Global catastrophes in the first half of the year have already made 2011 the costliest year on record with respect to economic losses.

The property and casualty insurance industry’s earnings are expected to be modest for the first half of this year after insurers were hit by a series of weather-related losses, according to a financial analyst’s report.

Technology companies now are starting to develop “social business” platforms specifically designed for the office and loaded with applications aimed at aiding the bottom line. One of the first insurance companies to embrace a social-business platform is Warren, N.J.-based Chubb.

A Western-based independent insurance agents’ group is protesting a program where buyers of new GM automobiles receive a one-year auto-insurance policy at no extra cost through MetLife.

A quiet second-quarter catastrophe-bond market reflects the desire among investors to put their money into places other than U.S. hurricane risks, a report from Willis Group Holdings says.

Moody’s says it expects Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. to remain the preeminent player in its primary business of insurance broking and consulting, as moves to improve business performance gain traction.

Catastrophe bonds are heavily weighted toward U.S. hurricane risk and some investors are pulling back on their allocation to the exposure because of this, according to a producer’s report.

Marsh & McLennan Agency and Hub International say they have acquired employee benefits brokers Prescott Pailet Benefits and Workplace Benefits Solutions, respectively.