E&S/Specialty

Omega Insurance Holdings Ltd. Chairman John Coldman said he and CEO Richard Pexton got a “baptism by fire” since they joined the company, as the Bermuda-based insurer and reinsurer posted a $42.8 million 2010 loss.

State legislators and regulators “have a ways to go” to ensure that the surplus lines reform law goes into effect as mandated by Congress in July, the head of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices said.

The antics of major Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen have resulted in the cancellation of a multimillion-dollar production and put an entire cast and crew out of work, begging the question: Can this actor still be insured?

While debate rages over the future direction of the overall property and casualty insurance market, one recent broker survey of a niche market—architects and engineers professional liability—indicates rates could see upward momentum this year.

In a soft market, excess and surplus-lines executives have managed to identify some growth areas and have found the time ripe for technology investments and recruiting talent. But survival demands innovation.

Construction-insurance pros see some signs for market improvements in 2012 and 2013, as the economy recovers and projects continue in key industries, such as health care and education. A second round of stimulus funding would also help.