Search
 
Commentary

Cat Model Got Your Underwriters?

Karen Clark has had an interesting career path. A pioneer in the catastrophe modeling business, she sold her own firm eight years ago, but now essentially makes ...

By Staff Writer | Updated on March 10, 2010
cat modelKaren Clark has had an interesting career path. A pioneer in the catastrophe modeling business, she sold her own firm eight years ago, but now essentially makes her living warning people about what cat models can’t do–which is replace human judgment. But have insurers gotten the message?

Our latest article on this subject appeared in NU’s Feb. 22, headlined “Are Insurers Too Dependent On Catastrophe Modeling?” (You may access the piece by going to http://bit.ly/chMiSI.)

NU’s Phil Gusman interviewed experts in the field, and what he found is very comforting, yet scary. Models are a terrific tool to help red flag any potential over-concentration of risk, but they are no substitute for the knowledge, experience and even intuition of human underwriters.

Phil reported that in Ms. Clark’s view, as he put it, “models are not absolute truths, but rather tools that offer generalized best estimates. They can contain uncertainties, limitations and even inaccuracies, she warned, insisting they are not designed to replace underwriters or be the final word on which risks are acceptable to an insurer.”

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.