Analysts seem to agree on a few things, at least, about what the property/casualty insurance industry can expect through the end of 2014 and into 2015.
Executive Summary
Three property/casualty insurance analysts answered the same five questions posed by Carrier Management's Mark Hollmer about near-term movements in key financial indicators—premium growth and rates, combined ratios, ROEs, loss reserves—as well as M&A activity.Reinsurance consolidation is coming, they say. Experts also look at the broader market and see continued softening, and they cast doubt as to whether combined ratios for the industry as a whole will land under 100 in the coming months.
But they differ as to whether M&A will be drastic or selective, with companies merging or insurers buying select business lines from rivals.
