Claims

U.S. insurance industry turns to catastrophe bonds

In the wake of the worldwide surge in natural catastrophes over the past few years, the insurance industry is turning more frequently to catastrophe bonds, according to a Standard & Poor’s report.The bonds are designed to mitigate the catastrophe risk in insurer and reinsurer portfolios by shifting a portion of it to the capital markets. […]

By Canadian Underwriter | March 16, 2006

2 min read

Thousands of claims follow U.S. Midwest tornadoes

Tornadoes that recently hit a number of Midwest states have already resulted in thousands of insurance claims.Preliminary numbers indicate approximately 100 storms struck Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, causing less than 12 deaths. The National Weather Service has not confirmed the actual number of tornadoes to hit the region.A current tally indicates that that […]

By Canadian Underwriter | March 16, 2006

1 min read

Converium reports profitable year

Converium Holding AG has seen a profitable year, reporting a net profit of US$68.7 million for 2005 following a reported loss of US$582.5 million for 2004.Weather-related losses including hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma as well as the European floods, and winter storm Erwin contributed to a pre-tax loss of US$164.8 million. While the severe claims […]

By Canadian Underwriter | March 15, 2006

1 min read

U.S. regulators strike task force on climate change

A new task force of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in the United States is working to increase awareness of climate change in the industry, A.M. Best reports.Nebraska Insurance Commissioner Tim Wagner, co-head of the task force, notes the group is starting up at a time when climate change is a leading concern of […]

By Canadian Underwriter | March 14, 2006

2 min read