Natural catastrophes (Nat Cats)
Reinsurance aids Beazley's "modest" GWP growth
Beazley has reported that its gross written premium increased by two per cent to $1.35 bn (£840.7 m) in the first nine months of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 (2009: $1.33 bn).
Amlin posts 39% GWP surge
Specialist insurer and reinsurer Amlin has recorded a 39% increase in gross written premium for the 10 months ended 31 October despite a “mixed” trading environment.
Markel International combined ratio slips to 99% following H1 losses
Markel International has reported gross written premiums of $574.0 m for the nine months to 30 September 2010, compared to $510.0 m for the same period in 2009.
Aon: Solvency II Nat Cat predictions ignore 15 years of evolution
Natural catastrophe calculations are ignoring 15 years of critical evolution under the currently proposed Solvency II Standard Formula, which could lead to higher capital requirements for insurers when the regulation comes into force.
Swiss Re almost doubles Q3 profit and terminates Berkshire Hathaway loan
Swiss Re reported third-quarter net income of $618m, compared to $314m in the prior-year period.
Environmental liability - Toxic sludge: No fudge over sludge
The recent high profile toxic sludge incident in Hungary has been described as a 'tragedy' by the country's government. Ralph Savage reports how experts from the rural insurance and legal communities and further afield are assessing the situation.
Technology - Catastrophe claims: Reaching high expectations
Although insurers cannot consider catastrophe events routine, by using the latest technology they can make proactive claims management a reality, argues Laura Drabik.
Am Best revises Hannover Re rating
AM Best Europe has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the ratings of Hannover Re and its related debt issues and rated subsidiaries.
Paraline considers acquisitions and hires following launch
New Lloyd's venture Paraline has pledged to expand its geographical reach and range of products following its official launch last week.
Major loss: Repair or replace?
When a business suffers an unexpected catastrophe, Veronica Cowan looks into the decision making behind the option to repair or replace damaged premises, stock or machinery.
Hannover Re subsidiary anticipates stable prices in Germany
E+S Rück, which bears responsibility for German business within the Hannover Re Group, is predicting a stable environment in Germany in 2011.
Hannover Re subsidiary anticipates stable prices in Germany
E+S Rück, which bears responsibility for German business within the Hannover Re Group, is predicting a stable environment in Germany in 2011.
Exclusive content now available on Post Europe
Post Europe’s weekly update is now live with a look at cross-boarder technology, as well as a View from the Top opinion on how governments should support insurers efforts to deal with natural perils.
Post Europe, View from the Top: Getting wet feet is not enough
The events of summer 2010 made all too evident the dramatic consequences that global warming can have: the heat wave in Russia and the monsoon rains in Pakistan are extreme events that take place only very rarely.
Marine - Post IUMI: Missing the boat?
A successful IUMI conference gave marine insurers plenty to mull over, reports Eric Alexander, not least the shocking statistic that hull insurance has been at a technical loss for the past 14 years.
IUA embraces impact of catastrophe modelling on insurance industry
The London market is developing an increasingly sophisticated catastrophe modelling community as companies look to support their operations with the latest techniques and research.
Country report: Mexico - An impact felt 25 years later
Though lessons have been learned since the Michoac√°n earthquake, many buildings in Mexico City remain at great risk, write Tao Lai, Khoshrow Shabestari and Vineet Katiyar.
Exposure management: Forewarned is forearmed
Suki Basi argues that further market transparency is necessary in order to deliver improved exposure management
Monte Carlo roundtable: State of play
Mairi Mallon leads proceedings at the annual PricewaterhouseCoopers-sponsored Reinsurance roundtable at the Monte Carlo Rendezvous, where industry experts gathered to talk about the industry's hot topics.
Case managers: Servants of too many masters?
Andrew Underwood looks at the role played by clinical case managers in the claims process for seriously injured patients and suggests how the system could be improved to benefit claimants.
AM Best commentary: Keeping the balls in the air
While hardly a vintage year for the general insurance sector, 2009 did see an overall improvement due to investment earnings - but, says Catherine Thomas this year is unlikely to match up.
Communicable diseases: Vaccinating the industry
Jeremy Golden highlights the growing problem worldwide of infectious diseases and how it will affect the outlook of reinsurance.
Monte Carlo preview - Destination: Monaco
Reinsurers viewing customers as commodities - Barbican.
News analysis: H1 reinsurer results slump
Bermudan reinsurers recorded huge drops in profits following heavy claims from the catastrophes experienced in the first half of the year, though elsewhere some reinsurers fared better, writes Katherine Blackler.