Reinsurance

ACE Ltd. is the dominant and strongest of Bermuda-based insurance companies, according to data released today by the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers.

Bermuda-based Endurance Specialty Holdings says it expects $125 million in losses from the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami, and Iowa-based United Fire & Casualty Company says it expects $10 million in first-quarter catastrophe losses incurred in the company's assumed reinsurance portfolio.

In spite of competitive conditions in the specialty program business segment, an insurance industry analyst doesn’t see any flashing red alerts signaling major troubles ahead for program carriers so far in 2011.

PartnerRe says it expects approximately $500 million in losses, pre-tax and net of retrocession and reinstatement premiums, from the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Aon Benfield launched what it says is the first storm-surge model for Germany to help reinsurers and insurers quantify risk in an “underdeveloped line of coverage.”

Aon Benfield launched what it says is the first storm-surge model for Germany to help reinsurers and insurers quantify risk in an “underdeveloped line of coverage.”

As three more Bermuda companies report estimated losses for the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami, a couple of the company executives commented that a market turn is beginning to occur.

Risk Management Solutions says insured losses from the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami will likely be between $21 billion and $34 billion, including both property and casualty and life and health claims.