Quantcast
National Underwriter Property And Casualty Insurance News.

 Author 

MARK E. RUQUET
Associate Editor

mruquet@nuco.com

Mark E. Ruquet is an Associate Editor covering the agent/broker beat for National Underwriter. He oversees content for producer-related special reports, including NU’s quarterly “Agency Management & Technology” section. He periodically contributes columns with his views on insurance industry trends to NU’s “Final Say” page, and at times manages NU’s daily Online News Service.  Prior to joining NU in June 2000, he worked for the Ocean County Observer in Toms River, N.J., as a staff writer. Prior to that, he worked as a freelance reporter for two local New Jersey dailies, The Home News-Tribune in East Brunswick and the Asbury Park Press. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University, Livingston College, in Piscataway, N.J.

Articles by MARK E. RUQUET
Uniformity Needed To Keep Insurance Market Truly Global
September 06, 2010
Better regulatory uniformity is required globally to help facilitate insurance trade between the United States and its European partners, a panel of insurance officials said....
Agents Must Insulate Themselves To Bounce Back From A Disaster
September 06, 2010
If there is one thing that is continually stressed in any discussion about catastrophe management for insurance agencies, it is having a plan in place and knowing what it is. ...
When Disaster Strikes: Services To Get You Going Again
September 06, 2010
“Disaster has no schedule,” warns Bob Boyd, chief executive officer of Agility Recovery Solutions. ...
Slow Economic Recovery Sapping Insurers’ Strength
September 06, 2010
A downward revision of the latest economic growth indicators prompted analysts to predict that property and casualty insurers will not see a reversal in pricing or significant boost in earnings anytime soon....
N.Y. Producer Groups Help Prepare Members For Disclosure Regulations
September 06, 2010
While controversy surrounds the implementation of producer disclosure regulations by the New York State Department of Insurance, associations say they are obligated to prepare agents for the new mandates, like them or not...
August Cat Recap Highlights Flooding, Storms And Fires
September 02, 2010
Catastrophes in August affected more than 2 million homes and took more than 4,000 lives according to Aon Benfield’s monthly recap.Catastrophes in August affected more than 2 million homes and took more than 4,000 lives according to Aon Benfield’s monthly recap....
Policyholders Sue Ambac For Transferring Funds
August 31, 2010
A group of policyholders sued Ambac Financial Group to prevent the corporation from taking funds from Ambac Assurance Corp. while it is in runoff.A group of policyholders sued Ambac Financial Group to prevent the corporation from taking funds from Ambac Assurance Corp. while it is in runoff....
Protesters Take On Lobbyists At NAIC In Battle Over Medical Loss Ratio Rules
August 30, 2010
Protesters who say insurance company lobbyists are working to undermine state efforts to implement the federal health care reform law interrupted the summer meeting here of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners....
State Regulators Split Over Wisdom Of Health Reform Law
August 30, 2010
Comments made during the National Association of Insurance Commissioners meeting produced two sharply differing views among state regulators over the future benefit of health care reform to consumers....
New Accounting Rules Could Affect DAC Application
August 30, 2010
A change in how companies account for their deferred acquisition costs will probably have a greater impact on life and health insurers than property and casualty carriers and will not affect companies’ bottom lines, a new report said.A change in how companies account for their deferred acquisition costs will probably have a greater impact on life and health insurers than property and casualty carriers and will not affect companies’ bottom lines, a new report said....
AXIS CFO Greenfield To Leave In Nov.
August 27, 2010
AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. said David Greenfield, its chief financial officer, will resign. ...
Continued Economic Weakness No Benefit For Insurers
August 27, 2010
The government's numbers revising economic growth downward were not something insurers wanted to hear—nor were indications from analysts that the property and casualty market will not see a reversal in pricing or earnings anytime soon....
Failure To Read Wording, Warnings Sinks AXA Suit Against AIG
August 25, 2010
A U.S. Appeals Court vacated a $34.4 million judgment against American International Group filed by AXA, citing the French company’s failure to file the suit in time under the statute of limitations.A U.S. Appeals Court vacated a $34.4 million judgment against American International Group filed by AXA, citing the French company’s failure to file the suit in time under the statute of limitations....
Brokers Financially Solid Despite Soft Market, Economy
August 24, 2010
The insurance brokerage sector remains financially solid despite the weak U.S. economy and soft commercial property and casualty insurance market, Moody’s Investors Service said.The insurance brokerage sector remains financially solid despite the weak U.S. economy and soft commercial property and casualty insurance market, Moody’s Investors Service said....
