A combination of higher coastal populations, artificially suppressed rates for last-resort insurers, and the inability of insurers to charge rates commensurate with risk along the coast has driven the residual property market in hurricane-exposed states to new peaks in both exposure value and policy levels, says the Insurance Information Institute....

The U.S. insurer W.R. Berkley is planning a 40-story skyscraper in London's main financial district, underlining the importance of the industry to an area once dominated by banking.

Catastrophe losses in June ran higher than the same month a year ago for Progressive Corp., driving June 2012 net income down 75 percent compared to last year.

State legislatures continue to provide P&C insurers with new mandates. Whether directed at claims or underwriting, these mandates have a strong focus on the consumer.