Catastrophe Risks
First Half's $68 Billion in Natural Disaster Losses Below Average
Natural disasters caused approximately $68 billion in losses during the first half of 2020, slightly below the inflation-adjusted 30-year average of $74 billion, according to Munich Re. Insured losses, at $27 billion, were above the average of $20 billion due to the large proportion of North American weather disaster losses. Read More
For US Property and Casualty Insurers, COVID-19's Impact Remains Uncertain
The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on insurers' financial statements will likely be more pronounced in the second quarter than it was in first-quarter results, according to S&P Global Ratings. The infection rate and deaths related to COVID-19 grew significantly in the second quarter, and business shutdowns were also more pronounced. Read More
Risk Modeler AIR Worldwide Updates US Hurricane, Inland Flood Model
Catastrophe risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide (AIR) has updated its hurricane and inland flood models for the United States. The updates will help insurers and reinsurers enhance their risk management and provide a comprehensive view of flood risk across the US, AIR said. Read More
Second Wave of COVID-19 Could Challenge Insurers' Resilience: S&P
Insurers' and reinsurers' ratings have proven resilient during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely as a result of their capital strength, according to S&P Global Ratings, though a second wave of COVID-19 could prove challenging. Those capital buffers will be eroded through the second half of the year. Read More
Colorado State Researchers Update 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
Researchers at Colorado State University have updated their 2020 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, increasing their projection for named storms this season by 1 to a total of 20. The Colorado State team forecast continues to project 9 hurricanes this season, including 4 major hurricanes of Category 3 or greater. Read More