Natural catastrophes (Nat Cats)
Reinsurers showing resilience under weight of catastrophes
The top 50 global reinsurers' financial positions coming out of 2011 shows the sector's resilience through one of the costliest catastrophe years in history, according to a report by AM Best.
Monte Carlo preview: The calm after the storm
With 2011 rocked by political uprisings and catastrophes, delegates at the Monte Carlo Rendez-vous had much to discuss. However, a year later, with the market beginning to settle, what will be on the agenda?
Asian nations could emulate Caribbean catastrophe pool
A Pan-Asian catastrophe pool could be an effective tool to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable nations in the region, according to the Philippines finance secretary.
Malta hit by deluge after thunderstorms
Thunderstorms brought heavy rain and flash flooding to Malta, southern Europe between Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3.
Reinsurers to diversify more cautiously after 2011 cat losses
Reinsurers should tread with caution when looking to diversify their operations as increased exposure in natural-catastrophe prone regions could leave them open to large losses, Standard and Poor’s said today.
Tsunami warning after 7.6 magnitude earthquake hits The Philippines
A major earthquake struck off the town of Guiuan in Samar province at 12:47 UTC yesterday.
Insured loss estimates hit $2bn as Hurricane Isaac hits Louisiana a second time
Catastrophe experts have suggested that insured losses from Hurricane Isaac could total $2bn after the tropical storm made a second landfall in the US state of Louisiana.
US property and catastrophe insurers to sustain largest Hurricane Isaac losses
Primary insurers including Liberty Mutual Group are likely to bear the brunt of any insured losses arising from Hurricane Isaac, Fitch Ratings has claimed.
Hurricane Isaac will not be a 'Katrina event'
Hurricane Isaac could cause up to £304m ($480m) in insured losses, experts have predicted.
Typhoon Tembin narrowly misses Taiwan on its return
Taiwan residents were relieved earlier today after Typhoon Tembin failed to make landfall for a second time in the region.
US drought to create $20bn crop insurance losses
Catastrophe modelling firm Air Worldwide has estimated that the US drought could leave the insurance industry with a $20bn bill for the losses America's crop farmners have sustained.
Venezuelan oil refinery blast kills 48 people
An oil refinery in Venezuela went up in flames after three tanks exploded on Saturday morning.
No major damage after typhoon Bolaven strikes Japan
Typhoon Bolaven, a strong Category 3 typhoon, made landfall in northern Okinawa at around 12:00 UTC on 26 August.
Global expansion key to Lloyd's competitiveness
The Lloyd's market needs to expand its global reach to remain competitive in the future, according to a new report by Guy Carpenter.
America and Asia battle series of earthquakes
Several earthquakes hit California, the Florida Keys, Japan and China over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Reinsurers more risk-focused after Asian catastrophes
The spate of Asia-Pacific catastrophes in the past two years have prompted reinsurers to take stock of their existing portfolio and re-evaluate their underwriting approach and risk appetite according to Fitch Ratings.
Reinsurers take stock of Asia-Pacific risks
Reinsurers are bracing themselves for the next catastrophe in the Asia-Pacific region following the spate of catastrophes over the last two years, according to Fitch Ratings.
Ecclesiastical CEO upbeat despite significant H1 underwriting losses
Ecclesiastical chief executive Michael Tripp has blamed “turbulent times” after his group chalked up a first half underwriting loss of £14.4m (H1 2011 £6m).
Historical hurricane costs upwards of $10bn in 2012, claim cat experts
Experts have stated that 28 out of almost 180 hurricanes that have occurred in the United States since 1990 would have caused $10bn (£6.3bn) or more in insured losses had they happened today.
Amlin reports leap in H1 profit to £184.5m
Amlin has reported profit before tax of £184.5m in the first half of this year compared to a loss of £192.3m in the first half of 2011.
QBE records 26% increase in insurance profit in H1 2012
QBE Insurance Group made an insurance profit of $965m for the first half of the year ended June 2012, an increase of $203m on 2011.
Chaucer appoints Barter as head of catastrophe risk
Lloyd's insurance group Chaucer has appointed Nick Barter as head of catastrophe risk.
Air Worldwide develops catastrophe model offering
Air Worldwide has expanded its offerings for commercial insurers with the ability to determine losses from natural catastrophes to buildings under construction.