WillisWire report highlights the emerging risks facing the global insurance industry

The global insurance industry has been facing many threats in recent years, the majority of which coming from unpredictable natural disasters. The world is changing at a rapid pace in terms of technology, environment and crime and as each of these fields advances, new threats emerge that could destabilize the industry as a whole. Willis Group Holdings, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, has launched a new website that seeks to document these risks. The site is called WillisWire and will play host to a number of surveys and…

Read More

Federal Insurance Office report could have far reaching implications for state-based insurance regulations

The Federal Insurance Office (FIO) is scheduled to release a report at the end of the month that will have a dramatic impact on how insurance regulations are formed in the U.S. The agency, which is part of the Department of Treasury, has been working with insurers, consumer advocates and legal representative to determine how to modernize existing regulations. Insurers are eagerly anticipating the report as it may bring major changes to how the industry operates. The FIO expects that consumers may find favor with the report because it advises…

Read More

Homeowners should expect their insurance rates to rise

Many of the largest homeowners insurance providers in the country, including Travelers, Allstate, and State Farm, will be increasing their rates this year following losses in 2011 that were far greater than had been predicted by the industry. The second biggest homeowners insurance company in the United States, Allstate, has already announced that it will be boosting its rates by 5.6 percent between now and September 30, 2012. They have also indicated that policyholders should expect other increases, as well. Travelers has also discussed the increases that will be experienced…

Read More

Department of Health and Human Services seizes control of rate review process in Arizona

Arizona insurance companies are falling prey to federal insurance regulators as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seizes control of the rate review process in the state. Last year, federal regulators began reviewing rates proposals from a company that sought approval for a 40% increase. Regulators decried this as one of the most unreasonable rate proposals they had seen since the passing of the Affordable Care Act and have vowed to fully investigate proposals coming from 32 other health insurance companies. Federal regulators will be reviewing any proposal…

Read More

A.M. Best report shows the potential for growth seen in the Indian insurance market

 A new report from A.M. Best, a global insurance rating company, shows that the insurance market of India is poised for major growth. This potential for growth is, however, offset significant challenges facing the insurance industry. The report, titled “Growth Anticipated for Indian Insurers, But Frustrations Remain”, indicates that the nation’s insurance industry will benefit from a growing middle class and economic growth in numerous industries. The report also highlights the shortcomings of the nation’s auto insurance market, which has become quite volatile as more people have begun driving. The…

Read More