In the fourth quarter of 2012 and Q1 2013, we've seen P&C price increases of at least 5 percent, according to surveys by the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. Would you agree that pricing is beginning to firm, and do you think this trend, if we can really call it that yet, will continue?

Generally, pricing has been trending positive and we expect that to continue for the remainder of 2013. In the first quarter, our Commercial business worldwide reported positive rate change of 4.2 percent, while in the U.S.rates increased 7.4 percent on average. Segments of Casualty and Property, where rate increases are most needed, are partly driving the trend. While there is still capacity in the market, insurance companies need to raise their rates due to the low interest rate environment.

At AIG, we believe there is also a flight to quality. Corporate buyers are looking for access to global markets; new products such as our Cyber Risk solution; and claims, engineering and loss mitigation services that they can't get from most companies. Clients highly value these services.

Were the recent departures of four top AIG executives to build out an E&S business at Berkshire Hathaway a signal that there is a change in E&S strategy at AIG?

Not at all. We have every intention of building on our E&S market leadership. AIG, through Lexington, has been committed to the E&S market for over 45 years. It's hard to match that. We have a deep, seasoned bench of leadership at AIG. We have long standing relationships with customers and brokers that have stood the test of time. We have a number of strengths that set us apart, including our global footprint and infrastructure, and our expertise in claims and loss control. These are things that customers look for when they access the E&S market and they cannot be replicated overnight.

There are those who would say that the real impact of Superstorm Sandy will be tightened underwriting on catastrophe-exposed property particularly on the East Coast, more than an increase in pricing for those areas. How much of an effect do you believe Sandy will actually have cat-exposed property terms and pricing, going forward?

We learn from every event. Sandy was an opportunity to get smarter about terms and conditions, just like Irene was an opportunity before that, and so on. We have invested more in engineering and in underwriting tools that help ensure we are taking better risks. We are constantly working with our customers, putting lessons learned from past CATs to good use in our loss control and engineering efforts. Our customers know we are better preparing them for the next event.

What do AIG's results in the first quarter tell us about the P&C organization's strategy and focus for the remainder of 2013?

Results clearly indicate that we have the right strategy in place and it is having an impact. In our commercial business for example we are using data, better risk selection tools, and the right business mix to drive down the loss ratio. We have been successful in this: At the end of first quarter 2013, we had lowered our commercial accident year loss ratio by nearly 5 points compared to first quarter 2012 and 10 points from first quarter 2011. We are also driving profitable growth in net premiums, growing an adjusted 3.8 percent from the prior first quarter. Highlighting our progress, S&P upgraded our financial strength ratings following first quarter earnings. Our mandate for the remainder of 2013 is execution; execution against our strategy and our five-year plan.

What specialty lines in particular are you excited about in 2013? Are there any areas in particular that AIG will be looking at more closely than before?

In our Specialty business, we see great potential in emerging markets–as these economies grow and become more sophisticated in their insurance buying. We have the platform in place already to serve them, which is a great advantage. We are also excited about the positive reaction to our Cyber Risk product and services. This is a hot topic within the industry and definitely something that keeps risk managers up at night, so having a market-leading solution for them has been gratifying on many levels.

AIG was the top pick in our Risk Manager Choice Awards as the best overall commercial-insurance provider, ranking particularly high in Construction, D&O, Employment Practices, E&O, Ocean Marine, Umbrella/Excess Liability and Cyber Liability. That type of satisfaction is built on service, obviously, but also in the relationships you forge with clients. What's the philosophy at work there that sets AIG apart?

First, we are very grateful to our customers for the honor. I truly believe it is in our customers' best interest, as well as our own, to build sustainable, long-term relationships. It pays dividends in how we price the business, service the business and, at the end of the day, pay claims. Knowing our customers' business and needs is critical–that's a philosophy we pursue. As you note in your rankings, we operate in many lines. We work hard to innovative in all of them, and take great pride in doing so. I think customers appreciate our commitment to them and to the market, and they value the expertise we bring to their insurance programs.

Special Reports /

AIG's John Q. Doyle: E&S Market Leadership 'Cannot be Replicated Overnight'

Related Stories

Recommended For You