A.m. Best Radio Podcast

Andreas Kleiner, president and CEO of American Modern Insurance Group, discusses the company's Agent Perspectives Report that includes views on the economy, the use of technology and cultivating the next generation of agency talent.

Jennifer Nuest, transportation national practice leader for Amwins discusses the state of the industry for transportation coverage and the rapidly changing market, which she attributes to newer technology along with the importance of reputational management of companies.

Given the recent change in weather patterns, secondary perils have become more intense, resulting in higher losses for primary insurers due to higher retentions, said Daniel Ryan, senior director, AM Best, referencing a Best's Market Segment Report.

Scott Hawkins, head of insurance research at Conning, discusses the company's annual mergers and acquisitions report that shows insurance M&A rose from 125 in 2022 to 143 in 2023.

Rahul Khanna, global head of marine risk consulting for Allianz Commercial, discusses obstacles the shipping industry is facing, including floating mines in the Black Sea, diversion of ships and the industry’s vulnerability to cyberattacks.

Matt Power, president of One80 Intermediaries and Laurie Johnson, an expert in disaster recovery and hazards/climate resiliency planning, look back at the Great Flood of 1862 in California and what a similar flood today would mean in terms of insurance and recovery.

Tim Hardcastle, CEO and co-founder of INSTANDA, discusses a new report that shows what consumers want from their insurers, and how this represents an opportunity for the insurance industry.

AM Best Senior Director Sally Rosen and Director Joseph Zazzera review a new Best's Market Segment Report that finds the U.S. health segment is likely to thrive in 2024, despite several headwinds.

Bill Hodgins, head of research, LIMRA, explains what’s driving fixed rate deferred annuity sales, which rose to $165 billion in 2023 after a record-setting session the prior year and more than tripling 2021’s mark.

Paul Rehrig, president of Hagerty Media and Entertainment, in association with Hagerty Insurance, discusses the company’s new TV channel and how it ties into its brand-building strategy.

Stephen Decker, AVP, PHLY E&S Insurance Solutions, said that artificial intelligence, among other things, is having a huge impact on the surplus lines sector.

Stothard Deal, vice president of strategic planning for TransUnion’s insurance business, discusses the findings of a recent report showing personal lines trends and that the financial picture for insurers is improving.

Jason Hopper, associate director, AM Best, discusses a new Best's Special Report that finds that insurers continue to appreciate the cost/benefit improvements from outsourcing investment management.

Erik Wissig, COO of ICHRA health care platform SureCo, discusses a new set rules from the Biden administration that seeks to halt private health insurance companies’ use of prior authorization – a practice that requires insurance company permission before obtaining medication or having a procedure.

John Anthony, senior vice president, Contract P&C, Nationwide E&S Specialty, says he sees an ever-expanding opportunity in the surplus lines sector, “which is one of the things that we're looking to sophisticate on within the risk selection process to be able to handle a lot of these new and dynamic risks.”

Colin Daly, executive vice president, financial lines practice co-leader, CAC Specialty, discusses recent major shifts in the directors and officers insurance market, including significant rate declines, particularly in public D&O.

Meggin Thwing Eastman, managing director, global head of ESG policy and product research at MSCI, discusses a company report that shows with some insurers retreating from Florida and California, more expensive policies and fewer options could result.

Emmanuel Modu, managing director, insurance-linked securities, AM Best, said factors driving record cat bond issuance include investors' preference for risks attached at higher points and cat bonds' ability to avoid secondary perils. Modu spoke with AM Best TV at the Artemis ILS NYC 2024 conference.

Dale Hall, managing director of research, Society Of Actuaries Research Institute, discusses the organization’s plan to lend its actuarial expertise and participate in a Department of Commerce initiative to support the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.

NeuralMetrics Chief Underwriting Officer Chris Schrenk and Technical Co-Founder Marcus Daley said more smaller insurers are becoming interested in AI and the efficiency gains, accessibility and cost savings it offers.