An economic recovery could halt the movement by standard carriers into markets traditionally served by excess and surplus lines insurers, industry experts said.

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The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents said it will hold its annual Federal Legislative Summit March 17-18 in Washington, D.C.

Safety Insurance Group reported 2009 fourth-quarter net income off by 13.4 percent compared with the 2008 period, after a settlement with Massachusetts for overcharging and a fall in net earned premiums.

Insured losses stemming from the major winter storm that swept through the U.S. East Coast between February 23 and 28 will total between $150 and $350 million, AIR Worldwide estimates.

PartnerRe Ltd. said it expects insurance industry losses from the Chile earthquake could hit $10 billion and its own expected claims could exceed $300 million.

Munich Re said profit for 2009 exceeded $3 billion and it expects 2010 to be just as profitable, despite catastrophe losses from the Chile earthquake and a huge winter storm in Europe.

Swiss Re estimated that total insurance industry losses from the Feb. 27 Chile earthquake could reach $7 billion and said its own loss from the event could possibly hit $500 million.