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…

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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…

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Investors call for private sector to mobilize against climate change

Despite controversy, the issue of climate change is gaining serious momentum with various industries. During a session of the United Nations last week, a group of investors with a collective $26 trillion under management, took a stand on the issue, claiming that the private sector needs to be more involved in protecting the environment and that no singular government can solve the problem. The collective group is comprised of insurance professionals, government officials and business leaders from all over the world. Few governments have taken the issue of climate change…

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Connecticut looks to strengthen its defense against natural disasters with new legislation

Connecticut’s governor, Dannel Malloy, has announced that he will be introducing new legislation that could establish new performance standards for the state’s utilities companies. These new standards would require utilities companies to adopt more assertive practices in the event of natural disasters and other emergency situations. The recent spate of catastrophes in the U.S. has led to the formation of the legislation, especially as insurers warn that disasters could have significant and long lasting effects on the state’s economy. Hurricane Irene struck the state in April last year, causing significant…

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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…

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