Investors Show Faith In Insurance-Linked Securities
August 23, 2010
After a lull in investing in insurance-linked securities in 2009, the market showed a sharp uptick in investment interest in 2010. After a lull in investing in insurance-linked securities in 2009, the market showed a sharp uptick in investment interest in 2010....
Questions Raised Over Producer License Testing & Education
August 20, 2010
The roles of race, education and personal accountability in producer license testing and examination were raised as regulators began hearings to examine the need for a uniform process.The roles of race, education and personal accountability in producer licensing testing and examination were raised as regulators began hearings to consider if there is a need for a uniform process....
NAIC Confident Uniform Surplus Lines Distribution Ready By Nov.
August 19, 2010
Recommendations to the states for the collection of surplus lines taxes from insurance regulators should be in place by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) November meeting, said the chairman of the NAIC Surplus Lines Task Force.Recommendations to the states for the collection of surplus lines taxes from insurance regulators should be in place by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) November meeting, said the chairman of the NAIC Surplus Lines Task Force....
Consumer Advocates Support State Regulation; More Transparency
August 19, 2010
Two consumer advocates told insurance commissioners they would prefer to see regulation of insurance remain with the states, as opposed to a federal takeover.Two consumer advocates told insurance commissioners they would prefer to see regulation of insurance remain with the states, as opposed to a federal takeover....
Insurance Policies Do Not Serve Consumers’ Needs, Advocate Says
August 19, 2010
Insurance policies lack the standardization consumers, producers and regulators expect for homeowners and other liability coverages and only true transparency will solve this dilemma for buyers, a consumer advocate said.Insurance policies lack the standardization consumers, producers and regulators expect for homeowners and other liability coverages and only true transparency will solve this dilemma for buyers, a consumer advocate said....
Regulators Adopt MLR Form, Debate HC Law, Recognize Agents
August 18, 2010
Regulators adopted a medical loss ratio form that leans more toward a narrow medical loss ratio (MLR) definition opposed by the industry, but the discussion revealed sharply divided opinions on the federal reforms. ...
Congress’ Failure On NFIP Endangers Carrier Participation
August 17, 2010
An official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told insurance commissioners that Congress’ failure at long-term renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) could jeopardize the participation of carriers in the program.An official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told insurance commissioners that Congress’ failure at long-term renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) could jeopardize the participation of carriers in the program....
Credit Scoring Takes Center Stage At NAIC Committee Hearing
August 17, 2010
Regulators’ interest in insurers’ use of credit-based insurance scores produced lively reaction from insurance association representatives and a consumer advocate during a committee meeting on property and casualty insurance issues.Regulators’ interest in insurers’ use of credit-based insurance scores produced lively reaction from insurance association representatives and a consumer advocate during a committee meeting on property and casualty insurance issues....
MGAs Urged To Help Catch Criminals
August 16, 2010
With the summer in full swing, many of us have turned our attention to vacationing and bonding with family once again. ...
Hands-On Philosophy Helps Keep Claims Under Control
August 16, 2010
Effectively addressing workers’ compensation claims involves two elements: personally reviewing injuries and making decisions that help individual employees recover faster while saving money in the process....
AIG Set To Sell Majority Interest In AGF Subsidiary
August 16, 2010
American International Group announced last week it will sell its majority interest in its consumer lending business, American General Finance, and take a pre-tax loss of $1.9 billion in the third quarter from the transaction....
Flextronics Finds Accountability Pays As Allocation Raises Loss Awareness
August 16, 2010
How can a company maintain a successful workers’ comp risk management program in a competitive environment when battling an economic downturn and while digesting an acquisition of a firm larger than the corporate parent?...
Regulator Seeks Authority To Get Info On Non-Insurance Entities
August 16, 2010
Looking to avoid a repeat of the problems that nearly took down American International Group, a regulator said insurance commissioners are looking to state legislators toLooking to avoid a repeat of the problems that nearly took down American International Group, a regulator said insurance commissioners are looking to state legislators to provide authority to obtain information about a holding company’s non-insurance entities....
