The Inland Marine market has long been alluring to carriers given its high profit potential, even when other insurance sectors are suffering.
In fact, its average combined ratio for the period 2001-2010 is an impressive 85.9, according to the Inland Marine Underwriters Association.
Inland Marine "consistently performs with a very profitable combined ratio below 100. It's very consistent, and commercial insurers look at that," says Michael Berg, global Inland Marine product leader for Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty. Additionally, "Inland Marine lines are short-tailed lines, so we're not dealing with losses that drag on and on," adds Berg.
Given these appealing points, it's not surprising that the line is luring a number of new players.
A recent study by Conning Research & Consulting notes 10 new entrants in the Inland Marine field within the last five years: Alterra, C.V. Starr, Catlin, Hiscox, Ironshore, Navigators, Torus, Pure, Allied World Assurance Corp. and Aspen Specialty.
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