Latest Market Headlines

All the headlines from our Market Topic Page, ordered by recency.

Maintain a Clean Image

Dec 6 2004 // Data on damages from the four hurricanes that hit the southeast shows that records have been broken, but human actions are causing more and longer-term damage.Speakers representing the insurance industry and insurance...

Ala., Ga., La. Commissioners Discuss Untangling the Regulatory Environment

Dec 6 2004 // In times of disaster the insurance industry is supposed to shine, and your industry did,” Alabama Insurance Comm-issioner Walter A. Bell commented during a panel discussion at the Society of Insurance Research annual...

Oklahoma Looks Ahead, Celebrates Those Who Served Before

Dec 6 2004 // With any luck, by the time you read this, it will be out of date. Why? I hope Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry will have appointed a new insurance commissioner for the Sooner State.One thing that will not change regardless of when...

Is it Time to Sell the Agency’ Three Factors to Help You Decide ….

Dec 6 2004 // Many owners have at one time or another thought about selling their insurance agency or brokerage. Many were tempted but never quite took the plunge. Those who didn’t sell most likely were making too much money at...

Nonprofits’ Insurance Alliance of California Celebrates 15 Years

Dec 6 2004 // Nonprofits’ Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC), a nonprofit, charitable risk pool specializing in 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. NIAC, based in Santa Cruz, Calif.,...

Best Study Finds P/C Industry “Well Capitalized;” 21.8% Increase in Surplus

Dec 6 2004 // A special report released by A.M. Best Co. cites “vastly improved operating earnings” recorded in 2003 and a considerable boost from unrealized capital gains, as fueling a 21.8 percent increase in the U.S....

Pickens: Despite Media Images Good Things Are Happening in Iraq

Dec 6 2004 // In late October 2004, Insurance Journal had the opportunity to speak with Arkansas Insurance Commissioner and former president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Mike Pickens about the time he spent in...

Fla. Subpoenas Marsh & McLennan; Reviewing State Agencies’ Contracts

Dec 6 2004 // In an effort to obtain a better look at insurance contracts with state agencies and any impact on public dollars, Tom Gallagher, Florida Chief Financial Officer, has subpoenaed Marsh & McLennan to obtain documents...

Fla. Workers’ Compensation Rules Repealed; Little Effect Expected on Insurance Industry

Dec 3 2004 // The Florida Supreme Court yesterday decided that it lacked jurisdiction and repealed recent changes in Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Rules, but according to knowledgeable industry experts, the action should...

Speakers Highlight Problems Faced in 2004; Goals for 2005 at IBC Annual General Meeting

Dec 2 2004 // The members who attended the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s annual general meeting yesterday, Dec.1, heard President and CEO Stan Griffin describe a difficult year for the country’s insurers, followed by outgoing...

S&P Reports First Half Results in Japan’s P/C Sector Show Companies Still Under Pressure

Nov 30 2004 // Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has issued a report noting that Japanese non-life insurance companies recently released results of for the first half of fiscal 2004, which indicate that underwriting...

Lockyer Subpoenas Safeco Corp.

Nov 24 2004 // California Attorney General Bill Lockyer subpoenaed Seattle-based property/casualty insurer Safeco Corp. in connection with his investigation into bid rigging and price fixing in the insurance industry, according to...

Best Affirms Korean Re ‘A-‘ Rating

Nov 23 2004 // A.M. Best Co. announced that it has affirmed the financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) of Korean Reinsurance Company with a stable outlook.“The rating reflects the company’s continuous...

Action Needed to Address State-Based Insurance Regulation

Nov 22 2004 // With the latest insurance industry market conduct problem, consumers once again see not only the failure of state insurance regulation to protect them but the refusal of state insurance regulators to take responsibility...

Pickens: Despite Media Images Good Things Are Happening in Iraq

Nov 22 2004 // In late October 2004, Insurance Journal had the opportunity to speak with Arkansas Insurance Commissioner and former president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Mike Pickens about the time he spent in...

Insurers Pleased with Results of 2004 Federal and State Elections

Nov 22 2004 // While most folks are just happy the political advertisements are gone, Election Day 2004 did provide some results of interest to the insurance industry.President George W. Bush (R) was re-elected for a second term,...

R.I. OFFICIAL SEEKS BAN ON FEES:

Nov 22 2004 // In the wake of the ongoing insurance brokerage probe involving bid rigging and incentive payments, Rhode Island Secretary of State Matt Brown is proposing legislation to prohibit insurance industry “incentive...

Focus on the Future: Come 2014, Industry Should Look Very Familiar

Nov 22 2004 // PCI Execs Contend Current Players Will Adapt to Maintain AdvantagesTen years from now, some of the players within the property/casualty insurance industry will have changed but the industry itself will not look...

Action Needed to Address State-Based Insurance Regulation

Nov 22 2004 // With the latest insurance industry market conduct problem, consumers once again see not only the failure of state insurance regulation to protect them but the refusal of state insurance regulators to take responsibility...

Best Study Finds P/C Industry “Well Capitalized;” 21.8% Increase in Surplus

Nov 19 2004 // A special report released by A.M. Best Co. cites “vastly improved operating earnings” recorded in 2003 and a considerable boost from unrealized capital gains, as fueling a 21.8 percent increase in the U.S....