NU Online News Service, Sept. 8, 3:38 p.m. EDT

Underwriting results for commercial auto have been favorable for the past seven years through 2009, a significant shift for the line of business relative to the prior 30 years, according to a new Conning Research & Consulting report.

Conning said underwriting results in the past seven years have been profitable for commercial auto, and combined ratios have come in under 100 during that time. By contrast, commercial auto saw underwriting profits in just four of the prior 30 years (1972 to 2002) and had a mean average combined ratio of 107.8 in that time.

Additionally, Conning said commercial auto pricing cycles appear to be a barometer for other lines of business, turning ahead of the rest of the market. "Limited exposures to large loss swings caused by natural catastrophes and also the relatively rapid development of loss claims are explanations for why commercial auto results show changes in conditions ahead of many other lines of business," Conning said.

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