What’s New: In Brief (November 12, 2009)

Insurance adjusters will be centre stage when Showcase, a Canadian network, airs its first-ever, hour-long commissioned drama series Cra$h & Burn.Premiering on Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. (eastern/pacific time), the series follows the life of “street-wise” insurance adjuster Jimmy Burn, played by Luke Kirby, “as he navigates the crooked corporate world of big insurance while taking down the con artists that make a living claim by claim in a city-wide organized crime ring,” Showcase’s Web site says.Information on the show, including an episode guide and trailer can be found at: http://www.crash-and-burn.com/

Paris Re has reported a net IFRS loss of US$6.8 million for 2009 Q3, marking a drop from 2008 Q3’s net IFRS profit of US$27.4 million.Net earned premium decreased 9% in the quarter, from US$333.7 million in 2008 Q3 to US$303.5 million in 2009 Q3.Net underwriting income was US$25.4 million in 2009 Q3, marking an increase from the underwriting loss of US$78.1 million during the same period of last year.The reinsurer’s loss ratio decreased from the 105.6% reported in 2008 Q3 to 77.6% in 2009 Q3.Its combined ratio also dropped from 135.1% in 2008 Q3 to 100.5% quarter-over-quarter.