Core systems

Based on recent survey results from Aon Consulting, actuaries expect costs to rise an average of 10.6% during 12-month rating periods starting this year between April and September.

Association says proposed changes to the arbitration system are unfair.

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Letter asks senators to scuttle Insurance Information Act

The Chicago vendor is endorsed by the Independent Health Insurance Agent Association (IHIAA) for its suite of quote engines, agent Web sites, e-mail autoresponders and lead management systems.

A survey of driving habits shows that annual mileage driven on American roads is declining, mainly because of a reduction in discretionary use of vehicles.

Washington - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offered some dire predictions today, stating that the Atlantic hurricane season will be more active than forecasters first predicted, with up to 10 hurricanes expected to form.

A new report says because of their ubiquity, producers must strive to make their portals exceptional.

Based on their banking colleagues experiences with the implementation of the Basel II accord, Aon recommends European insurers ready themselves for Solvency II long before 2012.

Health insurer expands an online community of healthcare information sharing.

Northbrook, Ill. — A unique marketing initiative by Allstate Insurance Co. will expand its Allstate Green electronic payment option initiative to eight states, make good on local green promises and leave its mark as a corporation that cares about the environment.

The transition to the global use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) may create dramatic change in insurance products, investment strategies, risk management and M&A activities.

The rate of claims may be down, but medical costs and permanent total claims across all industries, regions, and payroll sizes are increasing.

The prospect of an optional federal charter for insurers gets another airing.

Needham, Mass. - In June 2008, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released a proposal to reclassify the annuity products referred to as fixed indexed annuities or equity indexed annuities (indexed annuities) as securities. New research from Needham, Mass.-based TowerGroup Inc. finds that this proposal has far-reaching implications for the insurance companies and agents selling the products.

NAPCO EXPANDS USE OF AIR CATASTROPHE MODELS

PATNI RELEASES AUTOMATED FRAMEWORK FOR INSURANCE

Seattle - The shareholders of Safeco Corp. voted overwhelmingly to approve the merger agreement entered into on April 23, 2008 with Liberty Mutual Group. Of those Safeco shareholders who voted, 99.5% voted to approve the transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Liberty Mutual will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Safeco for $68.25 per share, in cash. The transaction is not subject to financing contingencies.

Leasing Equipment Answer Capital Preservation

Insurers need to go beyond the traditional definition of innovation and develop a culture in which new ideas are a part of the DNA and touch all sides of the industry, says Aon EVP.