A.M.BestTV: A Mixed Outlook for the U.S. Property/Casualty Sector

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLDWICK - OCTOBER 24, 2014 12:21 PM (EDT)
In this ^A.M.BestTV episode, ahead of the annual Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, Oct. 26-29, a panel of A.M. Best analysts deliver updates on six-month financial results, the reinsurance environment and key issues shaping today's property/casualty (P/C) insurance market.

On the state of the reinsurance market, Robert DeRose, vice president, said it is "definitely a buyers' market. Companies are asking more from reinsurers and reinsurers looking to protect their market share are considering some of those companies' requests."

Jennifer Marshall, an assistant vice president discussed the state of the P/C industry. Marshall pointed out that A.M. Best has placed a stable outlook on the personal lines segment, due to personal lines writers continuing to look for ways to improve their underwriting standards; but a negative outlook on the commercial lines segment remains as a result of its continuing competitive environment.

Yet, despite the increase competition, low interest rates, a sluggish economy and other factors, Group Vice President Anthony Diodato sees reason for optimism. "It is a very daunting task, but despite everything that is going on in the industry, A.M. Best saw more upgrades than downgrades in the last six months, which is a hopeful sign," said Diodato.

David Blades, senior financial analyst also appears in the episode, and talks about the state of the U.S. surplus lines market.

Click here to view the entire video program: http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=pcipreview1014.

This episode is excerpted from a recent A.M. Best webinar titled "State of the U.S. Property/Casualty Insurance Sector." To see the full webinar, please visit http://www.ambest.com/webinars/pc14.

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^A.M.BestTV covers exclusive A.M. Best information and reports, targeted topics and key developments in the (re)insurance industry every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sign up for alerts of episodes at http://www.ambest.com/multimedia/ambtvsignup.html. View ^A.M.BestTV episodes at http://www.ambest.tv.

A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.