California Online Health Insurance for Small Businesses and Individuals

California Online Health Insurance for Small Businesses and Individuals : The new online marketplace where Californians will soon be able to buy health insurance is also building a program for small businesses.

Employers with fewer than 50 workers will have the option of joining the "Small Business Options Program," or SHOP, starting in 2015. Michael Lujan is helping to create the program - he says it will help small employers offer what big companies can.

He says small businesses will have a choice next year: They're not required to offer health benefits, but if they do through SHOP, there will be less paperwork and more health benefit choices.Health Insurance for Small Businesses in california

"Employers in order to prepare for this, I think need to do a bit of a check to see what's important to them," Lujan said. "What do they want to offer? What are they missing in the marketplace today? And they may find that the technology, tools, the employee choice and maybe even the tax credits might be very compelling for the SHOP."

Health Insurance for Small Businesses in california, Lujan estimates as many as 90,000 Californians who work for small businesses may be part of the SHOP next year. He says some employers will be eligible for a tax credit of up to 50% for the employee health premiums they pay.

WellPoint Inc q4 earnings report today

best insurance stock - WellPoint Inc q4 earnings report today, WellPoint net profit report today january 23 2015 : WellPoint Inc q4 earnings reported today WellPoint Inc reported a higher-than-expected fourth-quarter profit on Wednesday as it kept medical costs down, but the second-largest U.S. health insurer said it was taking a "prudent" view of 2015 in the face of industry reform.

WellPoint, which sells private health insurance to businesses and individuals and also provides government insurance for the elderly and the poor, is preparing for a round of changes resulting from the U.S. Affordable Care Act.

Later this year, states and the federal government will begin selling health insurance on exchanges for 2015, and new insurance taxes are on the way. Pressure on prices for medical services is also a concern for insurers.

WellPoint said that given the "fluid and dynamic" market over the next 18 to 24 months, it expected a 2015 net profit of at least $7.60 per share, including the costs of integrating its recent acquisition of smaller competitor Amerigroup.

Analysts on average have been expecting $7.98 a share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. It was not immediately clear if the two numbers are comparable.

"It's lighter than we thought, but it's also including Amerigroup's integration costs," Leerink Swann analyst Jason Gurda said, so it was not clear that investors would be disappointed by the outlook.

Shares of WellPoint were down 0.4 percent at $63.54 in early trading.

Management changes might be behind the conservative forecast, Gurda said. WellPoint is being run by an interim chief executive officer, John Cannon, who took over following the abrupt resignation of Angela Braly in August.

Chief Financial Officer Wayne DeVeydt told analysts on a conference call on Wednesday that the company still expected to name a new CEO this quarter.

He said the 2015 outlook included 20 cents to 25 cents a share in Amerigroup-related costs and $300 million in additional investments such as preparation for the health insurance exchanges.

Besides healthcare reform and broad-based cuts in government medical payments, areas of uncertainty for this year include the costs of the flu as more members visit the doctor and overall use of medical services, DeVeydt said.

TAXES BOOST PROFIT

The company said that fourth-quarter net profit had risen to $464.2 million, or $1.51 per share, helped by an income tax settlement and investment gains.

WellPoint, which included Amerigroup figures in its earnings report for the first time, said it had 36.1 million members as of Dec. 31, up 5.5 percent from a year earlier.

It said it expected membership to drop in 2015 to a range of 35.3 million to 35.5 million.

Excluding the tax settlement, investment gains and other special items, the company said earnings had increased to $1.03 per share from 99 cents a year earlier.

On that basis, analysts on average had been expecting a profit of 95 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

WellPoint said that lower-than-anticipated medical costs in its private insurance business, stable membership numbers and strong operating cash flow helped earnings during the quarter. It said its fourth-quarter tax rate had been abnormally low because of the settlement with the Internal Revenue Service.

Revenue for the quarter rose to $15.27 billion from $15.18 billion a year earlier.

WellPoint's results followed those of the larger rival UnitedHealth Group Inc, which last week reported a slight drop in net income and said the next two years had the potential for growth and opportunity.

Copyright 2015 by Reuters. All rights reserved.

