Risk

The Solvency Shadow

Is the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry experiencing clear skies in the area of solvency or are there dark clouds on the horizon? A tough market over the past three years has raised some questions about industry measurements in everything from capital levels to underwriting performance to reserve development. Today, most agree the solvency situation seems to be steady. But, some observers say the nature of the softening market could spell trouble for the years ahead.

June 30, 2004

9 min read

Our Own Worst Enemy

To some, the insurance cycle is a phenomenon we must endure. In reality, however, it is something we create, and we must endeavor to manage it better.

June 30, 2004

8 min read

Uncollectibles – Fact or Fiction?

I was taught that doing business with companies with names such as “As-honest-as-the-day-is-long Re” is generally not a good idea as they are unlikely to live up to their standing. I was also warned to be wary of companies with glittering new headquarters, as the argument ran that the management of said companies would more […]

June 30, 2004

6 min read

Confidence and Consistency

There is a huge inventory of articles about the underwriting cycle and the "feast or famine" nature of the property and casualty insurance business. Much of the literature attributes cycles and the inevitability of cycles to economic factors and other external pressures.

June 30, 2004

9 min read