Despite the ravages of the recession, personal lines auto remains one of the most competitive markets for consumers.

The insurance market for museums and historic homes remains competitive yet stable, with favorable loss experience, intelligent and loyal buyers, as well as a certain degree of prestige attached to it.

Two years after the Massachusetts personal auto market opened up to allow rate competition among insurers, industry representatives have hailed the entrance of new companies, new products and services offered to consumers.

Experts today said insurers will not likely have to pay business interruption or aviation claims from the Iceland volcano eruption, as such a rare event is not likely to be covered by the policies.

As social networks continue to grow in usage, insurers should take advantage of the services to advertise and communicate with customers in ways not available through other channels, a consulting firm advised.

Volcanic activity in southern Iceland has disrupted air transport networks across northwest Europe, but has not caused property damage or casualties in Iceland, according to reports.

Weather events and new compliance rules will have a negative impact on title insurers' first quarter results, but that impact should not materially affect the industry, according to a Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst.

Consumers in foreign insurance markets surveyed by Accenture are willing to shop for new insurance providers, and are increasingly shopping online for coverage, an activity that mirrors U.S. trends, an Accenture representative said.