Commercial Lines

Insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher's chief executive is upbeat about the firms third-quarter performance, and told analysts that rate increases are necessary for the industrys health.

Many of the factors that need to be in place for a property and casualty market turn are notat least not to cause the type of sharp turn toward a robust hard market, says economist Robert Hartwig.

Catastrophe modeler AIR Worldwide puts estimated insured losses from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in eastern Turkey at between $55 million and $170 million, lower than the $100 million to $200 million estimate released yesterday by Eqecat.

It came as no surprise to anyone that has followed the Floridas reinsurance fund that it could potentially have a $3.2 billion shortfall, according to new report issued by independent-financial advisor Raymond James.

While property and casualty insurers are excitedly discussing the prospect of 2012 rate increases and improving loss ratios, the net impact of such a development will likely be tempered by expectations of low investment yields, according to analyst firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.

Securities litigator Paul Ferrillo says standalone corporate investigation coverage may be the best solution for risk managers worried about Dodd-Frank whistleblower implications, but he also provides D&O coverage tips for those that cant afford the standalone solution.