Details of IRB Re-Insurance Co Privatization

Best Insurance stock - Details of IRB Re-Insurance Co Privatization  : The Brazilian government's National Development Bank, or BNDES, on Wednesday released details of its planned privatization of re-insurance company IRB-Brasil Re, based on an initial public offering of shares.

The privatization process will take place via an increase in IRB's capital. The BNDES set the price of each new share at 2,577 Brazilian reais ($1,263). The government authorized a capital increase of between 2% and 15% for IRB.

Brazil's largest banks, including state-run banks Banco do Brasil SA (BBAS3.BR) and Caixa Economica Federal, and private-sector peers Banco Bradesco SA (BBD) and Banco Itau Unibanco SA (ITUB), will almost certainly gain day-to-day control of IRB after the privatization, according to analysts. IRB has a 40% market share in the re-insurance industry in Brazil.

The federal government, meanwhile, will hold a golden share in IRB. With the golden share, the government will keep a veto power over all key decisions, such as any eventual sale of control.

Currently, the government has a stake of 50% in IRB, while Bradesco has a 21% stake, Itau Unibanco holds a 15% stake and other small insurance companies a 14% stake.

The government said that it won't participate in the capital increase, paving the way for banks to increase their stake in IRB. IRB employees will be allowed to participate in the capital increase, along with the major banks.

"The process will provide IRB better conditions to compete in the re-insurance market, considering the new regulatory environment in which the IRB no longer enjoys exclusive rights over re-insurance," the BNDES said in its statement.

IRB, created in 1939, operated as Brazil's sole re-insurer until 2008, when the government opened the local re-insurance market to private competitors.

Under the rules, the government said IRB will have a period of five years in which to list the company's shares. If the shares aren't listed by the end of that period, then the company's controllers will be obliged to buy back any and all shares acquired by employees. Employees can reserve IRB shares from Feb. 4 to Feb. 14.

The Smart Way To Overcome Financial Problems

Financial problems can sometimes lead couples fight. Some marriages end because of financial problems. Financial problems that may occur due to the husband or wife who is not smart to manage the family finances.

In fact, smart managing the family finances is very important that the needs of the present and future can be fulfilled. For that, the husband and wife should be open in managing finances. You and your partner should always discuss all things related to money, such as expenses, income, savings, and so forth.

While discussing this, you and your partner should also make a deal. For example, to determine what percentage of money to be saved, how the budget is used to pay bills, and so forth. If both of these apply in your family life, then the financial problems most likely will not happen. 

If the family's financial problems have occurred, then immediately overcome with friends. Here's a clever way to overcome the financial problems the family:

1. save
Saving not only can you do at the bank, but also in their own piggy bank. You can provide a small savings in the home that can be filled every week. It may sound trivial, but it will be worthwhile for you and your partner at a later time. Unconsciously, the money would be collected so it is very useful if it is necessary.

2. aside money
Do not forget to set aside money each month. Money that you can use to have fun with your family, such as a vacation to the sights, go to a restaurant to eat dinner together, watch a movie, and so forth. However, not a lot of money aside each month so as not to be wasteful.

 
3. Make a realistic budget
Creating a realistic budget is important in order to avoid financial problems in the family. Make sure your budget is realistic and can be implemented well. Do not make budget too little until you have to scrimp and lack of enjoyment of life, and vice versa.

Finances Frightening  ?

Ratings of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

 Ratings of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company : A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a+” of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (Ameritas Life) (Lincoln, NE), Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (Ameritas, NY), Acacia Life Insurance Company (Acacia Life) (headquartered in Bethesda, MD) and The Union Central Life Insurance Company (Union Central) (headquartered in Cincinnati, OH). These insurance entities comprise the life/health operations of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company (Ameritas) (Lincoln, NE). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the debt rating of “a-” on $50 million 8.20% surplus notes due 2026 of Union Central. The outlook for all ratings is stable.

