Core systems

A.M. Best report says growth of new business in 2009 was strong compared to prior years, but challenges remain.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau official wants to create principles-based disclosures that are simple for consumers to understand.

Under the plan, the Treasury would convert $49.1 B of its preferred shares in AIG to common shares, increase the government's stake to 92.1% from 79.8%, and then gradually sell it off.

New paper from NAMIC highlights legislative issues surrounding vehicle repair.

Market Force polled consumers regarding their thoughts about and experiences with their auto insurers.

A stalled economic recovery, volatile stock market and undervalued P&C insurance stock prices create an unfavorable environment for receiving appropriate value for the business, notes the insurer.

S&P removes ratings from AXA Insurance U.K., Fitch Ratings affirms Liberty Mutual Group, A.M. Best assigns debt ratings to Manulife’s senior notes.

It appears that 2010 may be a fairly good year after all for U.S. life insurers. Rebounding from the financial crisis, insurers continued to hold large cash and cash-equivalent assets, notes A.M. Best, but during 2009, such amounts began to decline as companies sought higher yields that were needed to back life and annuity products.

Dutch insurer reportedly will shutter additional operations in Britain.

Distracted driving is quickly rocketing up the ranks of risks for insurers. Coming on the heels of a Chubb study last week that found motorists are in favor of banning cell phone use while driving, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) today reinforced the popular sentiment that the issue of distracted driving absolutely must be addressed on multiple fronts, including:

A report indicates that the Obama administration will work to promote the availability of annuities and other forms of guaranteed income.

Disclosure of risk related to AIG’s portfolio of credit default swaps and securities lending program the focus of class-action suit.

Blue Shield of California will make $24.8 million in bonuses available to medical groups and independent practice associations.

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) announced the 224 independent insurance agencies that have been selected for the 2010 Best Practices Study. Agencies are selected from across the country after a nomination and vetting process.

So far there doesn’t seem to be much demand from plan participants, but insurers are pushing hard to get their piece of the trillions now invested in 401(k) plans.

Bloomberg says deal to expedite sell-off of government stake in insurer may be announced soon.

Devices will develop analytic methods for personal and commercial auto insurance.

Chubb survey finds more than half of U.S. motorists say they have used a cell phone while driving, but 90% say it should be illegal to do so.

Insurers may want to keep an eye on the success of the card issuer's new app, which allows users to post details about their purchases.