Commercial Lines

Premium increases will continue for the P&C insurance industry in the face of rising interest rates and other economic factors that will conspire to keep the momentum going, says financial analyst Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.

About $175 million of the pretax total can be attributed to catastrophes in the U.S.primarily storms in the central states.

While relatively few opportunities exist today for someone looking to complete a purchase of small-business insurance on their own directly from a carrier online, a significant segment of consumers is already moving in this direction, a recent survey by Deloitte has revealed.

In a mixed month for insurance-industry employment, P&C carries added 1,100 jobs in May while agents and brokers shed jobs for the sixth straight month, albeit at a slower rate.

Historic flooding dominated a below-average natural catastrophe season through the first half of this year, according to a Munich Re Nat Cat presentation.

Tropical Storm Chantal strengthened slightly on Tuesday as it swept into the eastern Caribbean and moved between the islands of Martinique and St. Lucia, U.S. forecasters said.