Core systems

Life, annuity and pension firms are struggling to generate profits for shareholders, members and policyholders due to the global economic slowdown, increased competition and low interest rates. This confluence of factors is leading many insurers to reassess which products and markets are to be considered strategic, and how to best manage the discontinued, unprofitable and non-strategic portions of their business, according “Strategies and Options for Managing Closed Blocks: Life, Annuities, and Pensions Edition,” a new report from Celent.

In 2011, only two companies in the segment became impaired, the smallest number since 1962.

For the 7th consecutive year, INN recognizes female insurance executives who have made outstanding contributions to their businesses.

Wireless carrier boosts network, hardware, and offers driver analytics and scoring to carriers interested in evaluating its Integrated Insurance Solutions product.

Given the second-quarter decline in the equity markets and no let up in other pressures, Fitch anticipates more modest full-year 2012 results than first-quarter improvements indicate.

Doubts surrounding global rules meant to make investors’ and insurers’ lives easier are increasing as the wait continues.

Competition for the individual retirement market is heating up as the number of baby boomers heading into retirement increases, creating an opportunity for insurers to attract new customers and their assets, according to “The Big Payout: Growing Individual Retirement Income Opportunities 2012,” a report from Conning Research & Consulting.

Cover-All policy administration, commercial lines products selected in an attempt to improve operating efficiency and growth.

Individuals with major driving violations, such as alcohol-related infractions and excessive speeding, have mortality rates—even non-vehicle-related deaths—that are 70 percent higher than individuals who do not, according to motor vehicle record study.

Insurer to implement Innovation Group's entire suite, including policy, claims and analytics elements.

Billing Stream, Claims Stream to be implemented in a multi-phased approach.

Insurer turns to policy management solution to increase automation and streamline disaster recovery underwriters’ workflow.

Diversification and reinsurance likely to prevent large net losses in the wake of widespread drought.

A.M. Best and Deloitte reports find that diversified carriers and those closest to the insured will be best positioned to weather changes to market.

Insurer looks for increased efficiency, service as product is purchased to administer MTL’s life insurance, annuity business.

Ward Group analyzes the financial performance of nearly 800 life/health insurers in the United States annually and identifies top performers in each segment. The Ward’s 50 life/health group of insurance companies produced a 19.0 percent statutory return on average equity from 2007 to 2011 compared with 3.4 percent for the life/health industry overall.

GEICO, RLI and USAA make the list for the 22nd consecutive year.

After auto claims satisfaction dipped in the first quarter, decreased out-of-pocket spending and shorter repair processes contribute to much stronger results in the second quarter.

One offers consistency while the other offers complexity and a chance to engage advanced technologies.

Alfa2Go mobile application now enables customers with iPhone and Android smartphones to pay bills, file claims and access policy info.