XL Capital reported first-quarter net income of $3.1 million, with favorable prior-year development contributing to the upside and investment losses continuing to drag the figure to a minimal level.

William R. Berkley, chief executive officer of the W.R. Berkley Corp. specialty lines insurance organization, said the market is turning faster than previously expected, but the initial upward rate hikes will likely be lower than past hard markets.

Insurers bracing for potential losses from the installation of defective Chinese drywall in homes in the Southeast may find themselves named directly in lawsuits, according to legal experts.

The American Association of Managing General Agents is gearing up for its annual meeting in Boca Raton, Fla., next month, drawing its members to the gathering with the promise of networking opportunities.

While comparisons to mold and asbestos are inevitable, liability insurance exposures arising from the installation of tainted Chinese drywall in Southeast homes will not grow to asbestos-like proportions, legal experts predicted recently.

Insurers bracing for potential losses from the installation of defective Chinese drywall in homes in the Southeast may find themselves named directly in lawsuits, according to legal experts.

72% of respondents to a recent survey on D&O claims issues answered yes to the question, "Have you been involved in an actual claim where the D&O insurer paid more than you believe it needed to, based upon the facts and coverage issues?"

In spite of the impact of an economic recession and the unraveling of one major competitor, the property-casualty insurance business--and the specialty insurance market, in particular--remain strong, according a specialty carrier executive.