The P&C commercial market has officially achieved hard-market status, according to the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB)although some executives at major carriers remain skeptical.

Leading U.S. homeowners insurers recorded combined ratios well over 100 in 2011 due mainly to storms throughout the year, according to an SNL Insurance analysis.

Workers compensation combined ratios remained unsustainably high in 2011, and investment returns were not high enough to generate sufficient operating returns, but premium growth in this line indicates that the worst of the recession has passed, and the industry remains well capitalized for the future, according to NCCI.

Property and casualty insurers added 2,000 jobs in March, a month that is typically favorable for P&C employment, according to Insurance Information Institute President Robert Hartwig.

The U.K. governments plan for whiplash-injury reforms is positive for the general insurance industry operating in the whiplash capital of Europe, according to Moodys Investors Service.

Commercial property and casualty rates were up 3 percent in April compared to the same month a year ago, and admitted carriers may be in the beginning stages of ceding risks back to the non-admitted market, according to MarketScout.

Fewer auto-insurance consumers are shopping their coverage today, but those who do shop seem more willing to switch providers than in past years thanks to competitive quotes, says J.D. Power and Associates.

Bermuda insurers and reinsurers report strong first-quarter earnings relative to a year ago, with several swinging back into the black after reporting Q1 losses in 2011.