12/27/09

Aflac Car Insurance

I have found that for car insurance, Aflac is the way to go! Not only are their rates far more reasonable than its competators, but the customer care that exists within the realms fo the company itself, is outstanding. I think it is a great option for anyone firstly who is a teenager with a new liscense, to look into. More likely than not, a better deal on insurance could be obtained through Aflac, especially when it comes to a new driver! I would also recommend Aflac to anyone who perhaps drives a sports car, or a car that would typically be higher to insurure because of a turbo engine, or syle and model. And of course, while saving money and getting better coverage, it never hurts to sponsor

a company who utilizes cute little ducks to market their services! I would imagine that if you are like me, and saving money by utilizing Aflac’s services, you are sure to have something to “quack” about!

Related reviews :Aflac Insurance
Aflac--When we hear "Aflac", we automatically think of the duck. While the duck is great, the insurance coverage with Aflac is absolutely the best in the industry. For those not familiar with Aflac, Aflac is supplemental insurance. They are not major medical nor automobile insurance. ...

AFLAC Health Savings Account
When my husband came home from work in November toting the paperwork for his health insurance there was no doubt in my mind that we would be enrolling in the coverage. Let's face it, everyone needs health insurance and since we had been without coverage since I had left ...

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If you are living in Indonesia, and you plan to travel to another country for holiday, I suggest you to use the travel insurance from Bank Central Asia (BCA). The insurance company is called ACA, and they have several offer for you regarding your travel insurance. I used to buy ...

Geico Insurance
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USAA Life Insurance
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Travel Guard travel insurance
Are you looking for travel insurance that you can buy online from the Internet? The answer is Travel Guard Insurance from AIG. Try to visit their site to find what they offer for you. And if you need a quotation for your travel insurance, you can also get it ...

Progressive Insurance
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Beathard Insurance Conroe Texas
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Chubb auto insurance-they screwed me!

When the other car went through a red light and struck my car, i thought this would be a no brainer. Then, Chubb became involved because the other guy had Chubb and I have Allstate. The Chubb appraiser evaluated the damages to my car in a parking lot in the rain while I was not present. He determined that about 1/2 of the damages were already there. I tried to straighten this out on the phone with their adjuster but she hung up the phone on me. Then, her supervisor wouldn't return my calls. Now, they have sent a check for only 1/2 the damages.
I am sending the check back and now running the claim through my own insurance policy with a 500 deductible.

Loews Corporation - Loews Group - LTR- Profile

Loews Corporation - Loews Group. The Group's principal activities are to provide property and casualty insurance, produce and sell cigarettes and operate offshore oil and gas drilling rigs and natural gas pipeline systems. It also distributes and sells watches and clocks, through its subsidiary Bulova Corporation. The Group's insurance services are provided through its subsidiary CNA Financial Corporation, which offers property and casualty coverages. The services include risk management, information services, warranty and claims administration. Through Lorillard, Inc the Group produces and sells cigarettes under brand names Newport, Kent, True, Maverick and Old Gold. It operates 18 hotels through its subsidiary Loews Hotels Holding Corporation. The Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc owns and operates 44 offshore oil and gas drilling rigs. The Group operates interstate natural gas transmission pipeline systems through its subsidiary Boardwalk Pipelines, LLC. Provides insurance services, produces & sells cigarettes, operates hotels, offshore drilling rigs & natural gas pipeline systems
Key People
Joint Chairman Jonathan M. Tisch
Joint Chairman Andrew H. Tisch
President & Chief Executive James S. Tisch
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Peter W. Keegan
Senior Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel Gary W. Garson

Tokio Marine Motor Insurance

Overview

Motor insurance is a compulsory class of insurance for all vehicles licensed to be used on public roads, as per the Road Transport Act 1987. Motor Insurance is a Tariff class and is governed by the rules and regulations stipulated in the Motor Tariff issued by Persatuan Insuran Am Malaysia (PIAM).

Classification of Motor Insurance:

  • Private Car - Individual Use and Business Use
  • CommercialVehicle
  • Motorcycle
  • Motor Trade Policy (Road Risk)

Types of coverage available are:

a) Comprehensive Cover

The policy will indemnify you if your vehicle is damaged or lost in the following circumstances :-

  • by accidental collision or overturning
  • by collision or overturning caused by mechanical breakdown or consequent upon wear and tear.
  • by impact damage caused by falling objects provided no convulsion of nature is involved.
  • by fire explosion or lightning
  • by burglary, housebreaking or theft
  • by malicious act
  • when in transit (including its loading and unloading) by :
    • road, rail inland waterway
    • direct sea route across the straits between the island of Penang and the mainland

Transportation of damaged vehicle of up to RM200.00 (for Private Car and Commercial Vehicle) and RM50 (for motorcycle) as towing charges to the nearest repairer or to the Insured's address will be reimbursed.

