Securities Markets - Insurance companies venturing into previously uncharted territory

With the spotlight currently focused on the subprime mortgage crisis and with many prior examples of securities debacles, think Enron, it's interesting to note that insurance entities are starting to explore opportunities into this historically untouched area of investment for them. According to their website, Lloyds, www.lloyds.com, one of the largest world players in the insurance and reinsurance market, "Convergence between the capital and insurance markets is gaining pace and Lloyd's insurers are at the forefront of developments". They have formed an investment management company that will specialize in traded insurance risk. With the global industry as a whole having an extremely profitable run the past couple years due to the low incidence of insurance related catastrophes, combined with a successful run of investment profit in the stock markets, they are now exploring new ways to broaden their earnings capacity. While at face value this looks much like many other new investment ventures, the fact that the insurance industry is heading in this direction can cause consternation among insurance company investors. While the insurance industry is inherently based on risk, it seems to be taking that risk factor into a whole new direction with this move. Our industry, and it's profits, are subject to the unpredictable whims of nature, and it seems they are now heading into the unpredictable whims of the securities markets as well. Just some food for thought going forward. It might be interesting to keep an eye on this development and see if it turns into a trend. Either way it should make be an interesting ride for investors.

Popular posts from this blog

Delaware Business Insurance Update from CNC Insurance Associates, " Personalization of Auto Insurance Could Reduce Rates !" 12-25-18

Insurance rates may go down in the future because of "auto personalization". What is this you ask? Imagine being charged insurance rates based on your personalized use of your auto. If you drive very little next week, then your rates go down. If you drive the speed limit most of the time, your rates go down. If you avoid hard braking and tailgating, your rates go down. Get the picture?  The use of telematics has given the insurance industry a chance to personalize insurance costs directly to the users' driving habits. Gone may be the days of surcharging a male driver under the age of 24 just because they are young. If the telematics show that he can drive as safe and responsible as a 40 year old, then his insurance premiums should be comparable. If you go on vacation and park the car for two weeks, telematics will inform the insurance company that there has been no risk, and your insurance premiums will reflect that. Now as good as this sounds it will work the other wa
Read more

Get employees back to work quickly to keep work comp costs down

Image
In the past I have spoken to clients regarding a particular workers compensation claim affecting them and have asked if they have brought the employee back to work yet. Too many times the answer is no, they have nothing for that employee to do since said employee is not 100% and unable to perform their specific job prior to their workers compensation injury/claim. The problem with this is that too often employers miss the point that even though an employee can't perform in the position they were in prior to their injury, it behooves the employer to create some type of alternative task/job the employee can do until such time they are able to resume their normal duties. Bringing that employee back to work means that work comp benefits /payments in that particular claim are being curtailed, thereby saving the employer potentially more being paid out, while adding to their experience mod and driving their overall work comp expenses up.
Read more

Delaware Business Insurance Update from CNC Insurance Associates. " Mental Health Issues in the Workplace Needs Risk Management" 12-2-18

Employees with depression and severe anxiety are very common in the work place today. Studies have shown that close to 50% of all who suffer mental health issues at work are not being treated effectively. Mental health disorders do not discriminate, as it affects all employees even in the C Suite. So what is the employers' responsibility for dealing with this issue? It definitely requires risk management.  Employers can begin by making sure the health insurance that is offered to employees has mental health coverage. Many plans do not carry this coverage even though the ACA requires it. More importantly employers should create a culture of conversation which can allow employees to openly discuss their mental issues. Employee Assistant Programs set up by employers can offer education and services to help employees improve their wellness and sleep. Also employees abuse of prescription medications , need employers attention to make sure doctors and counselors are part of the assistant
Read more