The rating affirmations primarily reflect the group’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, diversified operating platform, high quality balance sheet and favorable business profile. The ratings also reflect Ameritas Life’s well-established market position in group dental insurance. As a mutual holding company, Ameritas has good financial flexibility with the ability to access the capital markets through debt offerings. The organization’s current financial leverage is modest, with a reasonable level of intangibles facilitating a high-quality capital base. Additionally, A.M. Best notes that Ameritas’ below investment grade bonds currently represent less than 4% of the company’s fixed income portfolio, and its non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) have declined in recent periods.

A.M. Best believes that Ameritas Life’s favorable business profile should strengthen further under its unified branding strategy and improved economies of scale. Its broad portfolio of individual life, individual annuity, disability income, retirement plans and dental and vision products provide a steady source of diversified earnings. More recently, Ameritas’ earnings have been impacted by non-insurance related lines of business; however, it has historically experienced favorable operating results within its core insurance and annuity lines. Although A.M. Best expects these favorable results to continue in the near to medium term, Ameritas may be challenged to increase sales due to the sluggish U.S. economy, prolonged low interest rates and the highly competitive landscape within many of the group’s core lines of business.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the modest decline in Ameritas’ operating income, primarily driven by the results of its Calvert Investments, Inc. (Calvert) subsidiary, which in 2015 experienced a noticeable drop in assets under management. Operating results also have been negatively impacted by a lack of scale, lower-than-expected persistency and the impact of the low interest rate environment within the group retirement plans segment. While earnings increased in the company’s individual life and annuity businesses, A.M. Best notes that a significant amount of Ameritas’ interest-sensitive reserves remain at or near the guaranteed minimum interest rate, which has caused some spread compression. However, this has been offset by an increase in earnings from its variable annuity product line as a result of increased sales and higher fees associated with an increase in fund balances. Moreover, while A.M. Best views favorably the pending sale of Acacia Federal Savings Bank due to the regulatory burden associated with being a bank holding company, the pending sale has resulted in a contingent net loss of approximately $35 million. Approximately $300 million of primarily interest-only loans have been excluded from the sale and have been transferred to Ameritas’ general account investment portfolio. A.M. Best will closely monitor the performance of these transferred loans.

Factors that could result in positive rating actions for Ameritas in the near to medium term include continued favorable earnings trends, improved operating performance at Calvert and continued overall top line growth.

Factors that may result in negative rating actions include deterioration in the group’s operating results, material investment losses or a lack of sustained revenue growth within its core lines of business.

A.M. Best also has withdrawn the FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICR of “a-” of Brokers National Life Assurance Company (BNLAC) (headquartered in Austin, TX). Following the reinsurance of its core dental and vision business to Ameritas Life, BNLAC will have a negligible amount of reserves and is expected to be sold (essentially as a shell) to a third party in the near term.

Hanover Insurance stock rating by A.M. Best Co

Hanover Insurance stock rating by A.M. Best Co : A.M. Best Co. has assigned a debt rating of "bb+" to the 40-year $175 million 6.35% fixed rate junior subordinated debentures recently issued by The Hanover Insurance Group Inc (Hanover, Inc.) (Worcester, MA) [NYSE: THG]. Additionally, A.M. Best has assigned indicative ratings of "bbb" on senior unsecured debt, "bb+" on junior subordinated debt and "bb+" on the preferred stock of the recently filed shelf registration of Hanover, Inc. The outlook assigned to all ratings is stable. All existing ratings of Hanover, Inc. and its subsidiaries are unchanged.

The rating assignments recognize Hanover P&C Group's (Hanover) favorable risk-adjusted capitalization and generally positive operating results despite significant catastrophic weather-related activity in the United States in recent years. The ratings also recognize Hanover's proactive and comprehensive risk management, its significant U.S. market presence in commercial and personal lines, as well as solid earnings in its international segment generated by its United Kingdom subsidiary, Chaucer Holdings, PLC.

As of December 31, 2015, Hanover, Inc.'s unadjusted debt-to-capital and debt-to-tangible capital ratios were 24.7% and 26.1%, respectively. The additional borrowings of $175 million will result in a slight increase of the unadjusted debt-to-capital and debt-to-tangible capital ratios to 27.1% and 28.5%, respectively, which remain well within the financial leverage guidelines for its assigned ratings.