In addition, the policy will also cover the third party liability.

The common extra benefits available under comprehensive cover (subject to additional premium) are :

  • Windscreen Cover
  • Inclusion of Special Perils
  • Strike Riot and Civil Commotion (SRCC)
  • Legal Liability of Passenger (LLP)
  • Additional Named Driver

b) Third Party Fire and Theft Cover

  • Death or bodily injury
  • Damage to third party property
  • Loss or damage to the motor vehicle due to fire, explosion, lightning, housebreaking or theft

c) Third Party Cover

The policy indemnify you or your authorized driver for the amount which you or your authorized driver are legally liable to pay (including claimants' cost and expenses) for:-

  • Death or bodily injury – total liability is unlimited
  • Damage to third party property – total liability is limited to RM 3 million in respect of any claim or series of claims arising out of one event.
Tokio Marine Auto Partner Service
A 24-hour motor assistance service for breakdowns and accidents available to every TMIM's comprehensive motor policyholder where most of the services provide are free of charge

Ping An Announces 2009 Interim Results

Achieved strong growth across core businesses; embraced new opportunity in integrated financial development

Operation Highlights (for the six months ended June 30, 2009 in accordance with IFRS):

Premium income sharply increased; net income in line with expectation; capital strength further enhanced
• Gross written premiums, policy fees and premium deposits grew 33.9% to a total of RMB92,685 million (1H 2008: RMB69,228million)
• Total assets rose 17.3% to RMB885,419 million as at June 30, 2009 (as at December 31, 2008: RMB754,718 million)
• Net assets grew 18.8% to RMB101,793 million as at June 30, 2009 from RMB85,696 million as at December 31, 2008
• Embedded value per share grew 16.1% to RMB19.42 as at June 30, 2009 from RMB16.73 as at December 31, 2008)
• Financial strength further enhanced, Group solvency margin ratio at 325.8%, life insurance unit’s solvency margin ratio at 220.6%
• Total income grew 24.8% to RMB79,439 million (1H 2008: RMB63,633 million). Net profit at RMB5,441 million (1H 2008: RMB9,719 million). Given the high base in the same period last year, this year’s first half figures are in line with expectation
• Earnings per share were RMB0.71 (1H 2008: RMB1.29)
• Interim dividend of RMB0.15 per share recommended (1H 2008: RMB0.20)

Rapid expansion across core businesses; integrated strengths further enhanced
• Market share of life insurance and property & casualty business increased to 16.8% and 11.8%, respectively
• First-year premium income from individual life insurance grew 35.7%, far exceeded market average; one-year new business value of Life increased by 19.8% from December 31, 2008
• Continued growth in life business sales force and productivity, number of agents reaches 394,000.
• Annuity business remained an industry leader, assets under trust and asset under investment management grew 39.0% and 41.5%, respectively, from December 31, 2008

• Total investment yield improved to 4.8%; net investment yield remained steady
• Ping An Securities underwrote six corporate bond issuances, its best performance to date
• Assets under the management of Ping An Trust reached RMB81,267 million, representing a significant increase of 67.5% as compared to the end of 2008

• Total assets of banking unit grew 35.3% to about RMB200 billion
• Accumulated number of credit cards in circulation exceeded 2 million; cross-selling contributed 66.6% of new cards issued in the first half of 2009
• The investment in Shenzhen Development Bank represents a new opportunity for integrated financial buiness development

Hong Kong/Shanghai, August 14 2009 - Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An” or “the Group”, HKEx: 2318; SSE: 601318) today announced its financial results for the first half of 2009. The Chinese economy showed signs of recovery in the first half of 2009. All of Ping An’s core businesses experienced strong growth during the period. Insurance premium growth rate far exceeded the market average. The value of new life insurance business rose significantly along with the value of net assets of the Company. The growth in business and the advancement in core competences have paved the way for the future expansion of Ping An. Leveraging the opportunities brought about by the strategic investment in Shenzhen Development Bank (SDB), Ping An has made a significant step in implementing integrated financial strategies.

