January 2020/5

Estimates from Aon, Munich Re, Swiss Re and Willis Re put Typhoon Hagibis lower than the modelled average, with Typhoon Faxai in line with expectations.

If early reporters Travelers and RLI are reliable cross-industry bellwethers, it looks like significantly lower overall catastrophe losses last year will flatter carriers’ Q4 and 2019 results and offset much of the damage from spiralling casualty claims.

Modest acceleration in January brings underwriter hopes of further momentum mid-year.

The World Bank's pandemic insurance bond covers the virus, and is designed to trigger if deaths impact multiple nations.

Inside P&C questions whether emerging pressures in medmal are receiving enough attention.