AM BEST'S MONTHLY INSURANCE MAGAZINE
INNOVATION
The Pandemic Has Accelerated the Pace of Digital Transformation and Product Innovation in Insurance
Insurers were venturing on a digital journey and innovating products prior to COVID-19. But the pandemic forced many insurers to fast-track some of those transformations that are now likely to have a permanent home in the industry. Special Section sponsored by Finys.
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- Lori Chordas
- March 2021
INNOVATION
COVID-19 a Year Later: Life Insurers Forced Into Digital, Operations Growth in Survival Bid
An endless series of run-on days and anxiety for the life insurance industry has stretched into the first year of living in a COVID-19 world. An industry known for gaming out crisis responses now finds itself pondering which parts of the pandemic response will become permanent and where it can find growth. Special Section sponsored by Finys.
To listen to a Finys podcast click on the microphone.
- Terrence Dopp
- March 2021
INNOVATION
Insurers Cozy Up to Remote Work and Reduced Office Space
COVID-19 forced many insurers almost overnight to shift employees into work-from-home arrangements and necessitated some to consider closing unused office space in what is the dawn of the new virtual workplace reality. Special Section sponsored by Finys.
To listen to a Finys podcast click on the microphone.
- Lori Chordas
- March 2021
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Collateralized Loan Obligations on Rise in Life Insurance Asset Management as Quest for Yield Continues
Life insurers are increasingly turning to bundled corporate-loan investment vehicles, which due to their structures offer a higher return than similarly rated debt.
- Terrence Dopp
- March 2021
AT LARGE
COVID-19 Forced Workers to Adapt to New Modes of Working
The unavoidable changes wrought by the pandemic meant many employees were pushed out of their comfort zone.
- Tony Kuczinski
- March 2021
CAPTIVES
Gulf Cooperation Council Region Recognizing Benefits of Captives
Reinsurance market conditions and regulatory changes in the region are creating a better environment for captives.
- David Pilla
- March 2021
TECHNOLOGY
Parsyl CEO: The Last Mile of Vaccine Delivery Is Where Insurance Matters Most
A public-private partnership comprised of capital from a U.S. government agency, reinsurers, insurers and Lloyd’s syndicates uses data and analytics to insure vaccine supply chains.
- Meg Green
- March 2021
EUROPEAN INSURERS
Activist Investor Urges Finland’s Sampo to Dump Nordea Bank
Sampo said it sold 162 million shares of Nordea Bank to institutional investors last November for gross proceeds of €1.17 billion as part of the Finnish insurer’s strategy to focus on property/casualty insurance.
- David Pilla
- March 2021
NEXT WAVE
One Year Later: COVID-19 Is Still Teaching Us Lessons
The pandemic has enlightened us over the course of the past 12 months. We should take care not to lose the wisdom imparted by these trying times.
- Carly Burnham
- March 2021
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
The Insurance Industry Begins Year Two of a Brave New World
This issue also includes a look at insurer investments in collateralized loan obligations and a listing of the largest European non-life insurers.
- Patricia Vowinkel
- March 2021
PROPERTY/CASUALTY
Catastrophe Modeling, Improved Risk Assessment Among Panel Recommendations to Increase Takeup of Earthquake Insurance
AM Best TV spoke with four industry experts about closing the protection gap that exists even in areas with frequent earthquake activity.
- John Weber
- March 2021
RISK ADVISER
Drones, Telematics and Sensors Help Insurers Manage Risks
Now more than ever, innovative risk management practices demonstrate the unique value that carriers and independent agents deliver to their customers.
- Dick Lavey
- March 2021
WHAT AM BEST SAYS
AM Best: COVID-19 Dampened 2020 Commercial Health Sales
Most insurers reported the individual market and employer group segment were sticking with their existing carriers during the pandemic, which caused a decline in sales.
- John Weber
- March 2021
REGULATORY/LAW
Protests, Riots Raise Questions of Civil Authority Coverage
For any given loss, coverage depends on the language of the particular policy provisions governing the claim at issue.
- Alycen A. Moss and Elliot Kerzner
- March 2021
BOOKS
Professor: Insurers Should Address Those Affected by Historical Inequalities
A historian details the inequities of insurers practicing risk assessment using racial data.
- Meg Green
- March 2021
THE LAST WORD
As the World Turns: Global Perceptions of Life Insurance
The reasons for owning life insurance, along with consumer buying behavior, vary around the world. However, nearly everyone agrees it’s an important part of personal risk management.
- Lori Chordas
- March 2021
WORKERS' COMP
Early NCCI Data: 8.1% Decrease in Workers’ Comp 2020 NPW
Workers’ compensation premiums fell from $42 billion in 2019 to $38.6 billion in 2020 in a change that’s attributed to COVID-19, according to NCCI.
- Timothy Darragh
- March 2021
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
Munich Re America Names Successor for Retiring President, Chief Executive Officer
M. Steven Levy to retire and Marcus Winter moves into new role. Also, K. Douglas Briggs selected insurance professional of the year, Chubb names climate sustainability manager and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers elects officers.
- March 2021
INSURANCE MARKETING
Racing Ahead With Sponsorships and Creating Social Connections
Root Insurance is partnering with NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace, and insurers are accelerating their use of social media marketing to create long-term brand awareness and build trust and credibility with consumers.
- Lori Chordas
- March 2021
AM BEST TV & AUDIO
Swiss Re Economist: Most Natural Catastrophe Losses in 2020 Were From Secondary Perils
Also, professionals discuss COVID’s trio of risks and lowering limits on child abuse and molestation coverage.
- March 2021
TRENDING: BEST'S RESEARCH
Telehealth Claim Surge From Pandemic Transforms Healthcare Delivery
AM Best also comments on the stock market frenzy impacting social inflation for insurers that provide Robinhood coverage and UK business interruption.
- March 2021
CORPORATE CHANGES
Acquisitions, Name Changes and State Actions
Security Life of Denver is among the life/health and property/casualty insurers in the United States that have had a recent corporate change.
- March 2021
AM BEST WEBINARS
Benefits From Optimal Processes, Accurate Analysis and How Insurance Claims Are Changing
Professionals discuss how carriers are investing resources into analytics, how remote access and lifestyle changes are affecting insurance claims and how the insurance industry is tackling long-term care.
- March 2021
Most Read
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