Sharp growth in premium income, embedded value; solvency ratio further enhanced

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, gross written premiums, policy fees and premium deposits totaled RMB92,685 million, up 33.9% from RMB69,228 million over the same period last year under IFRS. Total investment income from investment portfolio of insurance funds rose 50.8% to RMB13,924 million from RMB9,235 million in the first half of 2008. Total investment yield grew to 4.8% from 3.6%. Net profit decreased 44.0% to RMB5,441 million (1H 2008: RMB9,719 million ). The decrease was due to less direct profit contribution from realized equity investments gains and lower dividend income compared to the same period last year. A sharp increase in first-year premium income from life insurance also affected near-term profitability, in addition to tax provisions recorded during the period.

The Group’s total assets reached RMB885,419 million as at June 30, 2009 (RMB754,718 million as at December 31, 2008). Net assets grew 18.8% to RMB101,793 million from December 31, 2008. Embedded value grew 16.1% to RMB142,628 million (RMB122,859 million as at December 31, 2008). Embedded value per share grew 16.1% to RMB19.42. The Board of Directors recommended an interim dividend of RMB0.15 per share for 2009. The Group’s capital strength and solvency ratio were further enhanced. As at June 30, 2009, the Group’s solvency ratio stood at 325.8%.

Under PRC GAAP, the Group's premium income for the first six months of 2009 reached RMB92,685 million, grew 33.9% from RMB69,228 million over the same period last year. Net profit decreased 37.6% to RMB4,558 million (1H 2008: RMB7,310 million).

During the period, Ping An was able to take advantage of recent market rallies to optimize its asset allocation and achieve a remarkable performance for corporate bonds underwriting business and asset management in trust business. Total assets of the banking unit grew to almost RMB200 billion as the business continued to experience rapid growth. The accumulated number of credit cards in circulation reached new heights thanks to the Group’s cross-selling capability.

Commenting on the 2009 interim results, Ping An Chairman and CEO Ma Mingzhe said: “Our three major businesses maintained a remarkable development trend. Our market share of insurance business increased. The scale and quality of our bank’s asset improved. Investment assets under management continued to grow. The extent and depth of cross-selling further enhanced. Furthermore, we captured the rare opportunity to make strategic investment in SDB and received full support from our shareholders. This will enable us to take a firm step forward in executing our integrated financial strategy.”

Insurance: market share increased for both life and property & casualty businesses

Life Insurance
Gross written premiums, policy fees and premium deposits in the six months ended June 30, 2009 reached RMB73,921 million, rose 35.5% from the same period last year (1H 2008: RMB54,557 million). Net profit from life insurance reduced 44.2% to RMB4,642 million in the first half of 2009 from RMB8,325 million in the same period in 2008.

By expanding sales channels of both individual life insurance and bancassurance, first-year premium from individual life insurance business grew a healthy 35.7% to RMB17,055 million during the period. One-year new business value of Life increases by 19.8% from December 31, 2008. Gross written premiums, policy fees and premium deposits from bancassurance rose to RMB16,299million.

The Group proactively developed its life insurance sales force. The number of insurance agents grew steadily to about 394,000, up 10.6% compared to the end of 2008. The Group continued to lift the productivity and professionalism of its sales agents and enhance service quality through training. As at June 30, 2009, the Company had approximately 38.31 million individual customers and 0.52 million corporate customers. The 13-month and 25-month persistency ratios for our individual life insurance customers were maintained at satisfactory levels of above 90% and 85% respectively.

Property and Casualty Insurance
As a result of the global financial crisis, China’s domestic economy slowed down and the property & casualty insurance market was adversely affected. Still, driven by the principle of “Surpassing Targets Healthily”, Ping An Property & Casualty continued to implement its development strategy vigorously and was able to maintain its premium income growth momentum. In the six months ended June 30, 2009, the business of Ping An Property & Casualty grew rapidly. Gross written premium grew 27.9% to RMB18,764 million in the first half of 2009. Market share increased from10.9% as at December 31, 2008 to 11.8% as at June 30, 2009.

All three principal segments of the Group’s property and casualty insurance business recorded steady growth. Continued demand for automobiles in China led to an increase in gross written premiums in the automobile insurance business by 30.8% to RMB13,378 million in the first half of 2009. Gross written premiums from non-automobile insurance business also posted growth of 21.0% to RMB4,418 million as a result of increased sales in commercial property insurance, liability insurance and construction all risks insurance. As a result of stronger promotion, gross written premiums attributable to the accident and health insurance business increased21.6% to RMB968 million.

