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Sompo’s James: Global Market Shows Signs of Equilibrium, Stability

There’s an understanding that reinsurers must make money and insurers must pay a reasonable amount for the protection they’re seeking, said Julian James, chief executive officer, global markets, Sompo International Commercial P&C. James spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

Munich Re’s Prussog: Reinsurance Role Change Is Rooted in Technology

With computing power increasing, a more comprehensive data set can be used to analyze and assess risks, said Carsten Prussog, chief executive, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands and Nordics, Munich Re. Prussog spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

Praedicat CEO: Data, Models, Experience Aid Casualty Risk Management

Praedicat President and CEO Robert Reville said the abundance of data and greater use of models and property catastrophe experience make it possible to manage new risks in better ways. He spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

Mt. Logan Re’s Modin: Investors Show Renewed Interest in ILS ID

Relative value investors come in and out of insurance-linked securities, while strategic investors consider ILS part of their long-term portfolio, said John Modin, president, Mt. Logan Re Ltd. Modin spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

Everest Group’s Andrade: Supply and Demand Gap, Pent-Up Demand to Drive Higher Prices

A sizable supply and demand gap lingers and pent-up demand from cedents continues to grow, which could result in terms and conditions remaining tight, said Everest Group President and Chief Executive Officer Juan Andrade. He spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

EY’s Santenac: Rendez-Vous Atmosphere Optimistic

Discussions have highlighted growth, acquisition and development of new products, solutions and opportunities, said Isabelle Santenac, global insurance leader, EY. Santenac spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

Howden Tiger’s Flandro: Capital Pathway, Collateralized Cover Drive Investor Changes

Attitude of investors is different from last cycle, as now capital largely goes through the ILS market while collateralized cover enters the market, said David Flandro, head of industry analysis and strategic advisory, Howden Tiger. He spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

Hiscox Re’s Reardon: ILS Market Is Still Rebalancing

While macroeconomic concerns about portfolios exist, the ILS market could have a new player, cyber, which has growth potential, rate adequacy and an attractive risk profile, said Kathleen Reardon, CEO, Hiscox Re & ILS. Reardon spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

AM Best Officers: Third-Party Assessments Can Help Insurers Evaluate MGAs

Successful managing general agents focus on underwriting, providing coverages and innovating, rather than simply promising their clients growth, said Matthew Mosher, president and CEO, AM Best Rating Services, and Andrea Keenan, EVP & chief strategy officer, AM Best. They spoke with AM Best TV at Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo.

Cyber Panel: Insurers, Reinsurers Think About Cyber Differently

A panel of industry experts at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo said a large gap remains between coverage needed and protection bought.

AM Best: Global Reinsurers Face Uncertainty Even as Conditions Improve

Optimism is being countered by an uncertain environment due to underwriting, economic, social and geopolitical factors, said Carlos Wong-Fupuy, senior director, AM Best.

Aon Edge CEO: Tropical Storm Hilary Underscores Importance of Flood Insurance

Aon Edge President and CEO John Dickson said the number of people impacted by Hilary is far greater than those reporting flood losses “because not enough people in the area were carrying critical insurance…just another example of the growing insurance gap in this country.”

EVs Make for Unique Coverage Challenges for Insurers

Sandee Perfetto, senior director, personal line coverage for products, Verisk, discusses the myriad of insurance risk differences between combustion engine automobiles and electric vehicles.

LIMRA-EY Study Finds Evolving Trends in Workplace

From adjusting to hybrid work to a new generation of employees, the future of work seems more uncertain than it was a few years ago. Chris Morbelli, EY Americas Life & Group Insurance transformation leader discusses the findings of a LIMRA-EY collaborative study that surveyed employees across industries and organization sizes.

Celent: Generative AI Is Game Changer for Insurers

Andrew Schwartz, insurance analyst at Celent, discusses a new company study on artificial intelligence that looks at the proliferation of the technology and how it is seeping into just about every facet of the insurance industry.

A Look Back: One Year After Hurricane Ian

Karthik Ramanathan, vice president and principal engineer, research and modeling, extreme event solutions team, and Steve Clarke, government relations, both from Verisk, dissect Florida’s deadliest hurricane since 1935 in search of answers as to what made Ian such a catastrophic event.

LIMRA’s Giesing: Annuity Sales Up 27% in First Half of 2023

Todd Giesing, assistant vice president, LIMRA Annuity Research, said total U.S. annuity sales climbed to $181.1 billion, setting a new record, in the first half of 2023, and LIMRA forecasts a strong second half of the year.

Voice of the Future

Alex Martin, CEO and co-founder of Clearspeed, the market leader in assessing risk in speech, said he sees voice technology as an important tool for insurers when it comes to the future of fraud detection.

Opportunity Abounds in E&S

Liz Kramer, newly appointed President of Excess and Surplus Lines, Munich Re Specialty Insurance, said the E&S market has almost doubled in the last four to five years.

Successful Environment

Jamie Langes, vice president underwriting officer environmental for Philadelphia Insurance Companies sand that when considering the different impacts of environmental liability from a cleanup perspective to bodily injury and property damage it's very unique.

HAI’s Malaspina: ‘Human Firewall’ Is Best Defense Against Cyberrisk

Ed Malaspina, chief executive officer and president, HAI Group, said the affordable housing sector is also vulnerable to cyberrisk. Malaspina spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

Kite Realty's Severson: Hurricanes, Carrier Restrictions Make Captives an Option for Property Risk

Theresa Severson, vice president of insurance and risk management, Kite Realty Group, said captives are considered good options for safety and benefits programs. Severson spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

Axa XL’s Bauman: Captive Insurers Play Role in Corporate Governance

Steve Bauman, global programs and captives director, Americas, Axa XL, said organizations face risk if their captives are noncompliant. Bauman spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

Vermont’s Bigglestone: Cells Offer Quicker Entry Into Captive Insurance

Sandy Bigglestone, deputy commissioner, Captive Insurance Division, Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, said the attractiveness of cells lies in their existing infrastructure. They can be used to test the climate before possibly transitioning to a single-parent captive. Bigglestone spoke with AM Best TV at the annual VCIA conference in Burlington.

Michigan's Piner Sees Captive Future in Cannabis, Auto, Life Sectors

David Piner director of the captive program, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, said Michigan's program is growing, with about $2.5 billion in premiums written last year. Premiums could exceed $3 billion by the end of 2023. Piner spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

Hawaii's Shimomoto: Japanese Companies Help Drive State's Captive Growth

Paul Shimomoto, president of the Hawaii Insurance Council, said the state hosts 40 Japanese-owned captives, with seminars planned for Tokyo and Osaka. Shimomoto spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

Missouri’s Komo: Construction Sector Shows Interest in Captive Insurance

Sam Komo, captive insurance manager, Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, said the state aims to implement technological changes to streamline premium tax and financial filings. Komo spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

Delaware's Taylor: IRS Focus on Small Captives Sparks Rise in Dissolution Requests

Stephen Taylor, Delaware's director of the Bureau of Captive and Financial Insurance Products, said certain proposed IRS rule requirements are considered overly broad. Taylor spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

VCIA's Mead: Vermont Captives Emerge as Option for International Risk

Vermont Captive Insurance Association President Kevin Mead said the association has conducted a trade mission in Mexico, with representatives from that country and others attending this year's VCIA conference, held in Burlington.

Tennessee's Wiedeman: Healthy Captives Are Well-Capitalized With Involved Boards

Mark Wiedeman, director, Captive Insurance Section, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, said the state recently licensed its 1,000th risk-bearing entity.

NC's Gorman: Legislation Set to Boost North Carolina's Captive Insurance Industry

Lori Gorman, deputy commissioner, N.C. Department of Insurance, said legislation to modify the state's Captive Insurance Act includes extending premium tax holiday provisions. Gorman spoke with AM Best TV at the annual VCIA conference in Burlington.

Utah's Wegkamp: State Simplifies Captive Formation, Adjusts Capitalization Requirements

Travis Wegkamp, director of captive insurance, Utah, said changes to the state's captive regulations are aimed at helping small- and medium-size businesses meet their risk needs.

