P&C Companies News

Insurers Decry Overturn of Illinois Med-Mal Caps; Attorneys Praise Ruling

The American Bar Association says the Illinois Supreme Court was right in striking down as unconstitutional the caps on non-economic damage awards in medical malpractice cases. Insurer groups, however, say the decision will add to rising health care costs and …

Markel Swings to Fourth-Quarter Profits

Virginia-based specialty insurer Markel Corp. posted profits of $93.7 million in the fourth quarter, a positive swing from the $32.6 million loss the company saw in the same period last year. For the full year, Markel posted net income of …

Game Day Prediction: Pizzerias and Insurers Win on Super Bowl Sunday

February 7 — Super Bowl XLIV Sunday — may be the most hyped-up day of the year for football fans, and it’s also the most exciting day of the year for many pizza parlors that see record sales that day. …

Zurich 2009 Net Income up 6% to $3.2 Billion; Farmers Boosts Profits

The Zurich Financial Services Group posted across the board income gains in all of its core business segments and targeted growth in profitable market areas, particularly in Global Life and from Farmers. The Group generated an increased business operating profit …

Willis Posts Q4, Full Year Gains

Willis Group Holdings has reported gains in most segments of its business in the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2009. Willis listed the following Q4 highlights: — Reported earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of …

Selective Insurance Group Reports Profits

New Jersey-based insurer Selective Insurance Group Inc, posted a fourth-quarter profit of $20.6 million, up from a $14.4 million loss in the year-ago quarter. For the year, earnings were $36.4 million, down from $43.8 million in 2008. “In 2009, our …

The Hanover Sees Earnings Jump

Massachusetts-based insurer The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. saw fourth-quarter profits jump 68 percent to $57.3 million, up from $34.1 million in the year-ago quarter. For the year, net income was $197.2 million, up from $20.6 in 2008, when The Hanover’s …

ACE Posts $2.549 Billion 2009 Net Income; Conference Call Today

ACE Limited reported net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, of $953 million, or $2.81 per share, compared with $0.06 per share for the same quarter last year. For the full year ACE reported net income of $2.549 …

Best Assigns ‘A’ Ratings to Starr International Insurance (Asia)

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a” to Hong Kong–based Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited – both with stable outlooks. Best said the ratings reflect Starr International …

House to Vote on Repeal of Health Insurers’ Antitrust Exemption

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote next week on repealing the antitrust exemption for health insurers, but Democrats remained uncertain Tuesday on how to proceed on a broader healthcare overhaul. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy …