey of...
Jimcor’s Mastowski on the Market and the Future of MGAs
May 6 2013 // The incoming president of the American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) is no newcomer to insurance. He has some 40 years of experience under his belt. Frank Mastowsi founded his family-run managing general...
Economic Survey Index: Growth Slows in Midwest, Plains States
May 2 2013 // A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwest and Plains states dipped for the second consecutive month in April, but the survey’s organizer said the index indicates slow growth for the region in the coming three...
SNL: E&S Premiums Up in 2012; Top 30 Carriers Ranked
May 2 2013 // Excess and surplus lines premiums in the U.S. were up for a second consecutive year in 2012, rising 10.8 percent to $25.44 billion, and grew at a faster rate than in 2011, according to SNL Financial. Not too long ago —...
Weather Service Drops Fargo, North Dakota Flood Prediction Again
Apr 30 2013 // A Red River flood that a week ago was predicted to challenge the record is now unlikely to reach the 100,000-plus sandbags and the miles of clay levees built for defense, Fargo, N.D., officials said on April 29. The...
Storm Costs Driving Up New Jersey Auto Insurance Rates
Apr 30 2013 // Losses from previous storms are helping to drive up New Jersey’s auto insurance rates, which are already the highest in the nation. The Record newspaper reports the state approved increases for 26 insurance companies...
Most-Used Excuses for Getting Out of Traffic Tickets: Survey
Apr 29 2013 // Plead ignorance. That’s the most-used excuse when drivers are pulled over for a traffic violation, according to Insurance.com’s new “Ticketmasters” survey. Among people who said they have used...
Report: 32 Massachusetts Workers Died on the Job in 2012
Apr 28 2013 // Labor and worker rights activists are honoring 32 workers who died on the job last year. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health released a report on April 25...
Chubb Q1 Profit Rises 30% to $656M; CEO Says ‘Market Remains Firm’
Apr 26 2013 // Chubb Corp. reported on Thursday $656 million net income for its 2013 first quarter, an increase of 29.6 percent compared to $506 million income reported during the first quarter of 2012. The insurer of businesses and...
Best Affirms Platinum Underwriters and Subs Ratings; Outlook Stable
Apr 26 2013 // A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and its strategic affiliate, Platinum...
Most Americans Say Flood Insurance is Important But Don’t Buy It: Survey
Apr 25 2013 // More than four in five Americans (81 percent) know that a standard homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t cover flood damage, but even so the vast majority of homeowners do not purchase flood insurance. A 2012...
W.R. Berkley Posts $116M Q1 Profit, Sees Continuing Pricing Momentum
Apr 24 2013 // W.R. Berkley Corp. reported on Tuesday $116.62 million net income for its 2013 first quarter, representing a 13.6 percent decline compared to $135.32 million income reported during the first quarter of 2012. Net premiums...
Travelers Q1 Profit Up 11% to $896M; CEO Says ‘We Will Keep Going’ on Rate Hikes
Apr 24 2013 // The Travelers Companies Inc. on Tuesday reported $896 million net income for its 2013 first quarter, an increase of 11 percent compared to $806 million income reported during the first quarter of 2012. Travelers said the...
Most Carriers Offer Agents Training Opportunities for Online Sales: Survey
Apr 23 2013 // A two-thirds majority of independent insurance agents say their carriers are providing them with training and consulting on how to use their agency websites to increase sales. This is one of the findings in a new survey of...
Directors, Officers Face Increased Scrutiny: Willis/Allen & Overy Survey
Apr 23 2013 // “The threat of regulatory investigations and enquiries, criminal penalties, along with anti-corruption legislation, are among the top concerns for directors and officers,” according to a new survey conducted by...
Aon Global Risk Management Survey Highlights ‘Top 10’ Risks for 2013 & 2016
Apr 23 2013 // “Risk leaders are struggling to identify and manage the major risks facing their organizations,” according to the biannual Aon Global Risk Management Survey released by Aon Risk Solutions, the global risk...
Oklahoma Flood Insurance Rate Increases in October
Apr 22 2013 // The Oklahoma Department of Insurance says flood insurance administered by the National Flood Insurance Program is set to increase rates for new and renewal policies effective Oct. 1. Flood insurance is offered to...
