Global covid-19-related insurance losses $29bn and growing

The running total of global covid-19 related losses, reserves and estimates reported by insurers and reinsurers to Zurich-based financial services advisory PeriStrat LLC, were $US20.75bn ($A29bn) as of July 28, according to Reinsurance News.

FCA-insurer stoush over BI payout erupts in UK High Court

A stoush between UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and insurers over cover for business interruption (BI) during the covid-19 pandemic has erupted before Lord Justice Julian Flaux and Justice Christopher Butcher hearing a test case in the British High Court to find clarity on the issue.

SIRA refers icare to ICAC over financials

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has referred conduct at icare, NSW workers’ compensation insurance scheme, to ICAC after warnings about its deteriorating financial position, Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) revealed this morning.

Catastrophe losses close to record high

The economic loss from natural catastrophes in the first half of 2020 reached $US68bn ($A95bn), a newly released Munich Re report shows – slightly lower than the 30-year average of $ US74bn after adjustment for inflation.

PHI members with hospital cover dwindle to 44%

Private health insurers keep losing members with hospital cover, particularly younger members, while older members are increasing the latest APRA figures for the year ended December 2019 show.

QBE foreshadows $US750m 1H20 loss

QBE expects to report a 1H20 net statutory loss after tax of about $US750m ($A1.05bn), reflecting the impact of COVID-19, catastrophe experience and prior accident year claims development combined with a net investment loss of about $US125m because of extreme investment market volatility.

London remains dominant market

The London market is still the world’s biggest re/insurance hub, according to London Matters 2020, London Marketing Group’s latest report, which tracks the London (re)insurance market’s growth and development.

$9m paid under COVID-19 super ERS

In all, super funds have made $9bn in payments since inception on April 20, of the super early release scheme (ERS), newly released APRA figures show. According to APRA data submissions from 177 funds, the total value of payments during the week to May 10 was $2.7bn and the average payment, $7,546.

Many Aust businesses under-prepared for COVID-19-type risk

At the onset of COVID-19, almost 40% of businesses had failed to regularly test their risk and crisis plans, an Australia-wide survey of almost 400 governance and risk professionals and senior executives found, leaving them exposed to major risks.

ICA cancels 2020 annual forum on covid-19 concerns

ICA has cancelled its 2020 annual forum and annual dinner, scheduled for March 18, after many delegates’ voiced concerns about risks associated with attending big public events during the covid-19 crisis.