Health Care MLR Issue Prompts Discussion, Protest At NAIC Meeting
August 16, 2010
A meeting of insurance regulators and state legislators was interrupted by protestors who say health insurance company lobbyists are working to block states’ efforts to implement the recently passed health care reform legislation.A meeting of insurance regulators and state legislators was interrupted by protestors who say health insurance company lobbyists are working to block states’ efforts to implement the recently passed health care reform legislation....
Global Regulation Needs Global Answers
August 16, 2010
The global insurance marketplace needs to develop better regulatory language to help facilitate the insurance trade between the United States and its European partners, according to industry experts.The global insurance marketplace needs to develop better regulatory language to help facilitate the insurance trade between the United States and its European partners, according to industry experts....
Regulator Calls Domestic Reins. Capital Requirements Draconian
August 16, 2010
A regulator called the risk-based capital requirements for domestic reinsurers “draconian” after representatives from the Reinsurance Association of America said their obligations outweigh the rest of the industry’s commitments.A regulator called the risk-based capital requirements for domestic reinsurers “draconian” after representatives from the Reinsurance Association of America said their obligations outweigh the rest of the industry’s commitments....
Future Of FGIC In Grave Doubt
August 12, 2010
The future of Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. is in grave doubt after the company reported a second quarter net loss of $16 million as its exposure to the securitization of collateralized debt obligations takes a toll.The future of Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. is in grave doubt after the company reported a second quarter net loss of $16 million as its exposure to the securitization of collateralized debt obligations takes a toll....
Bancinsurance Family Interests Taking Company Private
August 12, 2010
Columbus, Ohio-based specialty property and casualty insurer Bancinsurance Corp. plans to go private, offering $8.50 a share for its common stock in an all cash offer.Columbus, Ohio-based specialty property and casualty insurer Bancinsurance Corp. plans to go private, offering $8.50 a share for its common stock in an all cash offer....
AIG Selling Majority Interest In AGF
August 11, 2010
American International Group said it will sell its majority interest in its consumer lending business, American General Finance, and take a pre-tax loss of $1.9 billion in the third quarter from the transaction.American International Group said it will sell its majority interest in its consumer lending business, American General Finance, and take a pre-tax loss of $1.9 billion in the third quarter from the transaction....
Ambac & MBIA Improve Earnings
August 11, 2010
Two major guarantee insurers reported improved second-quarter results as they continued to work their way out of losses suffered from the economic meltdown.Two major guarantee insurers reported improved second-quarter results as they continued to work their way out of losses suffered from the economic meltdown....
Aviation Insurers May Be Hard Pressed For Profitable 2010
August 10, 2010
A series of recent losses for the airline industry may mean the aviation insurance line will be hard pressed to see a profit in 2010 should the loss trajectory continue, according to a report from Aon Corp.A series of recent losses for the airline industry may mean the aviation insurance line will be hard pressed to see a profit in 2010 should the loss trajectory continue, according to a report from Aon Corp....
Revenues Grow For Insurance Broker Bank Holding Companies
August 10, 2010
Insurance brokerage bank holding companies’ fee income grew to its highest level to date, according to a report issued by Michael White Associates.Insurance brokerage bank holding companies’ fee income grew to its highest level to date, according to a report issued by Michael White Associates....
Brokers See Some Positive Results Despite Economic, Soft Market Doldrums
August 09, 2010
Despite being trapped in a stubborn soft market and an economy with fewer insurable exposures, the country’s biggest commercial insurance brokers reported some positive results for the second quarter....
Cat Bond Market Active, But Shows Some Waning
August 09, 2010
With the prediction of a very active hurricane season on the horizon, a report on catastrophe bond activity shows 2010 second-quarter transactions were the second most active on record, but outstanding capital is down.With the prediction of a very active hurricane season on the horizon, a report on catastrophe bond activity shows 2010 second-quarter transactions were the second most active on record, but outstanding capital is down....
BB&T Opens Online Auto Insurance Operation
August 09, 2010
BB&T Insurance Services has launched an online auto insurance service for consumers to shop for coverage, compare quotes and purchase auto insurance, the firm said.BB&T Insurance Services has launched an online auto insurance service for consumers to shop for coverage, compare quotes and purchase auto insurance, the firm said....