While the property & casualty insurance business experienced rapid growth in the first half of 2009, the Group also took care to ensure the growth is healthy and service quality remain high. Combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was100.0%, representing a decrease of 2.0 percentage points compared to the year 2008.

Banking: total assets near RMB200 billion; cross-selling accounts for 67% of new card issuance

In the first half of 2009, Ping An Bank achieved rapid steady growth in its business. In PRC banking sector, Ping An Bank continues to be one of the best in asset quality, and an innovator in service, distribution channels and product offering. Total assets rose 35.3% to RMB197,603 million from the year end of 2008. Total deposits and loans increased 30.1% and 43.7% respectively from the year end of 2008, exceeding industry averages.

Ping An Bank’s network expansion achieved a further breakthrough with the successful opening of branches in Guangzhou and Hangzhou. The number of credit card in circulation exceeded 2 million, with about 67% of new card issuance contributed by cross-selling in the first half of 2009. Continuous development and innovation have been achieved in respect of service, channels and products. For credit card issuance, the bank launched a number of new credit card products such as the Car-owner’s Credit Card and Insurance Credit Card. In May, the bank further expanded the card issuance channels by launching a program in Beijing where credit cards were issued without a physical branch presence. For corporate business, the bank launched “Ping An Listing Express” and established the first corporate customer service centre in Shenzhen, providing innovative services such as the online 6S service for corporate customers.

Ping An Bank’s loan quality continued to improve in the first half of 2009. Non-performing loan ratio decreased to 0.46% as at June 30, 2009 from 0.54% as at December 31, 2008. Ping An Bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) and Core CAR were well above regulatory requirement level of 8% and 4%, at 11.2% and 8.4% as at June 30, 2009, respectively. Ping An Bank successfully issued RMB3 billion subordinated debts in June 2009, resulting in increased supplementary capital, and also improving its CAR.

Investment Business: capitalized on market recovery; total investment yield enhanced remarkably

During the first half of 2009, the domestic A-share market saw substantial gains with turnover in the secondary market increasing sharply compared to the same period last year. The total investment income from the investment portfolio of insurance funds reached RMB13,924 million in the six months ended June 30, 2009, total investment yield was 4.8% in the period.

Ping An Trust continued to sustain rapid growth during the reporting period while enhancing its products, channels and platform construction. Assets under management reached RMB81,267 million, up 67.5% from the level of the end of 2008. While product line enriched, the progressing sales channel has been further expanded. With the growth of its investment team and perfection of investment platform, Ping An Trust’s noncapital market investment has fared well. All investment projects are progressing steadily, and should contribute to the Group’s overall profit growth in near future.

For its securities and brokerage business, Ping An took advantage of the favorable situation to strengthen its management platform, implemented profit model switch, and to expanded its sales network while obtaining approvals for the establishment of two branches. Ping An Securities underwrote six corporate bond, its best performance to date. Investment banking business actively dealt with the adverse impact arising from the temporary freeze in IPO activity in the first half of the year, focusing on existing projects and building high quality professional team in preparation for the reopening of the IPO market and Growth Enterprise Market board. Meanwhile, the unit continued to gain recognition for its work. During the period, it was named “Best Sponsor of the Small & Medium Enterprises Board” by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

As at June 30, 2009, investment assets under Ping An Asset Management totaled approximately RMB520 billion, marking a slight increase compared to the end of 2008. The growth was primarily due to an increase in investable assets as a result of a steady growth in the Group’s insurance business, as well as an increase in fair value of assets as a result of the substantial rise of the A-share market in the first half of the year.

Outlook: enhance competitive advantages; accelerate execution of integrated financial strategy

Going forward, Ping An will continue to focus on improving its competitiveness across all business segments and achieving steady growth in its insurance businesses. The Group also intends to drive rapid growth in its banking and investment businesses and strengthen the integrated financial services platform via deepened cross selling initiatives to achieve greater synergies. Ping An will maintain its strategy of building an integrated financial services platform. The investment in SDB will help create further value for the Group in the long run.