AM Best Captive Insurance Panel: Rated Captives See Strong Performance

A panel of AM Best rating analysts at the Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference attributed rated captives' strong performance over the past five years to minimal volatility, improved combined ratio and operating performance.

Captive Expert Panel: Parametric Cover Gains a Foothold as Regulators, Others Adapt

AM Best's Fred Eslami said a limited number of rated captive insurers are employing parametric coverage. Panelists spoke with AM Best TV at the annual Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference in Burlington.

Vermont's Nevins: Latest Captive Regulatory Update Includes Strengthened Confidential

Brittany Nevins, captive insurance economic development director, Vermont, said regulators, associations and legislators meet regularly to fine-tune the state's captive laws.

AM Best: MENA Markets More Stable Despite Headwinds

With oil prices at a relatively high level and COVID-19 lockdowns ended, MENA regional insurance markets are showing strong growth, said Vasilis Katsipis, general manager, market development - MENA, South & Central Asia, AM Best.

Conning’s Citroen: Economy, Labor Drive Downtick in State Credit Quality Outlook

In its 2023 State of the States Municipal Credit Report, Conning shifted its outlook on state credit quality to “declining” from “stable.” States, however, are well equipped to weather an economic slowdown, said Conning’s Head of Municipal Research Karel Citroen.

AM Best: Workers' Compensation Remains a Profit Engine for P/C Industry

Workers’ compensation has been consistently more profitable than other P/C lines from 2012 to 2022 said AM Best Associate Director David Blades and Senior Industry Analyst Christopher Graham, referencing a new Best's Market Segment Report.

Munich Re: First-Half Convective Storms Cause $25 Billion in US Insured Loss

Meteorologist Mark Bove, senior vice president of natural catastrophe solutions, Munich Re, discusses what the greater intensity of storms is doing to the insurance industry, and what can be done to mitigate the losses.

Insurers Seek Claims Solutions

Maroun Mourad, president of Verisk Claims Solutions, explains how insurers continue to struggle with legacy technology when it comes to claims, and how a solution could be an interconnected claims ecosystem.

Amalgamated Life CEO: Despite Potential Recession, Market Poised for Growth

Paul Mallen, CEO and president of Amalgamated Life, sees continued need for group insurance, disability and other benefits, along with increased digital transformation to aid those markets.

First State for Captive

Stephen Taylor, Director of the Bureau of Captive & Financial Insurance Products, Delaware Department of Insurance, said the captive industry there is built on the "Delaware advantage."

Lessons of Inflation

Chris Donelan, CEO, Global Reinsurance Sompo International said the reinsurance industry was not expecting a housing material shortage, rising labor costs, chip shortages, and then unemployment at historical lows with almost 10% inflation all at once.

Pinnacle Scores Again

Roosevelt Mosley, Principal and Consulting Actuary with Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, said that from summary data, the company has the flexibility to add and use different characteristics of the road-level data to develop scores.

KCC's Clark: Linking ILS and Loss Warranty Transactions to 'Model Loss' Can Speed Resolutions

Karen Clark, co-founder, Karen Clark and Co., said that models can provide objective benchmarks rather than waiting for lengthy loss-reporting cycles.

III's Porfilio: Lightning Claim Payouts Struck $950 Million in 2022

Lightning claim totals dropped by almost two thirds in 2022 from 2020, and by nearly $500 million from 2021, said Dale Porfilio, chief insurance officer, Insurance Information Institute, and president, Insurance Research Council.

Ledger Investing's Shah: 'Cultural Inertia' Holding Back Growth in ILS

Samir Shah, CEO of Ledger Investing, said the casualty-focused insurance-linked securities sector is expected to grow.

North Dakota Regulator: AI to Evolve in Underwriting, but Not Cost Industry Jobs

Collaboration between insurers and regulators is key to better understanding the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the industry, said North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread.

ICMIF's Tarbuck: Upside of Retirement Is Making Way for New, Fresh Ideas

ICMIF Chief Executive Shaun Tarbuck said he will soon retire, and in November 2024 hand the leadership torch to current ICMIF Executive Vice President Liz Green.

FM Global’s Tofte: Denmark Retains Top Spot in Company’s Resilience Index

To improve resilience and mitigate risks such as geopolitical tension and natural catastrophes, business leaders must examine building locations and the impact of climate risk on those facilities, said Pentti Tofte, staff senior vice president, data analytics, FM Global.

AM Best: First Hard Market Cycle Brings a Return to Profitability for US Cyber Segment

Cyber coverage far outpaces the rest of commercial insurance, said Sridhar Manyem, AM Best senior director, Industry Research & Public Relations, and Senior Industry Analyst, Christopher Graham.

Allianz's Khanna: Report Shows Shipping Getting Safer

Rahul Khanna, global head of Marine Risk Consulting, Allianz, details the findings of a new report that shows the number of vessel losses was down 36% in 2022 and has decreased by 65% over a 10-year period.

Swiss Re’s Holzheu: Annual Premiums Needed to Close Protection Gaps

Thomas Holzheu, chief economist Americas, Swiss Re Institute, said that closing global protection gaps for natural catastrophes, crop, health insurance and mortality would require a record high $1.8 trillion in annual insurance premiums—a cumulative 20% rise since 2018.

Nationwide Report: Two-thirds of Small Business Owners Expect Recession in the Next Six Months

Tony Fenton, vice president of commercial lines, underwriting and product at Nationwide, discusses a new company survey that shows small and medium market business owners are increasingly worried about U.S. economic conditions

Sedgwick's North: Think About Claims From the Employer's Viewpoint

Dave North, executive chairman, Sedgwick, said one element of the firm's growth has been customizing programs that create better relationships between claimants and risk-takers.

Insurers Employing Technology to Combat Fraud

Brian Wilson, vice president, Special Investigations Unit, QBE North America, and Dan Gumpright, EVP, Product and Operations at DetectSystem, explain that insurers have kept up with tech-savvy fraudsters by deploying artificial intelligence to address a range of bogus schemes.

Data, Analytics Helping to Transform Insurer’s D&I Initiatives

Dianne Greene, Verisk's global head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, explains how qualitative data is helping to build trust as insurers broaden their programs and initiatives.

Americans Show High Level of Tolerance for Insurance Fraud

Shane Riedman, vice president and general manager of anti-fraud analytics for Verisk Claims Solutions discusses the findings of a new study on insurance fraud that shows the crime is perceived differently compared to other types of financial fraud.

J.D. Power Survey Shows Auto Insurer Customer Dissatisfaction

Mark Garrett, a director at J.D. Power, discusses a recent survey that shows the auto insurance industry and its customers are facing an unenviable situation: Many insurers are facing record‑high loss ratios, while many customers are seeing big rate increases. The price pressures are leading to big drops in satisfaction.

Conning CEO: Generali Investment Holdings To Acquire Conning

Cathay Life Insurance Co. Ltd. will contribute its ownership of Conning Holdings Ltd. and its three affiliates -- Octagon Credit Investors, Global Evolution and Pro-market -- in exchange for 16.75% ownership of GIH, said Woody Bradford, chief executive officer and chair of the Conning board.

Risk Panel: Organizations Should Share a Common Risk Framework

A panel of risk management experts at the IASA conference in Minneapolis said organizations must share a common perspective about their own risks and how to address them.

Insurance AUM's Foley: AI Set for Major Impact on Analytics, Risk Management

Stewart Foley, founder, Insurance AUM, sees a race shaping up with development applications, but warns that artificial intelligence can give incorrect results. Foley spoke with AM Best TV at the 2023 IASA Insurance Conference in Minneapolis.

PII's Esmond: AI Systems Must Build in Accountability

Truman Esmond, founder and CEO, Partnership for Insurance Information, said artificial intelligence processes can employ blockchain technology to give greater transparency into the results they generate. Truman spoke with AM Best TV at the 2023 IASA Insurance Conference in Minneapolis.

A Flood of Offerings

Neal Schmidt, Vice President of Underwriting, Specialty Property at Philadelphia Insurance Cos., said flood resilience is all about the ability to withstand and rapidly recover.

Impact of Inflation

Derek Freihaut, Principal and Consulting Actuary for Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, said that inflation in 2022 was particularly significant to many insurers because of the replacement costs of big-ticket items.