NOAA Puts Active Hurricane Season At 90%
August 05, 2010
The lead hurricane forecaster for the National Weather Service said there is a 90 percent chance of an above normal hurricane season in the Atlantic as the season enters its peak of activity.The lead hurricane forecaster for the National Weather Service said there is a 90 percent chance of an above normal hurricane season in the Atlantic as the season enters its peak of activity....
Hartford Reports 2Q Net Income Of $76M, Reversing ’09 2Q Loss
August 05, 2010
The Hartford reported second quarter net income of $76 million compared to a net loss of $15 million for the same period last year, despite worse than expected catastrophe losses, an increase in asbestos reserves and goodwill impairments.The Hartford reported second quarter net income of $76 million compared to a net loss of $15 million for the same period last year, despite worse than expected catastrophe losses, an increase in asbestos reserves and goodwill impairments....
MMC Closes Deal To Sell Kroll
August 04, 2010
Marsh & McLennan Companies has completed its deal to sell risk consulting firm Kroll to Altegrity Inc.Marsh & McLennan Companies has completed its deal to sell risk consulting firm Kroll to Altegrity Inc....
Power Sector Remains Soft Despite Mega-Losses
August 04, 2010
Despite losses that would normally promote a hardening in the power sector insurance market, rates remain soft with no sign of a turnaround in the near future, according to a report from insurance broker Willis Group.Despite losses that would normally promote a hardening in the power sector insurance market, rates remain soft with no sign of a turnaround in the near future, according to a report from insurance broker Willis Group....
Munich Re Warns Of Claims Losses; First-Half Net Rises
August 04, 2010
Munich Re reported that 2010 first-half net income rose 6 percent on the strength of investment income that rose 43 percent, but the Munich, Germany-based insurer warned that claims losses may cause challenges going forward.Munich Re reported that 2010 first-half net income rose 6 percent on the strength of investment income that rose 43 percent, but the Munich, Germany-based insurer warned that claims losses may cause challenges going forward....
JLT Reports Net Income Up 40%
August 03, 2010
London-based insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc reported net income rose 40 percent for the first half of the year with organic growth rising 6 percent.London-based insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc reported net income rose 40 percent for the first half of the year with organic growth rising 6 percent....
Auto Insurer Customer Satisfaction Declines In 2010
August 03, 2010
Auto insurance buyers are less happy with their insurers in the latest satisfaction survey released by J.D. Power and Associates as price increases take a toll on carriers.Auto insurance buyers are less happy with their insurers in the latest satisfaction survey released by J.D. Power and Associates as price increases take a toll on carriers....
MMC 2Q Earnings Up From Last Year’s Loss
August 03, 2010
Marsh & McLennan Companies reported solid gains in the 2010 second quarter, improving over last year’s earnings loss from the same period.Marsh & McLennan Companies reported solid gains in the 2010 second quarter, improving over last year’s earnings loss from the same period....
Fires In Southern Calif. Contained
August 02, 2010
A rash of wildfires that flared up in Southern California over the weekend appears to be under control after claiming close to 90 structures in the region.A rash of wildfires that flared up in Southern California over the weekend appears to be under control after claiming close to 90 structures in the region....
Large Brokers To Benefit If Foreign Tax Bill Passes
August 02, 2010
A bill before Congress that would tax offshore reinsurance premiums would benefit the three major global insurance brokers if passed, a financial analyst said in a note today.A bill before Congress that would tax offshore reinsurance premiums would benefit the three major global insurance brokers if passed, a financial analyst said in a note today....
Soft Market Weakens P&C Carrier Outlook
August 02, 2010
The continuing soft market is weakening the credit quality of property and casualty insurers, making their future “problematic,” with no turnaround in sight, according to an analysis by Moody’s Rating Service....

Recent Issues


Archived Issues

Most Read Articles



From Our Partners
Provides practical, authoritative sales and management information for indepent retail and wholesale producers of P&C insurance.
Online training, course development, live events, CE program management and processing services for financial, tax and insurance professionals.
Highline Data’s Insurance Analyst PRO is the market’s premier source for insurance industry statutory and GAAP financial filings. Our suite of online advanced search and analytical tools serves the industry’s need for timely data on more than 8,000 companies.


www.summitbusinessmedia.com © Copyright National Underwriter Property & Casualty. A Summit Business Media publication. All Rights Reserved.