AM BEST'S MONTHLY INSURANCE MAGAZINE
WHAT AM BEST SAYS
AM Best: Recent D&O Improvements May Stall Amid Market Challenges
Earlier this year, AM Best affirmed its negative outlook on professional lines, of which D&O is an important part. Expanding risks associated with cyber liability, information privacy and employment practices are among those concerns.
- David Pilla
- July 2022
LIFE INSURANCE
Life Reinsurers Find Hope Even as COVID-19 Lingers, Mortality Rates Shift
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, mortality and death benefits paid remain higher for life insurers, even as the rush of working-age mortality abates and face values get lower.
- Terrence Dopp
- July 2022
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
AM Best: US Medical Professional Liability Faces Headwinds as Outlook Is Negative
Panelists discussed an expected spike in the number of COVID-19-related claims, delayed litigation and the impact on open claims, cybersecurity and telemedicine.
- Anthony Bellano
- July 2022
THE LAST WORD
Pumpkin Launching Contests or Holes-in-One — Insurance Has Them Covered
Indemnity insurance underwrites promotional events that award large prizes, no matter how offbeat the contest is.
- Anthony Bellano
- July 2022
AT LARGE
The Deep Understanding of Value in the US Market
Among the large mature markets, the U.S. is the only one where direct premiums written exceeded the global average over a 10-year period.
- Bill Pieroni
- July 2022
CATASTROPHES
Stormy Weather: In Florida, Property Claims Face Litigation Backlog
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway this month. As the industry works to resolve backlogged claims, a new wave may once again trap ILS capital and put pressure on markets.
- Anthony Bellano
- June 2022
LIFE INSURANCE
US Interest Rates, Excess Capital Drive Life Insurers’ M&A Push
The COVID-19 pandemic taught the industry a thing or two about core versus non-core businesses and instilled a willingness to deploy capital to either shed or grow segments through M&As, observers say.
- Terrence Dopp
- June 2022
ASSET MANAGEMENT
US Fed Rate Hikes, Ukraine Invasion and Lingering COVID-19 Inject Volatility Into Bonds
Without a crystal ball to see what the Federal Reserve has in store in its inflation fight, coupled with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and stubborn COVID-era supply chain problems, the bond market is seeing volatility rise.
- Terrence Dopp
- June 2022
EMERGING LEADERS
AM Best’s Student Challenge Winners Offer Battle Plan for Infectious Disease Remediation
This year’s first-place team members said COVID-19, and its catastrophic impact on small businesses, was the impetus for their idea to help mitigate small-business closures.
- Tom Davis
- June 2022
ASSET MANAGEMENT & ESG
Asset Management Professionals Examine Growing Role of ESG in Insurance Portfolios
Asset managers explore the strategies and considerations insurers are employing to adapt their portfolios.
- Lee McDonald and John Weber
- June 2022
EUROPEAN INSURERS
AM Best: Inflation, Energy Prices Bring Uncertainty to France Non-Life Market
A good level of diversification and protection against natural catastrophe losses are moderating factors for the segment.
- June 2022
REGULATORY/LAW (WEB ONLY)
US Courts Offer Differing Interpretations of Cyberfraud Cases
In some ways, inconsistent law can be worse than bad law.
- Alan Rutkin
- June 2022
AT LARGE (WEB ONLY)
Insurance Industry Offers a Noble Value Proposition
Insurers should feel good about what they do. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t accept how the profession is usually characterized in popular culture.
- Tony Kuczinski
- June 2022
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Florida in the Eye of the Insurance Storm
The June issue includes a feature about a claims backlog in Florida, an interview with the winners of AM Best’s Student Challenge and a report on insurance asset management and developments in the bond market.
- Patricia Vowinkel
- June 2022
BEST'S RANKINGS
Largest 30 European Insurers — 2022 Edition
Insurers were ranked by 2020 gross premiums written.
- June 2022
BOOK STORE (WEB ONLY)
Personal Tales Help New and Struggling Agents Maximize Their Sales Production
In his book, David Duford shares stories of top-producing agents who have created niches and found success in the industry.
- Lori Chordas
- June 2022
EXECUTIVE CHANGES (EXPANDED ONLINE)
President of Aflac US Announces 2023 Retirement Date
Insurance industry mourns the deaths of Everest Re chief risk officer, Allstate chief legal officer and Centene chief executive officer.
- June 2022
AM BEST MULTIMEDIA
Panel to Discuss Insurance Business Protection Using a Layered Approach to Identity Fraud Management
Professionals also examine the non-catastrophe ILS market from a ratings perspective as well as emerging trends in cyber insurance.
- June 2022
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Insurance Industry Events Return to In-Person Venues
Les Rendez-Vous de Septembre and InsureTech Connect are among the notable conferences scheduled for face-to-face gatherings this fall.
- June 2022
WEB TRAFFIC
Visits to European Insurers Sites
Prudential plc leads web analytics provider Semrush's ranking of the Largest 30 European Insurers based on 2020 gross written premiums.
- June 2022
PREFERRED PUBLISHER PROGRAM (WEB ONLY)
In Other News ...
A roundup of news from publishers around the globe. Access to some sites may require registration or subscription.
- June 2022
Best’s Calendar
Digital Edition
The digital edition, a replica of the print magazine, is available only to subscribers.
Best’s Review Contributors receive a BestMark to feature in their marketing material that showcases their participation in a leading insurance industry magazine.