E&S/Specialty

A large majority of insurance executives in the United Kingdom believe that if the government does not overhaul the tax system there will be a drop in the number of insurers based there, a trade group survey finds.

The decline in insurance prices is finally showing signs of hitting bottom, with commercial property and casualty premiums overall dropping an average of 5 percent last month--half the rate of one year ago, MarketScout's "barometer" survey found.

Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this month reforming regulation of the surplus lines and reinsurance markets should be part of a more comprehensive measure modernizing oversight of the entire industry.

President Barack Obama declared that reforms will be passed this year to prevent the financial industry from relapsing into the habits that almost collapsed financial institutions like American International Group.

While networking activities between specialty insurers and brokers remain the centerpiece of the annual meeting of NAPSLO, one new item on this year's schedule promises to bring two generations of NAPSLO members together.

Large groups of private educational institutions, hospitals, hotel chains and even officials of Major League Baseball can buy insurance for income losses and extra expenses incurred during a pandemic.

Some of the most challenging risks in the event cancellation business are aging performers--whether they're rock-and-roll stars or operatic tenors, according to one managing general agent who specializes in placing contingency insurance for concerts.

While specialty insurers writing coverage for risks ranging from oil platforms, to trucks, to construction projects have reported lower demand in 2009, those working with customers in the sports and entertainment industries still draw crowds.