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Losses from natural disasters double in 2007

According to a leading re-insurer, disaster losses for insurers nearly doubled in the past year to reach almost $30 billion globally. The main culprits for the massive increase were calamitous winter storms in Europe, flooding in Britain and wildfires in the U.S.

Taking into account weather change, Munich Re anticipates an increased number of catastrophes in coming years and warns, "We should not be misled by the absence of mega-catastrophes in 2007," as "climate change is already taking effect" and "more such extremes are to be expected in the future."

The world's second-largest re-insurer estimates that losses to insurers from natural disasters jumped up to $75 billion this year. During 2006, losses from natural disasters totaled only $50 billion, while 2005 figures climbed up to $220 billion due primarily to Hurricane Katrina's ravaging of New Orleans.

Continue reading Losses from natural disasters double in 2007

Aon unloads underwriting units for $2.75 billion

AON (NYSE: AOC) logo Aon (NYSE: AOC) thinks that risk brokerage and consulting has the best future, in terms of margins and growth.

To that end, the company announced Monday that it is selling off its underwriting businesses. Combined Insurance Company was sold for $2.4 billion to ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE), while Munich Re bought Aon's Sterling Life segment for $352 million.

Yes, even in the massive insurance business, this is a good chunk of change for Aon.

Continue reading Aon unloads underwriting units for $2.75 billion

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Last updated: November 27, 2009: 09:30 AM

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