Chris McMahon

A slew of new products and data sources emphasize the speed with which the insurance industry is changing, which could threaten “fast followers,” according to Strategy Meets Action.

Book of complex property risks has grown, creating growth opportunities for team members, company says.

Predictive modeling is recognized as a transformative ability, but one that must be tempered by maturity, patience and understanding, says the insurer’s chief enterprise business analytics scientist.

Combined ratios fall; increased scrutiny, regulatory changes and political uncertainty rank among top concerns.

Fewer people are shopping for auto insurance, declining 4 percent in the 12 months ended June 2013, compared to all of 2012, according to TransUnion’s "Auto Insurance Shopping Index."

Network technology and application/database security top the list, according to a survey from Novarica.

Reforms, supported by Obama administration, would increase premiums.

Customer service rises in importance as a business driver and cost containment declines, according to Strategy Meets Action.

New business unit consolidates recently acquired Extend Health, Liazon and others to help employers deliver health benefits to employees, company says.

Upgrade Studio is designed to accelerate the planning and execution of large data migrations and offer customized metrics and reports, company says.

Application helps U.S. P&C insurers model their business, enabling improved management of risk and capital, company says.

Shifting mobile strategies and two other trends will change the industry in 2014 and beyond, according to an Aite Group report.

Insurers are shifting their outsourcing dollars to adding new capabilities and infrastructure, and away from application development and maintenance.

Insurer and tech giant have made separate announcements that should be of interest to the insurance industry, especially those pursuing insurance telematics programs.

While only three insurers make the list, their ranks improve from last year.

Nearly all insurers also expect Congress will reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, according to I.I.I. survey, which revealed deeply divided economic outlooks.

Many will stop selling universal life with secondary guarantees and half expect to make major design and pricing changes; CFOs to make only moderate changes to staffing levels despite lack of in-house talent.

Through its acquisition of Nest, Google soon will have access to even more personal data, positioning it to potentially enter the homeowners’ insurance market.

In newly created position, Denise Garth will be responsible for launching the firm’s innovation practice.

Business interruption and natural catastrophes pose the biggest threats, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer; for the first time, cybercrime and reputational loss enter the top 10 risks in United States.