Optiv's Turgal: Cybersecurity Stakes Are Rising for Company Boards

James Turgal, vice president, Optiv, said proposed U.S. SEC regulations would expand cyber reporting requirements for leaders of publicly traded companies. Turgal spoke with AM Best TV at the 2023 IASA Insurance Conference in Minneapolis.

Thrivent's Tipton: NAIC Changes Could Alter How Insurers View Bond Investments

Tip Tipton, head of accounting policy, Thrivent, said U.S. insurance regulators are moving toward changes that would alter the way bonds and asset-backed securities are reported. Tipton spoke with AM Best TV at the 2023 IASA Insurance Conference in Minneapolis.

Panel: The Past Is No Longer a Reliable Predictor of Future Climate Events

A panel of climate experts at the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association conference in Minneapolis said financial incentives are important in encouraging the building of more resilient structures.

IASA's Crockett: Association Continues to Evolve, Broaden Reach

Kerry Crockett, CEO, Insurance Accounting and Systems Association, said the organization is moving from a sole focus on accounting and insurance, to a better connection with the broader community and creating content for a diverse audience.

Amwins’ Kurkowski: D&O Evolving as Society Changes

Jordan Kurkowski, executive vice president and professional lines specialist at Amwins Brokerage, said that directors and officers insurance has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, evolving alongside the regulatory and societal expectations such as ESG.

Sompo's Grabek: Risk Managers Seek Consistent International Coverage ID

Brian Grabek, executive vice president, Sompo International, said risk managers for multinational organizations must balance local compliance with organizational risk needs. Grabek spoke with AM Best TV at Riskworld, the RIMS 2023 annual conference.

QBE North America's Jones: AI Brings New Capabilities and Risks to Insurers

Todd Jones, CEO, QBE North America, said insurers must scrutinize implementations of artificial intelligence for safety and issues of safety and fairness. Jones spoke with AM Best TV at RIMS' Riskworld, held in Atlanta.

Hartford Financial's Scott: Auto Is Just the Start for Usage-Based Insurance

Matt Scott, head of innovation, Hartford Financial, said new usage-based systems will become more prevalent in commercial lines, including workers’ comp. Scott spoke with AM Best TV at RIMS' annual Riskworld conference, held in Atlanta.

Aspen's Savory: Casualty Underwriters Must Consider Legal Jurisdictions

Saadia Savory, vice president, excess casualty, Aspen Insurance, said recent punitive court awards show that social inflation remains a priority issue for insurers. Savory spoke with AM Best TV at RIMS' annual Riskworld conference, held in Atlanta.

Travelers Institute's Woodward: Insurers Should Offer Distracted Driving Policies

Joan Woodward, president, Travelers Institute, said the organization is working on programs that promote awareness of cyberrisk, worker health and more. Woodward spoke with AM Best TV at RIMS' Riskworld conference, held in Atlanta.

Capitola's Sivan: Insurers Must Improve Broker-Underwriter Communications

Sivan Iram, CEO of digital commercial risk marketplace Capitola, said communication between brokers and underwriters is made difficult by disparate systems and a deluge of information.

Nationwide's Iorio: Nuclear Verdicts Promote a Dangerous Settlement Cycle

Tom Iorio, executive vice president, Nationwide, said outsized verdicts can drive other insureds to seek earlier settlements, which in turn can encourage additional litigation. Iorio spoke with AM Best TV at RIMS' Riskworld, held in Atlanta.

Marsh's Stransky: Active Directory Hardening Reduces Likelihood of Cyber Hacking

Scott Stransky, managing director and head of the Cyber Risk Analytics Center at Marsh McLennan, said organizations without active directory hardening are more than five times more likely to have a cyber issue.

Munich Re’s Parisi: Data-Driven Underwriting Key to Sustainable Cyber Market

Bob Parisi, head of Munich Re F&C Cyber Solutions, North America, said artificial intelligence is an immediate threat to cybersecurity, and ransomware appears to be resurging.

Rhoads' Yu: Compliance Operations Can Be a Value Creator

Allister Yu, vice president of operations, Rhoads Online Institute, said organizations that focus on learning from their own information can become more efficient and make informed decisions.

Customer Experience Panel: Insurers Must Adapt to Digital Natives

Insurers at RIMS' annual Riskworld conference, held in Atlanta, said next-generation customer experience will combine data, technology and expertise to create tailored solutions.

AI Panel: Insurers Must Keep Control of Their Data

A panel of artificial intelligence and insurance experts said carriers should begin with a good understanding of their own data in order to leverage AI tools and in turn enhance customer experience and improve processes.

Panel: Future of Insurance Distribution Driven by Data, Access to C-Suite

Insurance distribution experts at RIMS' annual Riskworld conference in Atlanta, said organizations have learned that acquiring appropriate risk protection is boardroom responsibility.

Ken Griffin, Managing Director, Head of Insurance Solutions for Barings, said that while asset market values have declined, so has the market value of their liabilities.

Bank Failures Spark Concerns

Leah Savageau, senior fixed income research analyst who covers the banking sector for AAM said one of the bigger issues she’s noticed was more intense migration of deposits out of smaller banks versus larger banks.

Emerging Risk Panel: Labor Shortages, Aging Infrastructure Are Key Concerns

A panel of risk and insurance experts at the RIMS Riskworld conference in Atlanta said business interruption and secondary perils are also rapidly evolving risks.

Terrorism Panel: Terror, Active Assailant Coverages Continue to Evolve

Fergus Critchley, head of crisis management North America at Willis Towers Watson, and Morgan Shrubb, head of North America War, Terrorism and Political Violence, Axa XL, said insurers are adding coverage elements.

CEO Panel: Climate, Net Zero High on List of Clients’ Risk Concerns

Chris Sparro, CEO of North America Insurance, Sompo International Commercial P&C, and Kristof Terryn, CEO, Zurich North America, said inability to attract sufficient talent to replace its aging workforce puts the sector at risk.

Panel on Embedded Insurance: Connections Between Carriers, Distributors Becoming Seamless

Industry experts at Riskworld, the RIMS 2023 annual conference, react to a projection that the market for embedded insurance could reach $2.3 trillion in 2032.

RIMS' Santiago: The C-Suite Should Include Risk Managers

Jennifer Santiago, president, RIMS, said this year's event, held in Atlanta, should draw 9,000 participants. Santiago spoke with AM Best TV at RIMS' annual Riskworld conference, held in Atlanta.

Selective’s Smith: Pets in Vehicles Lead to Distracted Driving

Scott Smith, vice president, director of safety management, Selective Insurance, discusses a survey that found 91% of motorists who drove with their dogs over the past year admitted to interacting with them while driving.

AM Best TV Special Presentation: Critical Issues in Insurance Asset Management

Investment experts examine the asset management trends, opportunities and risks facing today's insurance organizations.

AM Best TV Special Presentation: Reimagining Alternative Investments

Alternative investments offer opportunities for yield, but they also require timing and focus.

AM Best TV Special Presentation: Insurance Asset Management in the Age of Rate Volatility

Few are bidding the low-rate environment a fond farewell, but the next chapter in investing is still taking shape.

AM Best TV Special Presentation: Insurance Asset Class Update

Investment and insurance professionals review investment categories and how insurers' strategies are changing.

Hippo's Pinkovezky: AI Is a Force Multiplier Leveling the Insurance Playing Field

Aviad Pinkovezky, president of First Connect, a Hippo subsidiary, says artificial intelligence tools, melded with comprehensive data, will allow specialized insurance organizations to more quickly negotiate any learning curve.

Verisk's Gesick: Economic Maps, Trade Relationships Help Identify Non-Traditional Risks

Eric Gesick, senior vice president for casualty analytics, Verisk, said companies should examine their business relationships to determine how they might be linked to emerging risks.

Climate Panel: Insurers Should Brace for Eastern US, Coastal Storms

A panel of insurance and atmospheric science experts at the Verisk Insurance Conference said overall tropical storms may decrease, but the Atlantic basin has seen an increase in slower moving storms that produce more rainfall.

Auto Panel: Telematics-based Transactions Up 35% in Past 12 Months

A panel of auto insurance experts at the Verisk Insurance Conference said auto insurers are recovering from a "double whammy" of mis-rated policies and inflation.

