Towers Watson, a global professional services firm, has released a new report showing the rising prices in the commercial insurance industry. The report shows that commercial insurance prices have grown for the second consecutive year by an average of 2%. Property insurance and workers compensation are the two fields where the increases in pricing are most apparent. The property insurance market is being bolstered by a number of natural disasters that occurred throughout the year, which prompted insurers to raise rates and prices for new policies. While prices are rising,…
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Commercial and business insurance news is important for agents and company owners to keep on.
HHS upholds medical loss ratio provision, changes some aspects of the overarching law
Despite daunting opposition, the Department of Health and Human Services has remained firm on the medical loss ratio provision of the Affordable Care Act. The medical loss ratio provision requires that insurers pay no less than 80% of premium money on improving medical care. The provision has gained rabid opposition from the nation’s health insurance companies, who have been fighting to have administrative expenses and independent insurance broker fees removed from the mandate. The HHS, however, has issued a final ruling on the matter, claiming that most of the nation’s…
Read MoreFitch Ratings publishes its 2012 outlook report for American insurance brokers
Fitch Ratings has just announced the results of the analysis of their data for revenue and earnings increases for American insurance brokers in 2012, and that they have shown that their figures will likely equal or top those that were reported from January through September 2011. However, they also indicated that the basic nature of competition of the marketplace for property & casualty insurance, and the lukewarm recovery of the global economy will continue to provide a struggle for more significant growth and operating performance. Top-line increases may be able…
Read MoreFederal report shows that most insurers can meet the medical loss ratio requirement
The medical loss ratio provision of the Affordable Care Act, which requires insurers to spend at least 80% of the money they collect from premiums on improving medical care, is a source of constant controversy throughout the country. Insurers have claimed that the rule cripples their ability to remain financial solvent in the current economic climate. The Government Accountability Office has released a new report countering the claims from the insurance industry. The report shows that most all insurance companies in the U.S., both large and small, are able to…
Read MoreIncrease expected for commercial insurance rates
Though consumers have been seeing steady increases in rates for casualty, property, home, and auto insurance, companies have not seen any notable raises in their own insurance costs. Yet. The sensitivity of businesses to increases for insurance rates runs much deeper, and some new competition has brought some of the business for commercial insurance to Canada. Those two factors have allowed the price of those plans and policies to remain relatively steady over the last few years. However, according to RSA Canada’s chief executive, Rowan Saunders, this trend will not…
Read MorePenn State sex scandal may send ripples through the insurance industry
The recent sexual abuse allegations surrounding Pennsylvania State University have sparked concerns amongst insurers regarding risk. While most of the attention regarding the situation has been aimed on those responsible, insurers have been considering what to do to account for the risk and liability that seems to be inseparable with state universities. Moody’s Investor Services Inc., a ratings agency based in New York, has said that the damage to the university’s reputation may take years to repair. The agency has said that it is considering lowering Penn State’s bond rating,…
Read MoreNationwide Insurance reports losses in the third quarter due to natural disasters and poor investment results
Nationwide Insurance has reported its third quarter financial results for this year. The report details a turbulent third quarter, which has been wracked by severe storms and other natural disasters along with costly investment mishaps. Overall, the report shows that the insurer has lost billions in investments and millions in claims relating to storm damage. While Nationwide has an optimistic outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year, there can be no doubt that recent events will encourage changes to be made to the company’s policies. Nationwide reports that its…
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