The chief executive of Zurich-based ACE Limited reasserted that U.S. insurance regulation by states should end, citing the hit-and-miss quality of individual venues as one reason for his position.

Premiums are not likely to begin rising until early 2010, but federal insurance regulatory reforms before then could mean abrupt price spikes rather than gradual shifts, one leading industry economist has warned.

The installation of defective Chinese drywall in Southeastern homes brings up liability issues, but potentially impacted contractors and suppliers haven't seen their accounts moved out of the standard lines market.

In addition to policies specifically designed to pay for loss of business income during a pandemic flu event, other specialty insurance coverages may be tapped to pay flu-related claims, according to a report published late last year.

As the "year of the contagion" sparks a higher level of inquiries about specialty insurance products designed to cover the business side effects of flu pandemics, well-informed agents can seize an opportunity, according to a specialty broker.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure on May 7 calling for a study of the availability of property insurance for homes where Chinese drywall is present.

Continuing in its effort to beat out Max Capital with a rival bid for Bermuda-based IPC Holdings, Validus Holdings has upped its offer to shareholders of the targeted property-catastrophe reinsurer.

Despite recent outcries from federal lawmakers and plaintiffs lawyers, concerns that Chinese drywall could become the next asbestos are unfounded, experts say.