Personal lines insurers and their captive and independent agents will be paying close attention this week as the House works to craft a politically acceptable bill that will delay or reduce National Flood Insurance Program premium increases mandated by a 2012 law.

Top pros on both the P&C and Life sides convened in Times Square to network, discuss emerging global risks and opportunities and hear executive panelists weigh in on pressing issues facing the insurance industry during the 23rd Annual Insurance Executive Conference, sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP.

While homeowners-insurance policy exclusions can burden consumers with significant out-of-pocket expenses, expanding policies to fill coverage gaps creates a new set of challenges, such as affordability issues, lower consumer demand as rates rise and regulatory approval for risk-based rates, the GAO says.

Britain's insurers are preparing to pay out hundreds of millions of pounds in claims following a run of winter storms that have flooded homes and disrupted travel, though the absence of major damage should limit the impact on their 2013 results.