The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) said referrals from member companies to investigate questionable claims through the third quarter were up 12 percent compared to last year.

The protection and indemnity insurance market bounced back this year, up from negative earnings a year ago, thanks to the improved investment picture, but claims are eating into underwriting earnings.

Farmers Insurance experienced the largest drop, 3 percent, in customer satisfaction among property and casualty insurers, but overall the industry's score is unchanged

Laura Toops looks ahead to 2011.