Ma said: “Looking forward, the long term trend of economic growth of China will continue, and the growth potential in the financial sector of China is huge. We firmly believe that integrated financial service is an irreversible development trend. Through years of cumulative experience, we possessed the pre-requisites for integrated financial services. We will execute our strategy and create more value to our stakeholders through two strategic initiatives: increasing the number of customers and generate more profit from each customer. Based upon these, we will completely push ahead the implementation of the company’s integrated financial strategy to create more value for shareholders, customers and the society.”

Available Car Insurance

Direct General Corporation is a privately owned insurance holding company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee that provides personal lines insurance and insurance related products directly to the customer through CarInsurance.com in thirteen states located in the southeastern United States. Most policies are written through these insurance companies: Direct Insurance Company, Direct General Insurance Company, Direct National Insurance Company, Direct General Insurance Company of Louisiana, and Direct General Insurance Company of Mississippi.

progressive

Progressive offers the price and coverage you deserve. Progressive consistently receives an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best Company, an independent firm that rates the financial strength and performance of insurance companies. A+ is one of the highest ratings available and means you can trust the stability of Progressive. Since 1937, Progressive Corporation has specialized in car insurance. Today, they are the fourth largest auto insurance company in the nation. Progressive is committed to selling through professional, independent insurance agencies like CarInsurance.com because they know agents and brokers provide unmatched benefits to their customers.

esurance

Esurance Auto Insurance is a subsidiary of the White Mountains Insurance Group, a company with 100 years of experience and more than $19 billion in assets. As a part of the White Mountains family, they share White Mountains' commitment to excellence in insurance practices, rigorous financial discipline, and pride of ownership. Esurance Insurance Company and some of their subsidiary companies are rated "A-" (Excellent) from A.M. Best, which means you can count on your coverage, protection, and reliability.

safeco

Safeco receives an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company, an independent firm that rates the financial strength and performance of insurance companies. Since 1923, Safeco Insurance Company has provided their customers with the protection and stability of a major brand and excellent customer service. They are a member of the Liberty Mutual Group. With the addition of Safeco, Liberty Mutual Group becomes the fifth largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S.

unitrin

Unitrin receives an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company, an independent firm that rates the financial strength and performance of insurance companies. The Unitrin family of companies, started in 1931, has over 6 million customers and more than $9 billion in assets. Unitrin Direct is committed to using technology to improve their customer service experience achieving a 96% Customer Satisfaction rating by focusing on the customer.

travelers

Travelers had $24.5 billion in total revenue and $109.8 billion in total assets in 2008. They are the second-largest writer of commercial U.S. property casualty insurance and the second-largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance through independent agents. Travelers consistently receives an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best Company. Founded in 1853, they are one of the oldest large insurance companies in the United States and have a diversified insurance business. Their familiar red umbrella logo symbolizes the protection and coverage you get with Travelers.

hartford

Founded in 1810, The Hartford Financial Services Group is one of the largest investment and insurance companies in the United States, with 200 years of service. The Hartford employs over 30,000 employees across the world with millions of customers. The Hartford is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. The Hartford receives an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company. With longevity and stability, The Hartford has proven its ability to pay claims, including during the Great Chicago Fire and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The Hartford also insured Presidents Lincoln and Eisenhower, and the construction of the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge.

arrowhead

Arrowhead General Insurance Agency is a national insurance program manager that has teamed up with the country's top rated insurance carriers to proudly offer quality insurance products throughout the U.S. They offer a personal auto program that offers coverage for most drivers. Offering positive underwriting results for over 20 years.

qbe

QBE Insurance Group Limited is one of the top 25 insurers and reinsurers worldwide with operations in all key global insurance markets. QBE has offices in 45 countries with around 13,000 staff worldwide. QBE receives an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company. QBE Insurance corporations' primary property and casualty business writes a wide range of commercial and personal products primarily through Independent General Agencies. Their broad range of products are coupled with timely, knowledgeable service, which help meet the needs of our customers. They are dedicated to developing and sustaining long-term relationships with Independent General Agencies with proven track records.

meritplan

Meritplan receives an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company, an independent firm that rates the financial strength and performance of insurance companies. An A is one of the highest ratings and means you can trust the stability of Meritplan Insurance. Meritplan Insurance Company is a member of the Balboa Insurance Group, which is owned by Bank of America.

newport

Newport Insurance Company is a member of the Balboa Insurance Group, which is owned by Bank of America, one of the world's largest companies with over 200,000 employees and more than $1.7 trillion in assets. Newport receives an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company, an independent firm that rates the financial strength and performance of insurance companies. An A is one of the highest ratings and means you can trust the stability and endurance of Newport Insurance.