Panel: AI Is Helping to Reveal Correlation Between Hazards

Charles Jackson and Antoine Blanchard, both with Verisk Extreme Event Solutions, said individual underwriting models can be combined via artificial intelligence to uncover previously unforeseen exposures.

Panel: Getting Full Return on Technology Requires 'Upskilling' Staffs

Bill Devine, Travelers, and Neil Spector, Verisk, said insurers have made huge investments in software and cloud computing, and now must discover new ways to cooperate as an industry.

Fairness Panel: Insurers' Use of Data Can Have Unintended Consequences

A panel at the Verisk Insurance Conference said the definition of unfair discrimination has evolved over time, and uses of big data and predictive analytics require careful examination to ensure they do not result in unfair discrimination.

Panel: Wildfire Risk Is Here to Stay, but Can be Mitigated

A panel of fire and insurance experts at the Verisk Insurance Conference said some insurers might exclude wildfire risk, but the public and legislators are becoming more aware and are concerned about the risk.

Panel: Updating Building Codes Will Buffer Communities' Storm Risk, Economic Impact

Speaking at the Verisk Insurance Conference, a panel on severe thunderstorm and hail risk said insurers can use data to promote awareness and help communities improve structures and embrace resilient structure standards.

Verisk's Hopkinson & Wright: Inflation Just One Element in Rising Claims Costs

Trish Hopkinson, Verisk Underwriting Solutions and Alex Wright, client and consulting services, Verisk, said claims costs come in higher than expected because of demand surge during peak events and failing to monitor changing replacement costs.

GeoBlue’s Pina: Travel Health Insurance Ripe for Growth With More Americans Headed Overseas

Lynn Pina, chief marketing officer at GeoBlue, discusses the need for travel medical insurance as more Americans are heading abroad since the pandemic has mostly subsided. About 6% of US travelers purchase the coverage.

Liberty Brokers Execs: Workers' Comp Rates Expected to Rise

Bill Johnson, chairman and CEO of Liberty Company Insurance Brokers, and Kirk Aguilera, a managing partner, discuss the state of the workers' compensation insurance market and corporate culture among the businesses that serve that market.

Next-Gen Workforce

Sarina Puccio, Head of Credit and Surety, Munich Re US, said the labor shortage is one of the hottest topics for insurers.

Changing Perceptions to Find Talent

Laura Crossin, senior vice president of human resources at Philadelphia Insurance Cos., said the industry needs to make a commitment to develop young talent.

ESG Reporting Requirements

Keith Riccio, executive vice president, commercial D&O liability for Nationwide Management Liability and Specialty, said that environmental, social and governance reporting requirements are not particularly cumbersome for companies.

CAIA's Corey: Insurers Should Consider Risk Needs of Chinese Americans

Pamela Corey, president, Chinese American Insurance Association, said many Chinese Americans have specific risk needs, and are sometimes subject to stereotypical assumptions.

Counterpart's Hackett: ChatGPT, AI Leverage Repetition to Analyze Risk

Tanner Hackett, CEO, Counterpart, said new machine learning and similar systems help insurers synthesize huge data sets for better underwriting, marketing and more. Hackett spoke with AM Best TV at the InsurTech NY Spring Conference in New York City.

Richmond National's Vanalek: Legal Environment for Insurers, E&S Exposures Changing Rapidly

David Vanalek, senior vice president, Richmond National Insurance, said litigation activity is rebounding after the pandemic, and recent Florida legislation may help insurers.

Delos' Stein: Wildfire Creates a New Scenario for Homeowners Coverage

Kevin Stein, CEO and co-founder, Delos Insurance, said carriers that write in wildfire-exposed areas can partner with specialists, rather than forego coverage. Stein spoke with AM Best TV at the InsurTech NY Spring Conference in New York City.

Eversheds Sutherland's Pruitt: Insurers and MGAs Should Prepare in Case They Part Ways

John Pruitt, partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said some insurtech-insurer relationships are winding down because they didn't deliver on original expectations.

Gallagher's Marcucci: AI, Automation Will Cut Insurance Waste and Insurance Overhead

Rhonda Marcucci, vice president of innovation, Gallagher, said the focus on innovation should be a fundamental element throughout an organization.

Guardian Life's Smoot: Delivering Value at Claims Time Goes Beyond a Check

Tommy Smoot, vice president of individual markets inforce engagement, Guardian Life, said the insurer is finding ways to offer counseling and support to claimants. Smoot spoke with AM Best TV at the InsurTech NY Spring Conference in New York City.

Insurtech NY Execs: MGA Insurtechs Can Find Funding; but Capacity Is Hard

Tony Lew and David Gritz, managing directors and co-founders, InsurTech NY, said startups and carriers are still struggling with how to collaborate. Both spoke with AM Best TV at the InsurTech NY Spring Conference in New York City.

Legal & General America's Blanc: 'Inside Baseball' Startups Are Most Interesting

Farron Blanc, vice president of brokerage distribution & strategy, Legal & General America, said insurers are looking to insurtechs that can help with brokers and advisers.

Palomar's Grant: Include the Underrepresented From Product Development on Up

Angela Grant, chief legal officer, Palomar, said pursuing diversity and inclusion leads to broader-based products and services. Grant spoke with AM Best TV at the InsurTech NY Spring Conference in New York City.

IMUA's O'Brien: MGAs a Rising Presence in Inland Marine

Kevin O'Brien, president and CEO, Inland Marine Underwriters Association, said the growing presence of MGAs helps carriers control their own underwriting expenses.

Clyde & Co.’s Greenwald: More Offshore Wind Power Creates Potential Risks, Losses

The rise of activity from the expected construction of 2,100 wind turbines in the United States by 2030 could spur first-party property, liability, hull and marine pollution insurance claims, said Corey Greenwald, partner, Clyde & Co.

AM Best: Insurers Innovate to Varying Degrees

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both well-planned and disjointed innovation efforts for insurers, said Jason Hopper, associate director, AM Best, referencing a new Best’s Special Report.

Delaware’s Navarro: State Sees Growth in Captives, Progress on Workers’ Comp and Health

Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro sees opportunities in his state with a record number of insurers on the health insurance marketplace, increased pro-consumer legislative efforts and the formation and redomestication of more captives.

Travelers’ Survey: Distracted Driving Getting Worse

Chris Hayes, AVP for Risk Control for Travelers discusses the recently released Travelers Risk Index that found the increased use of mobile technology is leading to an increase in distracted driving as some motorists aren’t just texting while driving, but now shopping or tending to their social media while behind the wheel.

AM Best: Hot Cyber Market Is Cooling

Solutions to address systemic risks are needed, said AM Best Senior Director, Industry Research & Public Relations Sridhar Manyem, and Senior Industry Analyst Christopher Graham.

Author: Empathy, Community Involvement Keys to Insurance Sales Success

It’s important for producers to remember key events in individuals’ lives and become involved in their community in order to form client relationships that can help master the “secret art” of selling insurance, educator and sales producer Ana-Maria Figueredo says in her book.

Delaware Taps Ex-DC Insurance Commissioner as New Captive Director

Former D.C. Insurance Commissioner Stephen Taylor, now leader of Delaware’s Captive Bureau, discusses his plans to create a more streamlined, modernized process while exploring opportunities in ESG, cyber and domicile relocation.

Strikes, Riots, Civil Commotion Spur Interest in War, Political Violence Coverage

Growing economic pressures and political uncertainties are fueling the rise of global strikes, riots and civil commotion, said Srdjan Todorovic, head of political violence and hostile environment solutions, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty.

McKinsey’s Varney: Commercial Insurers at Economic Inflection Point

As commercial insurers face decelerating rates, inflation and other risks, some must think about how to manage their gross to net exposure, said Shannon Varney, partner, McKinsey’s Boston office.

WTW's Young: Environmental Interest in Hawaii's Coral Reefs Enable Parametric Insurance

Payouts fund three main areas of response: damage assessment, removal of debris and reattaching broken coral heads, said Simon Young, senior director, Climate and Resilience Hub, WTW.

Verisk's Perfetto: Insurers Should Think Beyond Traditional Auto Exposures When Underwriting EVs

Cyber and homeowners are among the risks beyond traditional auto exposures that insurers should consider when underwriting electric vehicles, said Sandee Perfetto, senior director, personal lines coverage products, Verisk.

