Insurance-company executives, a global broker and analyst firms are weighing in on whether the market is hardeningand their responses include yes, maybe, and a debate over whether the traditional hard- and soft-market cycles are even relevant anymore in the marketplace.
In a report focusing mostly on the energy-insurance market, insurance broker Willis took time to discuss the global insurance-pricing cycle, stating a market turn, which many feel is already beginning, is not necessarily guaranteed to occur just yet.
The earthquake in Japan and two other major losses for insurers have put the brakes at least for now on the soft-market pricing trend in the energy-insurance market, says a report from Willis Group.
Experts in the energy field believe insurance market pricing will remain flat for the next 12 months despite early concerns that the Deepwater Horizon spill would drive prices higher.
Energy insurance sector prices are being driven down and carrier competition is increasing, the result of record capacity and low losses, a brokerage is reporting.
Chilean earthquake insurance claims from the energy industry should not exceed $350 million, according to an energy claims specialist with Marsh insurance brokerage.