infinity

Infinity has a long and successful history of providing quality car insurance products dates back to 1950. Infinity employs over 2100 people across the country. They provide car insurance protection for those with a proven record of accident-free driving as well as those who have difficulty obtaining coverage due to a record of accidents or violations, their age, occupation or type of car they drive. Infinity receives an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company, an independent firm that rates the financial strength and performance of insurance companies.

encompass

Encompass is no longer available on the CarInsurance.com platform, but we list them for our current Encompass customers. Encompass underwriting companies are rated B+ (Very Good), A- (Excellent), A (Excellent), or A+ (Superior) for insurance financial strength by the A.M. Best Company as of January 26, 2009. Encompass specializes in personal insurance. Encompass has more than 1.2 million customers in 42 states with more than $1.7 billion in personal insurance written premium which makes them one of the largest personal insurance brands in America. Encompass is a subsidiary of Allstate.

AXA : Automobile Insurance

Driving Record Rating - 10* Program

If you are a claims-free driver, the AXA 10* Auto product will reward you with a very competitive rating. The longer you have been claims-free, the higher your star level (up to 10 years) and the lower your premiums will be.

To earn the best AXA auto rates you must be:

  • 10 years licensed in Canada or the United States
  • 10 years with no "At Fault" Losses

Note: License suspensions and/or gaps in insurance coverage may affect your star level.

Zurich Auto Insurance

At last, a unique opportunity to underwrite commercial motor has arrived. And it’s been developed in New Zealand for New Zealanders.

Zurich believes in listening to what customers want and then delivering on that. Driven by service excellence, Zurich Auto combines leading technology with a specialist team to provide an offer like no other.

Focused on keeping you motoring

Underwritten by one of the world’s leading insurers, Zurich Auto incudes:

  • Zurich Commercial Motor – for businesses with up to 10 vehicles
  • Zurich Fleet Motor - for businesses with more than 10 vehicles

Benefit from some great features

Some of the benefits Zurich Auto can offer its brokers and customers include:
  • Paperless system. Keep in touch online from the comfort of your keyboard. Access for both clients and brokers, enabling full tracking of claims and the progress of repairs to your customer’s car, risk management and analysis capabilities.
  • 100% intermediated. Motor insurance available through brokers only.
  • Innovation. By employing the best, you get service excellence and great value.
  • Available 24/7 – claims online.

Zurich is one of the world’s leading insurance companies

Zurich New Zealand is headquartered in Auckland and led by Mike Poole and backed by a team hand picked from local talent. All major operational functions of underwriting, risk management, servicing, technical support and claims are provided by New Zealand staff with expert local knowledge.

Our business model provides brokers with a distinct competitive advantage. We are a leading global insurer operating locally with 100% focus on brokers. We don’t deal direct.

Click here for more information about Zurich.

Munich Re Group: Auto Insurance - Analysis of the consolidated cash flow statement

Our primary insurance and reinsurance operations have a significant influence on the cash flow of the Munich Re Group. We generally first collect the premiums for the risks assumed and do not make payments until later, in the event of a loss. The cash flow statements of insurance companies are therefore of limited relevance. The cash flow statement is adjusted to eliminate the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates and changes in entities consolidated.

In the consolidated cash flow statement, the Group profit of €1,528m is used as the starting point for determining the cash inflows from operating activ ities. The consolidated result is adjusted by €1,067m to take account of the higher technical provisions. There was an increase in provisions for future policy benefits at the Group’s primary insurers due to portfolio development and strong new business production at recently established companies abroad, whilst the high maturity payouts of the past decreased further. By contrast, our reinsurers’ provisions for future policy benefits fell, mainly owing to our reductions of large-volume quota share treaties. Their loss re serves increased, primarily because a large portion of the many major losses (e.g. those caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike) had not yet been settled. The net gains on the disposal of investments - which in adjusting the consolidated profit have to be deducted from the cash flows from operating activities - are essentially attributable to the disposal of securities available for sale and equity derivatives. The negative balance from write-ups and write-downs (triggered by share price losses that could not be fully offset by the use of derivatives) has to be added to the consolidated result again.