Munich Re: Insuring Underwater Reefs Is Proving To Be Effective 'Insurance' for Coastal Communities

The frequency and severity of coastal risk is increasing, so insurers should explicitly consider nature-based solutions such as the restoration of natural infrastructure to mitigate risk, said James Doona, managing director, Munich Re Capital Markets, and Raghuveer Vinukollu, senior vice president, Climate Insights and Advisory, Munich Re.

The Nature Conservancy: Parametric Policy Protects Hawaiian Reefs

The policy will provide coverage for rapid coral-reef repair and restoration in Hawaii following damage from hurricanes and tropical storms, said The Nature Conservancy's Makale'a Ane, community program manager in Hawaii; Julia Rose, Hawaii Island marine project manager; and Eric Roberts, senior manager, Climate Risk and Resilience Global Adaptations team.

Former Delaware Captive Director Is OK in Oklahoma

Steve Kinion, captive director at the Oklahoma Insurance Department, said “I’m taking all that knowledge that I learned in Delaware over the past couple of years and bringing it to Oklahoma.”

PAMIC's Katterman: Pennsylvania's Mutual Insurance Community Has Deep Roots

Lisa Katterman, president, PAMIC, said the Philadelphia Contributionship, founded by Benjamin Franklin, is one of the oldest mutual insurers in the United States.

Guy Carpenter's Franco: The Transparency of Parametric Insurance Enhances Trust

Guillermo Franco, head of research, Guy Carpenter, said many mutual insurers have a high degree of trust, making them good candidates to offer parametric coverage. Franco spoke with AM Best TV at the Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies' annual conference, held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Ultimate Risk Execs: Maintaining Cyber Defenses as Important as Implementing Them

Robert Pignataro and Frank Fazio, both of Ultimate Risk Services, said smaller businesses may enact cyber defenses but many have difficulty maintaining them.

LexisNexis: Fourth-Quarter Auto Insurance Shopping Up Over Prior Year

Adam Pichon, vice president and general manager of auto insurance for LexisNexis Risk Solutions, discusses the latest company report that examines shopping and buying trends that detail how both shopping and buying increased in the fourth quarter of 2022.

CSAA Commits $25 Million to California Wildfire Innovation Fund

Jeff Huebner, chief risk officer for CSAA Insurance Group, discusses the company’s backing of a fund that supports the remediation of excess wood from California forests in an effort to mitigate the spread of wildfire.

The Institutes' Miller: The Best Risks Are the Ones Insurers Help Customers Avoid

Risk management and insurance are changing and so too must today's risk professionals, said Peter Miller, president and CEO, The Institutes. Going forward, more emphasis will be placed on pre-loss: risk mitigation and risk control.

Rhoads’ Yu: Compliance Should Be Top of Mind for Insurers in 2023

Allister Yu, senior vice president of operations at Rhoads, a provider of insurance technology solutions, explains that as insurance markets rapidly change, companies must make sure their distribution partners are properly credentialed.

AM Best: US Life/Annuity Insurers Are Well Positioned for 2023

Despite new challenges on the horizon, U.S. life/annuity insurers navigated the pandemic and emerged with solid balance sheets, capitalization and liquidity, said Edward Kohlberg, director, AM Best, referencing a new Best's Market Segment Report.

AM Best: Economy, Infrastructure Buildout Likely to Steer Surety Market

Despite numerous economic challenges, surety bond underwriters have maintained profitability by keeping losses relatively low, said AM Best Associate Director David Blades and Senior Financial Analyst Robert Valenta.

Allianz Risk Consulting's Miner: Evolving Risk Mitigation Strategies Implemented for Awards Shows

Live audiences, effects and high-profile individuals are among insurers’ safety and order concerns for awards shows such as the Academy Awards, said Kurt Miner, managing director of Allianz Risk Consulting’s Entertainment Division.

AM Best: Title Insurers Post Solid Results Amid Volatile Landscape

U.S. title insurers' net underwriting income again grew 40% in 2021, but the segment faces several headwinds, said Kourtnie Beckwith, senior financial analyst, AM Best, referencing a new Best's Market Segment Report.

APCIA's Passmore: Heavier Electric Vehicles Will Create Larger Losses

EVs can be heavier than combustion engine cars due to the weight of the batteries, said Robert Passmore, department vice president of personal lines, American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Electric vehicles also tend to accelerate faster.

Broadridge’s Swain: Insurance Consumers Seek Improved Customer Experiences, Communication

A recent Broadridge survey found only 11% of consumers believe the insurance industry provides a quality customer experience and 26% are confused by insurers’ communications, said Matt Swain, head of communications insights and experience at Broadridge.

Post-Pandemic Return of Restaurant Industry Brings Growing Interest in Insurance

Eric Coleman, senior vice president, commercial lines, Nationwide, said the restaurant industry has recovered from the pandemic, and most owners are increasing focus on insurance while face growing pressures such as rising costs and changing building valuations.

Priority Life's Aiola: Life Insurance Sales Down; Health Sales Soaring

Nicholas Aiola, chief executive, Priority Life, a health and life insurer, says that now that the pandemic is waning, so too are life insurance sales. Health policies, meanwhile, are on the upswing.

Celent Report: Insurtech Funding Drops 31%

Andrew Schwartz, an analyst with Celent, discusses the decline in insurtech funding and the associated factors, including lackluster return on investment from past spending.

E&S Market Leader

Ashley Moffatt, SVP Brokerage, Primary Casualty for Nationwide E&S, said their ultimate goal is to be a top 10 carrier with their key distribution partners.

E&S Is a Relationship Business

Kristin Stein, vice president, PHLY E&S Insurance Solutions, said the company focus this year is on the value of human connection and relationship building.

Educational Foundation's Nomvete: Scholarships Help Fuel Talent Pipeline

Tandeka Nomvete, director of external engagement, Spencer Educational Foundation, said the organization helps connect financial supporters with targeted scholarship opportunities.

Erie's Townes: The Best Outreach Tools to Recruit Veterans Are Other Veterans

Marion Townes, senior district sales manager, Erie Insurance Group, said military veterans bring discipline and adaptability to their work. Townes spoke with AM Best TV at the Emerging Leaders Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Everest Re's Andrade: New, Faster Times Call for Empathetic Leadership

Juan Andrade, president and CEO, Everest Re Group, said the rate of change continues to increase, putting greater emphasis on the use of data, analytics and effective leadership.

Insurity's Marr: The Talent Battle Is More Than Recruiting, it's Also Reskilling

Kirstin Marr, chief analytics officer, Insurity, said studies show that many workers must upgrade skills or retrain to fill available jobs. Marr spoke with AM Best TV at the Emerging Leaders Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Search Executive: Remote Employees Entering In-Person Work Can Lack Interpersonal Skills

Insurers can help transition pandemic remote hires with "soft skills" into collaborative team members by employing effective strategies, said Judy Busby, senior vice president of executive search and corporate strategy, The Jacobson Group.

Inclusion Learning Lab's Spence: Insurers Should Focus on Talent Resiliency

Margaret Spence, founder, Inclusion Learning Lab, said insurers should be open to recruiting candidates with diverse backgrounds, attention to detail and abilities to succeed with customers.

Skyward's Robinson: Professional Development Is an Organizational Commitment

Andrew Robinson, CEO, Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, said the organization has instituted professional development plans for all employees. Robinson spoke with AM Best TV at the Emerging Leaders Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Forester’s Berman: Intersection of Technology and Living Benefits Provides Added Value

Connected health devices are driving healthy behaviors, and technology is the ‘”glue of the intersection” where those behaviors can be communicated back to life insurers, said Matt Berman, president, Foresters Financial US.

Aon Edge’s Dickson: Floods in California Highlight the Unpredictability, Insurance Need

Aon Edge President and CEO John Dickson said the rise of unprecedented flooding events throughout the year is reinforcing the need for flood insurance, preparation, continued investment and the ability to quickly deploy resources.

Exdion’s Session: Technology Could Could Mitigate Impacts of Inflation on Brokers

Gary Session, Exdion Solutions Senior Vice President, Client Success Management said that while the brokerage community is not typically at the cutting edge of technology, tools such as AI could help stem the impacts of inflation

Cargo Theft Continues to Rage

Scott Cornell, Travelers’ transportation lead and crime & theft specialist, discusses what cargo thieves are targeting and how the insurance industry should be working with clients to mitigate heists.

