Bermuda-based specialty underwriter Hiscox said that due to its recent expansion in the United States it has reorganized its corporate structure, placing all U.S. operations under one manager.

Homeowner health complaints related to Chinese drywall products point up a need for contractors to obtain enhanced insurance coverage, but such protection may not be available, according to a brokerage expert.

Producers and carriers searching for opportunities to develop new clients may find ample opportunities through social networking over the Internet--but there are challenges as well.

Larger insurance brokers are expected to see improvements in earnings as the market cycle begins to turn, but middle-market intermediaries may still suffer from the effects of the economic downturn, according to a financial analyst's report.

Little insurance is available to protect business against the current swine flu outbreak, and managers need to be aware of how to minimize potential infections among staff, experts said.

Independent agents are getting hit with a double whammy these days--still suffering from commission losses as a result of the persistently soft market, while simultaneously dealing with the fallout of a severe recession.

American International Group announced last week it was accelerating the spin-off of its major property-casualty insurance units into a separate company so it can sell off a minority share to the public.

Catastrophe risks can expect to see double-digit insurance premium increases through the rest of this year as underwriting capacity dwindles and the hurricane season approaches, an executive from Marsh said.