Natural catastrophes (Nat Cats)
Insurer stocks dipped ahead of Hurricane Sandy landfall
Stocks for European insurers, including Allianz SE and Zurich Insurance Group, fell on Monday as the US prepared for Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to cause $5bn-$10bn in insured losses, according to modelling firm Eqecat.
Guy Carpenter probes causes of Thailand flood losses
Guy Carpenter has published an in-depth review of the meteorological and man-made factors that contributed to the 2011 Thailand flood catastrophe and resulting insured losses, estimated at between $15bn and $20bn.
Aon Benfield launches Thailand flood model
Global broker Aon Benfield has launched a flood model for Thailand to help global insurers better understand their exposures in the region.
US homeowners batten down the hatches as Hurricane Sandy nears
Risk modelling experts predict mass damage to properties and widespread power outages across New York City when Hurricane Sandy hits the east coast of the US today.
Europe's climate change risks in the spotlight
Natural catastrophes and disasters are an important area of research and development in the insurance world, says BrokersLink's Paul Bitner.
Aspen insurance segment drives GWP growth
Aspen has reported a 12.7% increase in gross written premium in the third quarter to $558.4m, the majority of the growth resulting from a 36.2% increase in the insurance segment.
Editor's comment: Causing tremors in the industry
You don’t have to look far for evidence that a ‘blame culture’ is spreading in our society, but there are surely few examples as alarming as the manslaughter convictions of six Italian scientists who failed to predict that a deadly earthquake would…
Asia View from the Top: Are we ready for a perfect storm in China?
The recent development trend in the insurance market in China has generated new challenges for the insurance market. But by no exaggeration, it could be a 'perfect storm' to reshape the industry.
Hiscox appoints head of catastrophe research and two trainees
Hiscox has appointed Dr Richard Dixon as group head of catastrophe research, and expanded the London Market reinsurance team with two recruits.
Hiscox names catastrophe research lead
Hiscox has swooped to appoint a group head of catastrophe research, as well as adding two to its Lloyd's non-marine team.
BrokersLink offers supply chain risk advice
International broker network BrokersLink has launched a supply chain risk management service for its members.
Indonesia or bust?
Indonesia offers considerable opportunities for foreign insurers, but the market is not without challenges.
Italy - land of opportunities
Recent research shows that car insurance in Italy costs five times the European average, underinsurance is rife and the government is scaling back on its intervention. Liz Booth investigates whether there are any opportunities for foreign insurers.
Risk managers urged to heed climate change
The human impact on the environment has been a major factor in a quintupling of weather-related loss events in North America during the past three decades, according to Munich Re.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past ten days.
Thai floods: Lessons learnt
The floods that hit Thailand last year devastated the country and its economy. They also hit insurers hard in the pocket. Now the industry must make sure it is not caught by surprise again.
RMS and NMB in catastrophe modelling partnership
Catastrophe modelling firm RMS and independent Lloyd's broker Newman Martin and Buchan have entered into a long-term partnership for modelling and data analytics.
Kalista offers parametric catastrophe trigger for property
Bermuda-based Kalista Global has launched a property insurance product ahead of the January renewals with specific parametric catastrophe triggers to ensure savings.
September floods to cost Asia nearly $8bn
Asia is facing economic losses of nearly $8bn after heavy flooding throughout September, according to a catastrophe report by Aon Benfield.
Economic loss from Asia flooding nears $8bn
Flooding in Asia, and particularly China, has generated economic losses of more than $7.5bn, according to Aon Benfield.
Q&A with Lloyd's' Enrico Bertagna
Lloyd's Italy country manager Enrico Bertagna discusses the impact of recession, the country's growth sectors, and why he believes natural catastrophe provision in Italy needs a major overhaul.
Air Worldwide expands in Asia-Pacific with Singapore office
Air Worldwide is opening an office in Singapore to meet the expanding needs of clients in the Asian insurance market.
Hannover Re develops reinsurance for Ukraine market
German insurer Hannover Re has developed a bespoke reinsurance programme for the Ukranian market, according to a report by Romania-based news agency Xprimm.
European floods: keeping the funds flowing
Floods are an on-going threat for Europe, yet the approach to insuring and recovering from them is wide and varied. Francesca Nyman investigates how Europe is tackling the issue and what the future is likely to bring.