Security risk

Oklahoma and Texas led in insured CAT loss payouts; overall, insured CAT losses declined compared to 2012.

A survey of financial services executives finds companies investing in technology, people and processes, yet readiness levels are low and stress levels are high.

Insurance CEOs are overwhelmingly optimistic about growth and hiring, but more than half are concerned about their ability to manage technological change and new market entrants, according to survey.

Mark Bertolini tells investors health plans allowed to continue in 2014 though they don’t comply with new Obamacare rules may be extended for as long as three years.

Health plans offered through government-run insurance exchanges may be required to cover 30 percent of "essential community providers" in each county in 2015, an increase from 20 percent this year.

A slew of new products and data sources emphasize the speed with which the insurance industry is changing, which could threaten “fast followers,” according to Strategy Meets Action.

Predictive modeling is recognized as a transformative ability, but one that must be tempered by maturity, patience and understanding, says the insurer’s chief enterprise business analytics scientist.

Combined ratios fall; increased scrutiny, regulatory changes and political uncertainty rank among top concerns.

‘DriveAbility 2.0 Score’ to offer version equipped with GPS.

Reforms, supported by Obama administration, would increase premiums.

HB 2662, introduced for the 2014 legislative session, would authorize insurers to conduct all transactions with policyholders over the Internet.

IT infrastructure managers must simultaneously capture the next rounds of efficiencies, accelerate the transition to next-generation infrastructure, reduce risks, and improve organizational execution.

Application helps U.S. P&C insurers model their business, enabling improved management of risk and capital, company says.

Two people with knowledge of the matter say any decision could be months away.

As we enter 2014, we’re ready to design solutions that change insurance from a backward-facing, financial indemnity product to a continuous, predictive, risk management service.

Obamacare has always depended, both operationally and politically, on an alliance between the administration and insurance companies. But that alliance is vulnerable.

A safe new-year prediction is that we shall see more insurers getting into trouble, paying the price for over-expansion.

Nearly all insurers also expect Congress will reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, according to I.I.I. survey, which revealed deeply divided economic outlooks.

Many will stop selling universal life with secondary guarantees and half expect to make major design and pricing changes; CFOs to make only moderate changes to staffing levels despite lack of in-house talent.

Through its acquisition of Nest, Google soon will have access to even more personal data, positioning it to potentially enter the homeowners’ insurance market.