Demand has been rising for employment practices liability insurance protection as layoff activity has increased employee claims, an insurance brokerage expert said.

There are risks and then there are risks. Imagine having to manage a room full of beetles (yes, insects), in a world-class museum filled with artifacts these beetles could make short work of.

A risk management group is urging U.S. Senate passage of a House measure it says will bolster protection against the risk of terrorist or criminal attacks on wastewater treatment plants.

Dealing with emerging risks like sea piracy, cyber crime and climate change will require vision, pragmatism and the collaboration of the public and private sectors, Lloyd's Chief Executive Richard Ward contends.

With layoffs and lower sales volume decreasing demand for insurance coverage, the recession continues to deeply depress renewal rates for property and casualty insurance programs, according to the most recent RIMS Benchmark Survey.

Improved conditions in the investment markets and the arrival of new capacity have significantly increased the capital position of Lloyd's in the first half of 2009, according to a recent report by Aon Benfield.

While it still may technically be a good commercial insurance market for risk managers, with flat rates predicted until at least late next year, top buyers and other experts warn there are caveats.

SCOR said today it has been informed of arbitration results regarding the World Trade Center indemnification dispute between Allianz and SCOR--in that Allianz had not exceeded its rights and obligations.