The cash outflows for investment activities were determined by payments for the acquisition of investments. These exceeded the inflows from the sale/ maturity of investments by €3,461m. In the financial year, we completed the following main acqusitions: in the second quarter, we acquired 100% of the shares in the US primary insurer The Midland Company. The purchase price of €861m has been reduced in the cash flow statement by the cash of €131m held. The Munich Re Group additionally assumed a total of €643m in investments and €466m in technical provisions through the acquisition. On 30 September 2008, we acquired a further 61% in BACAV, thus increasing our share - holding to 90%. The purchase price of €416m has been reduced by the cash of €96m held. The acquisition added investments of €3,851m and tech nical pro visions of €3,920m to the Munich Re Group’s books. Besides this, we purchased Sterling Life Insurance Company and Olympic Health Management Systems Inc. in the year under review for a total of €223m. We paid the amount in cash, reducing this in the cash flow statement by the cash of €92m held. As a result of the acquisition, the Munich Re Group assumed a total of €96m in investments and €72m in gross technical provisions. We also acquired 65% of the share capital of ERGO Daum Direct Auto Insurance Co. The purchase price of €37m has been reduced by the cash of €0.2m held. As a consequence of the purchase, investments of €112m and technical provisions of €121m were transferred to the Munich Re Group. Lastly, we purchased 100% of the shares in the holding company The Roanoke Companies for €34m, less the cash of €9m held. In this connection, the Munich Re Group assumed intangible assets of €43m and liabilities of €12m.

The cash outflows for financing activities stem mainly from the share buybacks of €1,498m and the dividend payment of €1,181m for 2008.

Overall in the year under review, cash – which encompasses cash with banks, cheques and cash in hand – fell by €151m to €2,354m.

China Auto Insurance

Importance of China auto insurance industry
On an average, premiums of China auto insurance industry amounts to over 60 percent of aggregate premiums of insurance industry of China. China automobile insurance industry is a major contributor in non life insurance segment. From 2000 to 2007 premiums of automobile insurance industry of China have amounted to 70 percent of total premiums paid in China insurance sector. It is also regarded as having best rate of growth among all insurance industries of China

China auto insurance laws
Car owners in China are bound by law to get an auto insurance policy. This law was introduced in July 2006. This law has provided automobile insurance market in China with a much needed shot in arm. It is being assumed that in 2015 more cars would be sold in China than in United States of America. This is supposed to be a good sign for auto insurance industry of China as that would mean that more auto insurance policies would be sold in China at that particular point of time.

China auto insurance market
Allianz, which is a major insurance services provider of world, has been a marquee name in China auto insurance market. It has among first few companies, from outside China, to have ventured into property insurance market of China which has been growing at a steady rate.

As per regulations of China auto insurance market, any auto insurance services provider, which is funded by overseas business enterprises, has to have a minimum of 20 million yuan

in registered capital in order to open a branch in China. China Insurance Regulatory Commission requires a minimum of 200 million yuan in order for an overseas auto insurance services provider to establish a new branch in China

China Insurance Regulatory Commission has put in a provision, which states that overseas auto insurance services providers can transform their branches into subsidiaries that are fully owned. However, this facility would only be provided in instances where that particular branch has operated, for a period of one year, in accordance to laws set by China Insurance Regulatory Commission.

First in this line was a branch of Ming An Insurance Company Limited of Hong Kong. It was set up at Shenzhen. A number of non life insurance companies have benefitted greatly from China auto insurance policies. One example is Huatai Insurance Co, which generates 70 percent of its income from these policies

MetLife Auto & Home® offers you superior auto insurance coverage most other companies don't

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Our Auto AdvantageTM features go beyond basic liability and collision coverage to offer you more complete coverage and benefits, including:

  • Deductible Saving BenefitSM for good drivers1
  • Enhanced rental car damage coverage2
  • Full replacement cost for total losses2
  • Full replacement cost for major parts2
  • Multi-policy discounts
  • Safe driver credits, discounts and programs

And if you own a motorcycle, we've got the right coverage for you.3 Ask your MetLife Auto & Home representative for details.

Law Suit Against Generali Insurance Company Goes Ahead In California USA

Generali Insurance Company, Italy's largest insurance company which also owns Israeli insurance company Migdal, has lost a California USA court case that would have stopped court action considering claims filed against the company for insurance policies purchased in Europe before World War Two by holocaust victims. Generali has been consistently trying to avoid any responsibility to pay these insurance policies to holocaust victims' families by using any and all means. Generali must now defend itself in the $135 million suit in California. The precedent setting case should serve a....