Gallagher’s Kroll: Examine Value, Provenance When Evaluating Education Institutions’ Art Risk Exposures

College and university experts must examine whether art collections are large enough to warrant a separate fine arts policy, and how issues of rightful ownership come into play, said Stacie Kroll, managing director, higher education practice, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

TransUnion's McElroy: 34% of Consumers Don't Have Life Insurance

Mark McElroy, executive vice president and head of insurance at TransUnion, discusses a new survey on life insurance that illustrates the low rate of penetration and what agents and brokers can do to turn the tide through more digital offerings.

Near Space Labs CEO: Stratospheric Imaging Robots Help Assess Property, Respond to Disasters

In a single flight, stratospheric imaging robots can capture what nearly 800,000 drones can capture, thereby shrinking the timeline of mapping a large portfolio from years to one flight, said Rema Matevosyan, CEO, cofounder, Near Space Labs.

AM Best: Trade Credit Insurers Are 'in a Good Place'

Despite the Russia/Ukraine crisis, trade credit insurers are expected to report strong results for 2022, said Mathilde Jakobsen, director, analytics, AM Best, referencing a new Best's Market Segment Report.

Cognizant's Weber: Metaverse Can Help Improve Customer, Employee Experience

Craig Weber, insurance practice leader at Cognizant, explains Metaverse and why companies should invest in its applications to help improve customer and employee experience, sustainability and operational efficiency,

Protecting Against Cyber Breaches

Tim Nunziata VP head of Cyber Risk, Nationwide Management Liability and specialty said that when it comes to a cyber breach, there are a number of tools an insured can use to fight back.

Conning Survey: Risk Management, Sustainability Continue to Grow

Matt Reilly, managing director, head of Insurance Solutions, and Scott Hawkins, managing director, head of insurance research, both from Conning, discuss the findings of a recently released survey illustrating the current environment.

FM Global’s Hodge: Inflation Still Key Factor for Every Insurer

Inflation is putting pressure on the insurance industry to maintain stability, while also holding a line on premiums, said Randy Hodge, executive vice president, staff insurance operations, FM Global.

Charles Taylor's Sophy: Claims Inflation Expected to Continue in 2023

"You're just going to see a lot of similarities with increased inflation and increased costs for every aspect of a claim," said Cullen Sophy, US CEO, Charles Taylor Adjusting.

Swiss Re’s Majewski: Health & Wellness Programs Benefit Life Insurers

Heather Majewski, head of life health solutions at Swiss Re, explains why life insurers should engage with policyholders participating in health & wellness programs and the benefits for both.

AM Best: Historic California Flooding Highlights Need for Robust Private Flood Market

Risk and opportunity are plenty in the California private flood insurance segment, said Christopher Graham, senior industry analyst, AM Best, referencing a new Best's Commentary.

Author: Cyber Insurance Fails To Curb Cybersecurity Losses

Josephine Wolff, associate professor, cybersecurity policy, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, discusses how insurers and others can make cyberinsurance a more effective cyberrisk management tool.

Conning’s Sega: New Congress Likely to Have Little Impact on Insurers

Rich Sega, global chief investment strategist at Conning, discusses the impact of the midterm election on the insurance industry and the year ahead.

AM Best: Insurers' Structured Securities Continue to Rise

Collateralized loan obligations are somewhat protected in a rising interest rate environment, said AM Best Associate Director Jason Hopper and Industry Analyst Helen Andersen, referencing new research from AM Best.

Archipelago’s Shah: Rate, Capacity to Create Another Challenging Year for Property Insurance

Hemant Shah, CEO, of AI-driven risk platform Archipelago, said he expects an increased focus on risk management, resiliency, retention, and strategy to increase the ability to access and use capacity and scale in 2023.

Colorado State's Klotzbach: New Technology Boosts Hurricane Modeling

Phil Klotzbach, research scientist, Colorado State University, said storm modeling continues to improve, boosted by ever-more-powerful technology. Klotzbach spoke with AM Best TV at the Joint Industry Forum 2022 in New York City.

Greenberg Traurig's Karlinsky: To Fix Florida's Insurance Market, Address Fraud, Fees

Fred Karlinsky, shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, said insurance fraud is evident statewide, particularly in the southern portion. Karlinsky spoke with AM Best TV at the Joint Industry Forum 2022 in New York City.

Griffith Foundation's Tomasello: Educating Policymakers Is a Never-Ending Responsibility

Frank Paul Tomasello, executive director, The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation, said turnover in public leadership positions means fresh audiences for fundamental insurance concepts. Tomasello spoke with AM Best TV at the Joint Industry Forum 2022 in New York City.

Information Institute’s Porfilio: Plaintiffs Should Disclose Third-Party Funders

Dale Porfilio, chief insurance officer, Insurance Information Institute, said investment-driven litigation funding is lengthening lawsuits and clogging court systems. Porfilio spoke with AM Best TV at the Joint Industry Forum 2022 in New York City.

IICF's Ross: Sustainability Efforts Improve by Sharing Ideas

Bill Ross, chief executive officer, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, said the collective this year launched a Sustainability Committee to help leaders in related jobs learn from one another. Ross spoke with AM Best TV at the Joint Industry Forum 2022 in New York City.

Capgemini's Rachlin: Claims Departments Have Never Been Under More Pressure

Seth Rachlin, executive vice president, Capgemini, said the number and severity of disasters in recent years have put the focus on insurers' speed and effectiveness in settling claims. Rachlin spoke with AM Best TV at the Joint Industry Forum 2022 in New York City.

Goose's Kaywan: App Uses Technology to Help Remove Barriers in Purchasing Insurance

Omar Kaywan, head of growth and co-founder of Goose Insurance, said his company is removing barriers to insurance so that more people can merely “swipe right” on their phones and access more coverage.

IOA’s Bridges: Rates, Cyberrisk, Weather Challenge Agribusinesses

Along with evolving risks such as changing weather patterns and labor shortages, the agribusiness sector is now faced with fewer markets, less capacity and rising rates, said Louis Bridges, senior risk consultant, Insurance Office of America's agribusiness division.

Ensuro’s Mirabella: Need for Crypto DeFi Insurance Growing

Marco Mirabella, founder and CEO of Ensuro, a decentralized licensed insurer on a public blockchain, explains the need for decentralized finance insurance in what could be a burgeoning market.

AM Best: Bail Bond Premiums Grow Amid Friction Between Reform Advocates, Opponents

Bail bond premiums were up 11.1% from five years ago, despite recent reforms in many states, said AM Best Associate Director David Blades and Associate Analyst Michael Vallario referencing new research from AM Best.

AM Best: Hints of Trouble Resurface for Commercial Auto After Bright 2021

New research from AM Best reveals that the U.S. commercial auto segment still faces challenges even after posting the best results in over a decade, said AM Best Senior Industry Analyst Christopher Graham.

AM Best: NFIP Adrift But Private Flood Insurance Gains Traction

New research from AM Best shows private carriers increased their total flood insurance by more than 40% in 2021, said AM Best Senior Industry Analyst Christopher Graham and Associate Director David Blades.

AM Best: Inflationary Pressures, Elevated Loss Severity Weaken Nonstandard Auto Performance

The net underwriting loss reported for first-half 2022 was the worst in five years, said AM Best Associate Director David Blades and Associate Analyst Michael Vallario.

AM Best: Florida Seeks to Repair Its Property Insurance Market

The state is dependent on Florida-focused specialist insurers, which are disproportionately dependent on reinsurance, said AM Best Senior Industry Analyst Christopher Graham and Senior Director, Industry Research & Public Relations Sridhar Manyem.

AM Best: Numerous Pressures Create Tough Terrain for Personal Auto Insurers

U.S. auto insurers' profit margins are being squeezed by inflationary pressure, supply chain challenges and costly repairs of technologically advanced autos, said AM Best Associate Director David Blades.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ Cesario: One-Quarter of All Claims Are a Total Loss

Frank Cesario, director, claims, insurance, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said the rising number of total losses requires a greater focus on compressing the timeframe to make customers “whole faster and ensure we’re paying the right amount for the taxes and fees.”

