Research and Trends News

Pace of Broker Acquisitions Picks Up in 2nd Half, After COVID-Linked Lull in Q2

Insurance brokers have stepped up their acquisition pace in the second half of 2020 after a pause in the second quarter related to the coronavirus and the steep economic decline, according to a report published by Moody’s Investors Service. Indeed, …

How Lloyd’s Underwriters Are Viewing Today’s U.S. Casualty Insurance Environment

Today’s Lloyd’s of London market for casualty insurance is marked by rising prices, reduced capacity, and buyers embracing more self-insurance, according to underwriters at Lloyd’s. It is also marked by underwriters who still believe in the value of long-term relationships …

S&P Finds U.S. Insurers Made Modest Gains in Diversity Over Decade

The U.S. insurance industry has achieved only modest gains in increasing diversity over the last 10 years, according to government data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence. S&P found that the percentage of Black or African-American employees in the insurance …

Despite Warnings and Laws, Drivers Continue to Be Distracted by Phones

Despite education programs and state laws, phone-based driving distraction is still on the rise—and is likely responsible for far more accidents than widely reported, says a new study from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT). CMT’s analysis of 54 million trips recorded …

Ten Largest Insurance Markets Likely to See 4.5% Drop in GDP During 2020

The world’s 10 largest insurance markets are cumulatively expected to see their gross domestic product (GDP) decrease by 4.5% in 2020 compared to 2019 because of COVID-19, according to a new Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) report. “All things being equal, …

Independent Agents Seek Digital, Product Support From Carriers to Battle Direct Writers

Independent insurance agents and their carrier partners face strong headwinds in their efforts to maintain their dominance among distribution channels due to increased competition and evolving consumer expectations, according to new research. According to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Independent …

Hurricanes Staying Stronger Longer After Landfall Than in Past

Hurricanes are keeping their staying power longer once they make landfall, spreading more inland destruction, according to a new study. Warmer ocean waters from climate change are likely making hurricanes lose power more slowly after landfall, because they act as …

Professional Liability Underwriters Feeling Pressure From COVID: AM Best

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating varying levels of disruption for writers in the U.S. professional liability insurance market, with many expecting a sizable increase in claims, according to a new AM Best report. With its Best’s Special Report, “Professional Liability …

California Workers’ Comp Hospital Stays From 2010 to 2019 Examined

A new study from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute shows the steep drop in the number of inpatient hospitalizations involving injured workers in the state over the past decade was largely due to the ongoing decline in spinal fusions and …

COVID-19 Cases in Nursing Homes Rising in States Hit by Latest Virus Surge

Despite Trump administration efforts to erect a protective shield around nursing homes, coronavirus cases are surging within facilities in states hard hit by the latest onslaught of COVID-19. An analysis of federal data from 20 states for The Associated Press …