Progressive could be the biggest beneficiary if increasing personal-lines rates trigger more shopping behavior among consumersas the Ohio-based insurer typically gains share when rates rise, according to a Stifel Nicolaus report.

With 2012s first quarter in the books, executives and industry observers have noted that property and casualty pricing remains on the upswing. Following are observations from industry leaders made during conference calls and in recent analyses in response to 2012 first-quarter results.

With 2012s first quarter in the books, executives and industry observers have noted that property and casualty pricing remains on the upswing. Following are observations from industry leaders made during conference calls and in recent analyses in response to 2012 first-quarter results.

The House has passed a 30-day National Flood Insurance Program extension that would push the programs expiration date back to June 30.

The House has passed a 30-day National Flood Insurance Program extension that would push the programs expiration date back to June 30.

Progressive could be the biggest beneficiary if increasing personal-lines rates trigger more shopping behavior among consumers, as the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based insurer typically gains share when rates rise, according to a Stifel Nicolaus report.

Progressive could be the biggest beneficiary if increasing personal-lines rates trigger more shopping behavior among consumers, as the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based insurer typically gains share when rates rise, according to a Stifel Nicolaus report.

U.S. property and casualty insurers saw 2012 first-quarter net income soar by 69 percent as lower catastrophe losses helped drop the industrys combined ratio to 96, compared to 102 a year ago, according to a Moodys Investors Service analysis.