Making Sense of Hurricane Models

February 13, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

To model for natural disasters, insurance companies rely on modeling expertise from firms such AIR Worldwide, RMS and EQECAT.

By doing so, they can avail themselves of a deep well of scientific knowledge and models consistently improved to reflect the latest research. Yet, insurers will have to choose between the models or select multiple models a find a way to blend them. Oddly, this approach has become more difficult lately as the primary hurricane models from the vendors become more divergent, notes AIR in a new report, “Assessing U.S. Hurricane Risk: Do the Models Make Sense?”

“In the last two years, both AIR Worldwide and RMS released new versions of their hurricane models for the United States,” the report states. “Model Read more…

Marine Insurance to Manage Danger in the High Seas

February 6, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Heartwarming scenes accompanied the return of the crew members of the ill-fated cruise liner Costa Concordia returned home. As mothers and wives hugged their loved ones who returned home, smiles and relief were writ large on the faces of the survivors. The crew doubtless had to use their marine crew insurance to ensure that they did not pay for any treatment they received.

When you are responsible for others’ lives, it can be a stressful thing. Even driving a car can sometimes be stressful. W

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Car sales go out like a lion in 2012

January 26, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

In the last two months of 2011, consumers showed their love for buying cars, as vehicle sales surged both in November and December.

Chrysler purchases jump 45 percent in November

According to global information services firm IHS, Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen all posted significant gains in November, with Chrysler seeing sales rise 45 percent compared to the same month in 2010.

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Billing System Activity Remains High for P&C Insurers

January 20, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Insurers continue to have a number of functionality and improved technology options when it comes to renewing or replacing billing systems, according to a new report from Celent. In an effort to help insurers refine their systems strategies and, where appropriate, create a list of appropriate vendors for evaluation, the research and consulting firm analyzed 13 systems for the report, “Stand-Alone Billing System Vendors.”

Upon doing so, the firm discovered some trends emerging in the market. Generally, what once was a back-office function is becoming consumer/agent facing. And, because of this insurers must make some changes to investments in technology. “We Read more…

Sticking to Your Resolve on Vacations

January 16, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

A new year has just begun, and those of us looking back at the past year might have a list of resolutions ready. An international traveler who habitually traveled without travel health insurance might want to resolve to avoid skimping on travel insurance. A tourist who had a bad culinary experience may resolve to stick to tried and tested foods. But for most of us, it’s the battle of the bulge that takes center stage.

For those who travel often, it is almost impossible to effectively watch what they eat. H

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Luxury automobile makers roll out unique features

January 8, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

To be successful, automakers must combine reliability, aesthetic appeal, efficiency and more in each car. While some groups, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, feel automakers should be more focused on creating features to lower emissions and improve gas efficiency, manufacturers seem to market more toward flashy and unique car accessories.By considering which types of technological advances should be priority, some automakers are finding ways to create incredible designs.Infinitis impressive new featureThe Los Angeles Times reports automakers, especially those of luxury vehicles, have been trying to create unique ways to grab the attention of the average consumer.

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