Hurricane risk models were a popular subject for insurers this week during the annual meeting of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. Earlier in the year, risk modeling agency Risk Management Solutions (RMS) introduced revisions to its U.S. hurricane model. The changes generated some controversy when they were first announced, but have since become an all-encompassing issue for property insurers in coastal regions. These insurers expressed their discontent for the new model during the meeting, citing multiple factors that have made it more costly to do business in the…
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Study suggests recovery for independent insurance agents and brokers
A new study from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), the largest insurance agent and broker association in the U.S., brings some good news regarding the state of the nation’s independent agencies. The 2011 Best Practices Study outlines the organic growth that is currently moving throughout the industry. The study notes that 2010 was a year of promising growth and that the trend has continued throughout this year as well. The IIABA says that independent agencies are showing real signs of recovery for the first time since…
Read MoreFederal regulators seek public commentary on insurance regulations
The Federal Insurance Office is nearing the end of a lengthy study of current and pending insurance regulations. The study, which was spawned from last year’s Dodd-Frank financial reform bill, will come to an end in January of 2012, at which time federal regulators will release the findings to the public. The results of the study has the insurance industry on the edge of its seat as the study may determine the fate of future regulations that could requires insurers to make vast changes to their business strategies and practices.…
Read MoreDiscontented Occupy Wall Street protesters may soon target the insurance industry
Views on the Occupy Wall Street protests vary depending on which news medium is presenting the issue. Some call the protest a meager gathering of discontented hipsters, while others claim it as a full-fledged revolution that will change the foundation of the nation’s financial industry. Whatever the case may be, the protest continues to generate a great deal of hype and has begun attracting the attention of other industries. The insurance industry, in particular, may be a target as many people see the industry as being at fault for the…
Read MoreAllstate acquires Esurance and Answer Financial for $1 billion
In another of Allstate Corp’s efforts to become a larger part of the online insurance marketplace for consumers who prefer to use the internet for their insurance transactions, the company has acquired Answer Financial and Esurance from White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. for $1 billion. Allstate, a leading national home and auto insurance company based in Northbrook, has stated that it will be maintaining the Esurance headquarters in San Francisco, and that Answer Financial will remain in Los Angeles. As a result of this deal for the online auto insurance…
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