Core systems

Bad driving habits and trends are diminishing among teens, according to a new report on teen driver safety released by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and State Farm. From 2008 to 2011 the number of teen passengers killed in crashes not wearing seat belts decreased 23 percent, the number of teen passengers driven by a peer who had been drinking declined 14 percent, and 30 percent fewer teen passengers were killed in crashes involving a teen driver.

Commercial rates increased 5 percent, while personal lines prices were up 4 percent last month, according to MarketScout’s monthly Market Barometer.

PolicyCenter, BillingCenter designed to leverage automated underwriting rules and increase real-time functionality.

Big data maturity levels among insurers are perfectly split, according to the report, with 25 percent falling under each category: exploring, experimenting, deploying and expanding. This means the insurers find themselves a little ahead, as 38 percent of banks surveyed are reportedly still exploring big data while only 13 percent are expanding its use.

While 40 percent of Americans expect health care reform to have a major effect on their lives, 90 percent don’t know when the new exchanges will open, according to a new study.

With questionable claims numbers and fraud costs expected to grow through 2016, Aite Group outlines emerging techniques and technologies to stem the tide.

Company launches Bolt Platform, an online sales and client service platform, is designed to make real-time access available to all stakeholders.

Starting in 2014, workers at companies with fewer than 100 employees were supposed to have been able to choose from a variety of health plans through new small-business insurance marketplaces.

Data-driven analytics company for health care and insurers launches iPad app, Q-Metrics dashboard.

Emerging markets, with low interest rates and minimal market penetration, present best opportunities; products fail to thrive in United States.

While the large number of catastrophes is prompting some specialty carriers to exit more challenging lines, cyber-liability insurance continues to see double-digit growth.

Celent report finds the tools increasingly capable and sophisticated, provides tips for insurers considering the many options.

Amica receives the highest score in J.D. Power and Associates’ claims satisfaction ranking of 19 insurers.

Celina to use Talon predictive analytics suite as part of agreement.

Edinburgh office intended to enhance client services globally.

New report lists the top 5 fixed annuity companies from a record-breaking 2012.

Workers’ compensation and medical malpractice among lines most likely affected; impact likely to differ by state.

Income annuity sales set new quarterly record, increase for fourth-consecutive quarter; fixed annuity sales drop 11 percent compared to 2011.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has proposed banning force-placed insurance commissions in a blow to banks and other mortgage servicers.

OneShield's Dragon chosen by the medical malpractice/workers' compensation insurer for policy, rating, billing and business intelligence.