Distribution

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."

Ninety-five percent of payers say publicly funded HIEs are struggling with flawed business models and are not providing meaningful connectivity.

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

Higher enrollment should benefit WellPoint Inc., Humana Inc. and other managed-care insurers that rely on a large and diverse patient-mix to balance out the costs of coverage.

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

The sale, which is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter, includes six locations in West Virginia and offices in Ohio, Idaho and Alaska.

Uncertainty over the enrollees in individual products through the exchanges and the unclear impact of the industry assessment tax are key factors in the change.

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

Insurer is looking at new distribution deals, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico and Brazil.

CEO says there’s less business going into the reinsurance market, and there’s more appetite from both traditional players and newcomers.