Commercial Lines

Commercial lines insurance rates rose 3 percent in the 2011 fourth quarter, according to a Towers Watson survey, providing further evidence that the years of soft-market momentum may be reversing course.

A.M. Best issued downgrades for three insurers last week, citing catastrophe losses as an impediment to profitability.

Hedge fund titan John Paulson tried on Friday to enlist securities analysts in his effort to force Hartford Insurance Group to separate its property and casualty businesses from the lesser-performing life businesses.

One old-time financing method could give budget-squeezed governmental agencies needed capital flexibility to immediately pay for infrastructure repairsbut the surety industry, contractors and lenders would have to modify their business models first.

Many small and midsize contractors dont consult their surety-bond underwriters soon enough after running into trouble that could trigger a bondan event that threatens a contractors ability to remain in business.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will propose regulations this year imposing strict limits on force-placed insurance for homeowners, bringing it to a level that an industry expert says it should not be.