Aon Affinity's Kelley: Successful Programs Are Multiskill Enterprises

Kip Kelley, CEO US, Aon Affinity, said successful programs are built on innovation, distribution, underwriting and administration. Kelley spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Everspan's LeBlanc: We Link Specialist Knowledge With Reinsurance Support

Claude LeBlanc, CEO, Ambac and Everspan Group, said the organization typically retains about 20% of the risk it writes. LeBlanc spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Allianz's McColgan: Tech-Enabled MGAs Show Strength in Underwriting, Reporting

Ann McColgan, midcorp programs governance lead, Allianz Global Corp. and Specialty, said managing general agents that lack strong tech capabilities are being acquired by organizations that have those resources. McColgan spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Axis' Halfpenny: The Post-Covid Economy Bodes Well for Accident & Health Coverage

David Halfpenny, senior vice president, Axis Capital, said the rebound for the travel, leisure and sports sectors is fueling coverage growth. Halfpenny spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Doxa's Sackett: Starting an MGA Takes Planning, Capital, Partnerships

Matt Sackett, CEO, Doxa Insurance Holdings, said the managing general agency sector is seeing strong growth, which is adding to the attractiveness and value of individual organizations. Sackett spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Crum & Forster's Kaplan: Program Managers Can Place Difficult Risks With Captives

David Kaplan, vice president, captives and gig economy, Crum & Forster, said programs can find risk financing via alternative markets and captives.

Zurich's Olson: MGAs Should Distinguish Themselves to Carriers

Denise Olson, head of programs, Zurich North America, said MGAs can demonstrate their quality through assessments and meeting best practices designations. Olson spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 22nd Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Great American's Guidry: Specialization Fosters Commitment, Helps Retain Talent

Jennifer Guidry, divisional vice president, business development and marketing, Great American Insurance Group, said organizations that specialize perform and attract talent better than generalists. Guidry spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Arden's Cohen: Program Insurance Remains a Niche Business

Brian Cohen, CEO, Arden Insurance Services, said commodity lines such as home and auto coverage are particularly challenging areas in which to develop specialized coverage.

Euclid's Colis: Consolidation, Premium Caps, New Capital Reshaping MGA Sector

John Colis, president and CEO of delegated underwriting authority enterprise Euclid Program Managers, said many smaller managing general agents have disappeared as firms have turned to acquiring MGAs rather than retail brokers.

Argo's Ohodnicki: Supporting Talent Means Reaching Beyond Your Own Organization

Leah Ohodnicki, senior vice president, head of specialty programs, Argo Group, said the organization is working across its network to support newer insurance professionals. Ohodnicki spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Aspen's Price: MGA's Scalability, Plus Capital, Drives Growth

Matt Price, senior vice president, Aspen Insurance, said the appeal of the managing general agent sector is the ability to build through specialization. Price spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Howden and DUAL Execs: Next Phase Is Aligning Capital With MGA Sector

David Howden, founder and chief executive, Howden Group Holdings, and Kieran Sweeney, executive chairman, DUAL North America, said managing general agents have become a significant entry point for insurance talent and technology. Both spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale Arizona.

Xceedance's Kulkarni: Technology Is Only One Part of Digital Transformation

Sachin Kulkarni, senior vice president, Xceedance, said attempts to transform organizations often falter because they don't adequately consider the human element. Kulkarni spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 20th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Nationwide's Patel: Underwriting Serves as Great Launchpad for Insurance Leadership

Piyush Patel, vice president, property, Nationwide E&S Specialty, said working as an underwriter exposes professionals to a host of financial and reinsurance considerations. Patel spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 22nd Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Allianz’s Soja: Favorable Results Should Continue in Marine, Inland Marine

Rich Soja, global head of inland marine and North American head of marine at Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, said the marine lines should see continuous growth in the year ahead despite inflation and increasing reinsurance rates.

The Need for Speed

Stephen O'Connor, general manager of CloudCore Business and executive vice president at EIS, says insurers want to pick up the pace of change.

One Inc.'s Ian Drysdale: Insurers Moving Toward Digital Claims Payments

Ian Drysdale, CEO, One Inc., discusses the rapid transformation of insurers embracing digital claims payments to help enhance customer experience.

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Digital Revolution

AM Best Audio - Monday, December 5, 2022

Underwriting Agribusiness

AM Best Audio - Friday, December 2, 2022

Beazley's Turk and Mounier: Success in Asia-Pacific Puts Relationships Ahead of Deals

AM Best Audio - Thursday, December 1, 2022

Munich Re's Farny: China's Reinsurance Market Shifting From Capital Management to Risk Transfer

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Himalayan Re's Ramamurthy: Nepal Is a Deep Source of Coverage Opportunities

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Howden Re's Warwick: Inflation Puts a Sharper Focus on Underwriting

AM Best Audio - Monday, November 28, 2022

AM Best: Insurance Growth in Some Asia Markets Could Outperform the Economy

AM Best Audio - Friday, November 25, 2022

Swiss Re Institute's Zhu: Asia Growth Is Outpacing Many Advanced Economies

AM Best Audio - Thursday, November 24, 2022

Nexus Underwriting's Egerton: Asia Markets Opening Up to Specialty Writers, MGAs

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, November 23, 2022

TMK's Spyropoulos: Rising Middle Classes, Regulatory Standards Support Insurance Growth in Asia

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Malaysian Re's Ishak: Flood Is Also a Major Business Interruption Loss

AM Best Audio - Monday, November 21, 2022

Lloyd's Haddrill: Asia Markets Challenged by Inflation, Geopolitical Issues, Cyber

AM Best Audio - Friday, November 18, 2022

Hiscox Re’s Reardon: In a Hardening Market, Experience Matters

AM Best Audio - Thursday, November 17, 2022

Guy Carpenter’s Enoizi: Partnership Is a Two-Way Street

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Beat Capital Chair: Modeling Skills Help MGAs Build Partnerships With Capital Providers

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Africa Re CEO: Opportunities for Growth in Africa’s Reinsurance Market

AM Best Audio - Monday, November 14, 2022

AM Best’s Wong-Fupuy: Business Shifting to Casualty Specialty From Cat Risk

AM Best Audio - Friday, November 11, 2022

Howden’s Flandro: Reinsurance Industry Finds Itself in a Consequential Market

AM Best Audio - Thursday, November 10, 2022

Convex Execs: Evolving Risks Spur New Conversations

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, November 9, 2022

GIC’s Srivastava: India’s Reinsurance Market Set for Robust Growth

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Perils CEO: Coverage Expands to Include European Flood Exposure

AM Best Audio - Monday, November 7, 2022

Peak Re’s Hahn: Economic Conditions Create Challenges, Opportunities and Spur Model Changes

AM Best Audio - Friday, November 4, 2022

Lloyd’s Tiernan: Rising Global Uncertainty Calls for Industry to Step Up

AM Best Audio - Thursday, November 3, 2022

AM Best’s Mosher: DUAEs Present Growth Opportunity for Insurers

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, November 2, 2022

SiriusPoint CEO: As Interest Rates Change, Investor Appetite May Shift

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Fidelis’ Mathias: More Product Clarity Needed in Sales Efforts

AM Best Audio - Monday, October 31, 2022

Axis Capital CEO: More Discipline, Increased Prices Needed

AM Best Audio - Friday, October 28, 2022

Travelers’ Francis: Cyberthreats Are Top Concern for Decision Makers

AM Best Audio - Thursday, October 27, 2022

Challenges Persist in Obtaining Cannabis Coverage

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, October 26, 2022

AM Best Special Presentation: With Specialization Comes Responsibility

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, October 25, 2022

AM Best Special Presentation: Prospecting for the Next Great Risk Opportunity

AM Best Audio - Monday, October 24, 2022

AM Best Special Presentation: From Generalist to Specialist

AM Best Audio - Friday, October 21, 2022

Embroker's Jennings: Cannabis Dispensaries Face Challenges Obtaining Insurance

AM Best Audio - Thursday, October 20, 2022

Nationwide's Fenton: Small Businesses Unrepared for Cyberattack

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Allianz’s Standring: Business Preparations to Mitigate Natural Catastrophes

