Research and Trends News

Pandemic Economic Uncertainty Could See Insurers Buying, Partnering with Insurtechs

Insurance carriers could increasingly target insurtechs for acquisition and partnerships in the coming months due to pandemic-related economic uncertainty, according to a report. “As insurers move toward late 2020 and into 2021, we believe there may be an increase in …

Traffic Deaths Fell But Fatality Rate Spiked During Coronavirus Lockdowns

U.S. traffic deaths fell during the coronavirus lockdowns but drivers engaged in riskier behavior as the fatality rate spiked to its highest level in 15 years, according to preliminary data released Thursday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported …

Researchers Show How Conversation Spreads Virus Inside Buildings

With implications for the transmission of diseases like COVID-19, researchers have found that ordinary conversation creates a conical ‘jet-like’ airflow that quickly carries a spray of tiny droplets from a speaker’s mouth across meters of an interior space. “People should …

Pandemics Surpass Climate Change as Biggest Worry for Insurance Professionals: Study

Pandemics became the top concern for insurance professionals this year as the COVID-19 crisis roils the industry worldwide. Infectious diseases and pandemics were ranked as the most significant risks to society over the next five to 10 years in a …

More Than 7,500 Financial Services Jobs Move to Europe from London: EY Brexit Tracker

More than 7,500 finance jobs and a trillion pounds in assets have already left Britain for the European Union as banks prepare for full-blown Brexit in January, consultants EY said on Thursday. Banks, insurers and asset managers have opened new …

Texas Workers’ Comp Networks Have Lower Medical Costs Than Non-Networks

Texas workers’ compensation claims handled through health care networks have lower medical costs than those managed outside networks, a state report finds. The Texas Department of Insurance has published its 2020 Workers’ Compensation Network Report Card Results showing networks outperform …

Report: Nearly 2M Homes at Elevated Risk of Wildfire

Nearly 2 million homes, mostly in the Western U.S., with a rebuilding value of more than $638 billion are at an elevated risk of wildfire damage, a report out today shows. An annual wildfire report from data provider CoreLogic comes …

The State of Surplus Lines Insurance: Busy Solving Risk Puzzles in a Complex World

Insurance professionals in the surplus lines sector are busy. Busy adapting to a changing business world during COVID-19. Busy adapting to a changing property/casualty market where standard lines insurers are steadfastly shedding undesirable accounts. Busy adapting to a market that …

COVID-19 Crisis Renews Attention on Systemic (Uninsurable) Risks

Reinsurers and insurers for years have been worried about systemic risks – those uninsurable risks with the potential of surpassing the capital of the industry. The COVID-19 crisis has renewed attention on these risks, which could also include a global …

Pandemic Brings Shift in Younger Workers’ Views of Employee Benefits

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a greater emphasis on employee benefits that help people plan for unexpected life events and provide financial protection, according to a study by The Hartford. The Hartford’s Future of Benefits Study found that 40% …