There's Insurance Gold In Cities: Info Group

NU Online News Service, Sept. 21 11:10 a.m. EDT?A nonprofit insurance information group said insurers are ignoring business opportunities in urban and emerging markets because they are unaware of the available income in city areas.[@@]

Chicago-based Urban Insurance Partners Institute said also that insurers may not fully understand how to manage the market opportunity, along with the risk and exposure, in urban areas.

UIPI said a common misperception is that urban populations cannot afford insurance. The group pointed out that, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the rate of homeownership in central cities grew seven percent in 10 years, compared to 6.25 percent in the overall homeownership rate.

UIPI cited a finding by MetroEdge, a Chicago-based consulting group, that in a number of cities, the percentage of middle income households located in inner city urban areas tracks very closely with the percentage of middle income households in the surrounding metropolitan area.

Suzanne Reade, UIPI president, said, "Urban and emerging markets have special characteristics that make them more complex."

Ross Miller, president and chief executive officer of Hannover Fire & Casualty Insurance Company, added, "We have been working successfully in the urban marketplace for many years, but we have had to adapt. A company that puts some effort into understanding this environment can find it rewarding."

Mr. Miller is chairman of the fourth national Urban Insurance Advantage workshop, organized by UIPI, which will be held Oct. 27 at the Hotel Sofitel in Chicago. Workshop speakers will address proven corporate strategies for success, risk management and emerging issues that can affect any insurer already doing business in urban markets.

Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Julianne M. Bowler and Illinois Acting Insurance Director Deirdre Manna will update the participants on current regulatory issues and offer their perspectives on urban insurance.

Corporate urban and emerging markets managers from American Family, Travelers and FACT-Farmers Group will discuss their proven models for success. In addition, the National
Insurance Crime Bureau and Illinois FAIR Plan will discuss loss trends in urban areas.

The RAND Corporation's Center for Terrorism Risk Management Policy will detail its current research, and a former NAIC president will explain the current urban and emerging markets legal and regulatory environment.

The UIPI is a nonprofit educational resource for insurers on urban and emerging markets. More information, including workshop program updates, can be found at www.uipi.org.

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There's Insurance Gold In Cities: Info Group

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