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, October 18, 2022

TransUnion's McElroy: False Positives Can Reduce Customer Satisfaction

AM Best Audio - Monday, October 17, 2022

ReSource Pro’s Dean: Big Opportunity for MGAs Is Understanding Underwriters’ Future Role

AM Best Audio - Friday, October 14, 2022

Ironshore’s Johnson: M&A, Pandemic, Social Inflation Contributing to E&S Growth

AM Best Audio - Thursday, October 13, 2022

Burns & Wilcox’s Kaufman: More University Insurance Programs Needed to Address Talent Crisis

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Orchid’s Bowie: Profitability Within Reach of Florida Homeowners Insurers

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Noldor CEO: MGAs Must Pick Their Partners Well

AM Best Audio - Monday, October 10, 2022

USQRisk’s Giuffre: Insurance Markets Converging With Capital Markets

AM Best Audio - Friday, October 7, 2022

Falling Car Sales Drive Down Auto Insurance Shopping

AM Best Audio - Thursday, October 6, 2022

CSAA’s Brackeen: Insurtech Offers Gateway to Innovation

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Insurers Turn to Data, Analytics to Mitigate Cargo Ship Fires

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, October 4, 2022

The Experience Matters

AM Best Audio - Monday, October 3, 2022

How TeamPHLY Wins With Customers

AM Best Audio - Friday, September 30, 2022

American Modern CEO: Each Challenge Can Be Viewed as a P/C Opportunity

AM Best Audio - Thursday, September 29, 2022

Lloyd’s Watkins: E&S Plays Vital Role in Combating Risks

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, September 28, 2022

WSIA Emerging Risk Panel: Inflation, Secondary Perils, Social Inflation Among Emerging Risks

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, September 27, 2022

WSIA Flood Panel: Climate Change, Delayed Infrastructure Create New Flood Risks

AM Best Audio - Monday, September 26, 2022

Future of E&S Panel: Growth Will Continue, but Less Than in Prior Years

AM Best Audio - Friday, September 23, 2022

Westfield's Herron: Developing Underwriters Takes Mentoring, Attention

AM Best Audio - Thursday, September 22, 2022

Safari's Fenton: We're Building a Trade School for the Insurance Industry

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, September 21, 2022

National Alliance's Codispoti: Insurance Talent Pipeline Must Start at High School

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Country Financial's Steele: Managing Remotely Brings Its Own Challenges

AM Best Audio - Monday, September 19, 2022

Westfield’s Hahn: Dynamically Changing Insurance Industry Puts Company Cultures at Risk

AM Best Audio - Friday, September 16, 2022

Connecticut's Liu: State Captive Changes Support Flexibility, Governance

AM Best Audio - Thursday, September 15, 2022

Vermont's Nevins: Captive Insurance Is a Viable Career Choice

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Aon's Gray: Conditions Point to More Strong Growth for Insurance Captives

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Tennessee’s Clements: The Volunteer State Built Its Own Captive Solution

AM Best Audio - Monday, September 12, 2022

Westfield’s Hahn: Dynamically Changing Insurance Industry Puts Company Cultures at Risk

AM Best Audio - Friday, September 9, 2022

Westfield's Herron: Developing Underwriters Takes Mentoring, Attention

AM Best Audio - Thursday, September 8, 2022

F and G: Americans Fret Over Inflation, Recession, and Health Care Costs in Retirement

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Dynamic Excess and Surplus Market Sabrina Hart, Munich Re Specialty Insurance President, Excess and Surplus, said the Excess and Surplus market has historically been among the most dynamic.

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Providing Excess and Surplus Solutions

AM Best Audio - Monday, September 5, 2022

A Climate of Change

AM Best Audio - Friday, September 2, 2022

Ryskex Inc.’s Schmalbach: Covering Tomorrow's Risks Should Involve Parametric, Blockchain

AM Best Audio - Thursday, September 1, 2022

Cowbell’s Cooksley: Insurtechs Find Opportunity in Captive Insurance

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, August 31, 2022

A.I. Insurance's MacArthur: Artificial Intelligence Is Fueled by Rich, Well-Organized Data

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Vermont's Brown: Captive Changes Include Flexibility for Cells, Parametric Cover

AM Best Audio - Monday, August 29, 2022

North Carolina's Gorman: State Captive Legislation Focuses on Audits, Redomestication

AM Best Audio - Friday, August 26, 2022

Gallagher Re's Johnston: Insurtechs That Aid Insurers' Efficiency Show Most Promise

AM Best Audio - Thursday, August 25, 2022

Vermont's Bigglestone: Pandemic Spurs New Uses for Corporate Captives

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Axa XL's Bauman: Climate Risks Are Good Candidates for Parametric Coverage

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, August 23, 2022

AES Corp.’s Baillie: Move to Renewable Energy Brings New Exposures

AM Best Audio - Monday, August 22, 2022

AM Best's Teclaw: Profitability of Rated Captives Outpaces Commercial Insurance Sector

AM Best Audio - Friday, August 19, 2022

AM Best's Andre: Well-Run Captives Are Responsive and Effective

AM Best Audio - Thursday, August 18, 2022

Panel: Insurance Captives Can Help Their Organizations Meet ESG Expectations

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Panel: Captive Insurers Cautiously Venture Into Cyber Coverage

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Vermont's Provost: Economic Impact of Captives Launched a Domicile Movement

AM Best Audio - Monday, August 15, 2022

VCIA's Mead: Demand for Captive Insurance Talent Strains Supply

AM Best Audio - Friday, August 12, 2022

Insurance AUM's Foley: Outsourced Investments Climb to $3.4 Trillion

AM Best Audio - Thursday, August 11, 2022

IBHS’ Hedayati: 'Wildfire Season' Is No Longer Seasonal

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, August 10, 2022

AM Best: Hard Market to Be ‘Front and Center’ at Vermont Conference

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, August 9, 2022

AM Best: Hard Market to Be ‘Front and Center’ at Vermont Conference

AM Best Audio - Monday, August 8, 2022

Next Gen Insurance Leaders to Meet in Denver

AM Best Audio - Friday, August 5, 2022

Conning's Pitt: MGA Market Sees Double-Digit Growth in 2021

AM Best Audio - Thursday, August 4, 2022

LexisNexis’ Rush: Data Key to Understanding Risks, Coverage Needs

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, August 3, 2022

FM Global’s Tofte: Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg Among the Most Resilient

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, August 2, 2022

PwC’s Friedman: Private Equity-Backed Buyers Will Increase Insurance Dealmaking

AM Best Audio - Monday, August 1, 2022

Follow the Latest Insurance Trends With Best's Audio

AM Best Audio - Friday, July 29, 2022

III's Kevelighan: Insurers Already Out of the Gate in Climate-Risk Race

AM Best Audio - Thursday, July 28, 2022

PRMA Director: Weather, Sharing Economy Pose Growing Risks for Homeowners

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Allianz Risk Consulting's Miner: Video Monitoring Mitigates Concert Risk

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Zelros’ Philippon: AI, Machine Learning Help Bridge Uninsured Gap

AM Best Audio - Monday, July 25, 2022

Swiss Re’s Bodenschatz: Cypto Liability, Quantum Computing Among Emerging Risks

AM Best Audio - Friday, July 22, 2022

Karen Clark & Co.: Models Must Catch Up to Science

AM Best Audio - Thursday, July 21, 2022

Sylvia Group’s Beauregard: Insurers Increasingly Involved in Loss Control for Schools

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, July 20, 2022

ProAg CEO: A Shift of ‘Tornado Alley’ Would Change Farmers’ Risk Profile

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Limra: Account-Takeover Fraud Rises in Life Insurance, Annuity, Retirement Plans

AM Best Audio - Monday, July 18, 2022

AM Best: Pandemic Drives Down US Health Earnings

AM Best Audio - Friday, July 15, 2022

Nationwide's Stueber: Insurers Must Adapt to the Workplace of the Future

AM Best Audio - Thursday, July 14, 2022

AM Best: Mortality Risk Will Continue to Be Fueled by Pandemic

AM Best Audio - Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Allianz: Businesses Must Prepare for Rising Social Unrest

AM Best Audio - Tuesday, July 12, 2022

AM Best: US Life Earnings Declined in 2021 Despite Elusive New Premium Growth