Oklahoma Governor, Insurance Commissioner Visit Lloyd’s of London

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak and insurance industry executives, have met with insurance market representatives at Lloyd’s of London to discuss the state’s $15 billion insurance market, the Oklahoma Insurance Department announced.

“This visit was much needed,” Doak said. “With all the natural disasters we have in Oklahoma, we have to meet the needs of consumers by staying competitive in the marketplace.”

This is the first time the insurance commissioner and governor have taken these proactive steps to ensure worldwide interest in Oklahoma insurance markets.

“Given that Oklahoma deals with a variety of natural disasters, including tornadoes, hail and even earthquakes, the insurance industry plays an important role in our state’s economy,” said Gov. Mary Fallin. “I was happy to have joined Commissioner Doak for a meeting with officials at Lloyd’s, who can offer valuable advice to help both insurers and consumers in Oklahoma.”

The delegation is meeting with Lloyd’s vast group of members, underwriters and syndicates to discuss Oklahoma’s $15 billion insurance market. The trip was made possible through funds provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Commissioner Doak met with Lloyd’s top executives in International Regulatory Affairs. He also attended a roundtable discussion with Lloyd’s underwriters writing lines of business especially important to Oklahoma.

“Commissioner Doak’s visit to London and specifically the catastrophic property writers at Lloyd’s was very well received by Underwriters and I think will prove to be invaluable to policyholders in the state of Oklahoma, as perhaps now the Underwriters within the market have a greater understanding of Oklahoma and the geographic population spread,” said Charles C. Caldwell, president and CEO Midlands Management Corp., an Oklahoma City-based underwriting specialist. Caldwell is part of the Oklahoma delegation in London.

Richard Newberry, general manager and executive vice president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., also joined Commissioner Doak in England.

“We’re honored to be a part of this trip,” said Newberry. “It gives us a chance to tell our story of the challenges and opportunities that exist in Oklahoma’s insurance marketplace. Reinsurance is a vital component in managing risk responsibly and London is the world’s most important center for reinsurance. We’re hopeful this trip enhances our ability to increase capacity and opportunity for the entire Oklahoma market while ensuring that coverage continues to be affordable and available to Oklahoma insurance consumers.”

During the trip, Lloyd’s announced plans to send a representative to the 2013 National Tornado Summit in Oklahoma City and share a presentation on exposure management and reinsurance for Midwestern parts of the United States.

Source: Oklahoma Insurance Department

Topics Excess Surplus Oklahoma Market London Lloyd's