Allstate net income tumbles for third quarter after payouts for natural disasters

Following the $1.08 billion payout by Allstate Corp. for natural disaster claims, the net income for the company’s third quarter fell by 55 percent. Equally, the insurer also said that its investment results were better, and that its auto insurance segment profits assisted in offsetting some of the losses resulting from this year’s storms. Overall, it saw a $165 million net income, which translates to 32 cents per share, when compared with the figures in 2010 which were 68 cents per share and a net income of $367 million. Allstate…

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Insurer’s move away from RMS hurricane model amidst controversy

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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Cigna purchased HealthSpring Medicare provider in $3.8 billion deal

Cigna, a global health insurance company based in the U.S., has announced the acquisition of HealthSpring, a health insurer specializing in Medicare Advantage plans. Cigna is looking to expand its presence in the Medicare sector as well as its senior care services. The move may be inspired by an aging populace that will soon enter the ranks of seniority, enabling them to take advantage of new insurance plans. The acquisition is priced at $3.8 billion. HealthSprings serves more than 350,000 Medicare Advantage policyholders across 11 states. The insurer also boasts…

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Negotiations between states and banks may end in immunity for banks – insurance industry levies concerns

The mortgage crisis of 2008 played a major role in the economic recession of the same year. The effects of the recession are still felt to this day, despite reports of a recovering economy. In the wake of the recession, states and some of the largest banks and financial institutions in the U.S. have been negotiating on how to address future mortgage abuses. Those negations are rapidly reaching a climax. Representatives from states and banks are set to reach a deal by the end of this month. The deal, which…

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Discontented 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…

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