A return to normalized levels of both catastrophes and loss-cost inflation could cause problems for the industry in 2014 when combined with rate deceleration/decreases, KBW says.

On January 17, 1994, the Northridge Earthquake, a Magnitude 6.7 temblor, occurred 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. It's been a mixed bag since then with respect to preparedness for another major quake.

On January 17, 1994, the Northridge Earthquake, a Magnitude 6.7 temblor, occurred 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. It's been a mixed bag since then with respect to preparedness for another major quake.

The NRRA appears to be largely functioning as intended: simplifying compliance for multistate risks while not altering rates or risk appetite. But industry associations tell the GAO that some states are making eligibility requreiments beyond those called for in the law.

The NRRA appears to be largely functioning as intended: simplifying compliance for multistate risks while not altering rates or risk appetite. But industry associations tell the GAO that some states are making eligibility requreiments beyond those called for in the law.

Wholesalers are currently seeing greater opportunities, but that is largely due to increased exposures from a recovering economy and standard carriers retreating from traditional excess and surplus lines risks rather than significant rate increases, says Burns & Wilcox CEO Alan Kaufman.

Federal-regulatory concerns about life-reinsurance captives could give rise to mission creep that would sweep up traditional single-parent and group captives in any actions taken, warns Fitch Ratings.

Federal-regulatory concerns about life-reinsurance captives could give rise to mission creep that would sweep up traditional single-parent and group captives in any actions taken, warns Fitch Ratings.