AM BEST'S MONTHLY INSURANCE MAGAZINE
CATASTROPHES: PANDEMIC
The COVID Catastrophe
The global pandemic is on track to be the costliest event in insurance history. It’s also a defining moment for the industry. Special Risk Section sponsored by Lexington.
- Kate Smith
- June 2020
CATASTROPHES: CLIMATE CHANGE
Weather Alert
The rising severity and intensity of natural catastrophes, amplified by climate change, in California, Florida and Texas have brought about some insurance, regulatory and building code changes in those states. Special Risk Section sponsored by Lexington.
- Lori Chordas
- June 2020
CATASTROPHES: CLAIMS ADJUSTERS
A Permanent Adjustment
After spring storms cause damage, the COVID-19 crisis brings new challenges and approaches for claims professionals. Special Risk Section sponsored by Lexington.
- Renée Kiriluk-Hill
- June 2020
CATASTROPHES: REGULATORS
Serving His Country
Georgia insurance commissioner who assisted with COVID-19 facilities with National Guard likens virus fight to World War II. Special Risk Section sponsored by Lexington.
- Lori Chordas
- June 2020
RISK ADVISER
A Better Remedy
Lawmakers must develop a public-private partnership to address insured losses from pandemics.
- Howard Kunreuther
- June 2020
LIFE INSURANCE
[Still] Open for Business
Stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures took a toll on many small businesses, including Main Street agents and brokers. The Paycheck Protection Program may be something of a lifeline for them.
- Terrence Dopp
- June 2020
FINANCIAL BENCHMARKS
On the Way Out
With the London Interbank Offered Rate phasing out next year, insurers should welcome the flexibility alternative rates can bring to their financial decisions.
- Dr. Richard L. Sandor
- June 2020
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
Storm Warning
The coronavirus pandemic will rank as one of the biggest catastrophes ever for the insurance industry. Hurricanes, floods and wildfires, however, remain threats that will demand attention.
- Patricia Vowinkel
- June 2020
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
A Needed Resource
Insurers are positioning themselves to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank in the event of further financial stress.
- John Weber
- June 2020
REGULATORY/LAW
The Fire Last Time
Insurance coverage during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1920 was much different than it is today.
- Stephen P. Pate
- June 2020
WHAT AM BEST SAYS
An ‘Existential Threat’
AM Best: Forcing insurers to cover business interruption claims retroactively would have grave implications for the industry.
- John Weber
- June 2020
AT LARGE
Remote & Resilient
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of continuity, community and cyber resiliency.
- Tony Kuczinski
- June 2020
INSURANCE MARKETING
New Messages
Insurance industry CEOs step into the spotlight in TV and social media ads to deliver messages about their commitment to customers and the resilience of their organizations in the midst of the pandemic.
- Lori Chordas
- June 2020
TECHNOLOGY
Beyond Digital
The journey to digital evolution moves insurers from transformation to innovation to reach customers.
- Pat Saporito
- June 2020
NEXT WAVE
Emotional Support
In times of crisis, empathy and understanding are more important than ever.
- Carly Burnham
- June 2020
THE LAST WORD
A Model Approach
COVID-19 is shining a spotlight on the need for predictive infectious disease modeling to help insurers project the onset and spread of costly outbreaks.
- Lori Chordas
- June 2020
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
WTW Names Climate, Resilience Hub Senior Director
Also: Arkansas has new commissioner; Farmers New World Life names president and former NAPSLO president dies From COVID-19 complications.
- June 2020
IN THE NEWS
British Regulator to Ask Court for Clarity in BI Coverage
In disputed cases, the regulator will rule on the meaning and effect of some policy wording.
- Timothy Darragh
- June 2020
IN THE NEWS
California Workers’ Comp Order Opposed by Insurers
The industry says the governor’s order jeopardizes the stability of the state’s workers’ comp system.
- Timothy Darragh
- June 2020
IN THE NEWS
Pa. Rehabilitators File Plan to Aid Long-Term Care Insurer
The plan must be confirmed by a judge to go into effect—however a hearing date has not yet been set.
- Lori Chordas
- June 2020
IN THE NEWS
Regulatory Update
Several states issue regulations on auto, homeowners and health insurance and annuities.
- June 2020
INDUSTRY UPDATES
‘Road to Oblivion’
Starr’s Greenberg lobbies Congress to shield insurers from uncovered business interruption claims.
- Kate Smith
- June 2020
BEST'S RESEARCH
Best’s Analysis
AM Best continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on various segments of the industry, including the insurance-linked securties market. It also comments on the existential threat posed by pending business interruption legislation.
- June 2020
CORPORATE CHANGES
Corporate Changes
All companies listed are life/health or property/casualty insurers in the United States and Canada that underwent changes in January 2020.
- June 2020
AM BEST TV & AUDIO
Pandemic Pressure
As the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic effects of it continue, AMBestTV and AMBestAudio report on how the ongoing catastrophe is impacting insurers.
- June 2020
AM BEST WEBINARS
Legal and Logistical Issues Insurers Face During Pandemic; Effects on Earnings
Industry experts discuss the coronavirus pandemic and related shutdowns that have opened up uncharted territory for the insurance industry; AM Best analysts review the impact of COVID-19 on earnings and balance sheets.
- June 2020
Best's Calendar
The Question
What long-lasting changes to the insurance industry will the coronavirus bring about?
Email your answer to bestreviewcomment@ambest.com.
See the latest reader responses.
Digital Edition
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