While Hanover Inc.'s fixed charge coverage declined in 2015 from historical levels, largely due to a significant increase in catastrophe and weather-related losses (primarily from Hurricane Sandy), historical interest coverage has been supportive of its ratings.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best's Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best's rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Key criteria utilized include: "Insurance Holding Company and Debt Ratings"; "Equity Credit for Hybrid Securities"; and "Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies." Best's Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Aspen Insurance stock outlook 2015

Best Insurance stock - Aspen Insurance stock outlook 2015 : Aspen Insurance has been witnessing rising earnings estimates on the back of strong fourth-quarter 2015 results. Moreover, this property and casualty insurer delivered positive earnings surprises in all four quarters of 2015 with an average beat of 54.3%.

Additionally, Aspen Insurance and Goldman, Sachs & Co. ( GS - Analyst Report ) entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase agreement whereby Aspen will pay $150 million to Goldman in exchange of its shares. Further, from Jan 1, 2015 through Feb 26, 2015, Aspen bought back $47 million shares. Aspen is left with $335 million under its $500 million share repurchase authorization.

Following a through review of businesses, management decided to lower its wind and earthquake exposure within the U.S. property insurance account. This would free up more than $200 million of capital that could be deployed to maximize shareholder value.

Aspen Insurance expects to generate operating return on equity of 10% in 2015. It delivered 8.5% in return on equity in 2015.

Aspen Insurance reported its fourth-quarter results on Feb 7. Non-GAAP loss per share came in at 15 cents, better than the Zack Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.21 per share.

Gross written premiums improved 25.6% year over year to $576.2 million in the fourth quarter. A surge of 40.2% in gross written premiums at the Insurance segment fueled the improvement.

Combined ratio improved 1710 basis points year over year to 107.1% in the fourth quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2015 increased 6.8% to $2.97 per share as 3 of 6 estimates were revised higher over the last 60 days. Also for 2015, 3 of 6 estimates moved up, pushing the Zacks Consensus Estimate higher by 7.6% to $3.13 over the same time frame.

AIG insurance stock rating overweight by Evercore Partners

Best Insurance stock - AIG insurance stock rating overweight by Evercore Partners : American International Group (NYSE: AIG)‘s stock had its “overweight” rating restated by analysts at Evercore Partners in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday. They currently have a $40.00 price target on the stock.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an “outperform” rating on shares of American International Group in a research note to investors on Wednesday, January 16th. They now have a $45.00 price target on the stock. Separately, analysts at FBR Capital initiated coverage on shares of American International Group in a research note to investors on Thursday, January 10th. They set an “outperform” rating and a $44.00 price target on the stock. Finally, analysts at Wells Fargo downgraded shares of American International Group from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research note to investors on Thursday, January 10th.

Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, one has issued an overweight rating, and nine have issued a hold rating to the company. The stock has a consensus rating of “overweight” and an average target price of $40.43.

American International Group traded up 1.11% on Tuesday, hitting $35.48. American International Group has a 1-year low of $24.66 and a 1-year high of $37.67. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $34.89. The company has a market cap of $52.379 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.42.

American International Group last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 1st. The company reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.88 by $0.12. Analysts expect that American International Group will post $3.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is an international insurance company, serving customers in more than 130 countries.

Bankinter SA stock ratings prices target by Nomura

best insurance stock - Bankinter SA stock ratings by Nomura : Nomura reiterated their reduce rating on shares of Bankinter SA (MCE: BKT) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning. The firm currently has a $3.73 (€3) price target on the stock.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Analysts at Macquarie reiterated an underperform rating on shares of Bankinter SA in a research note to investors on Wednesday, January 16th. They now have a $3.60 price target on the stock. Separately, analysts at Exane BNP Paribas reiterated an underperform rating on shares of Bankinter SA in a research note to investors on Tuesday, January 15th. They now have a $2.80 price target on the stock. Finally, analysts at Societe Generale reiterated a sell rating on shares of Bankinter SA in a research note to investors on Wednesday, January 9th. They now have a $3.68 price target on the stock.

The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently €N.

Bankinter SA is a Spain-based financial institution primarily engaged in the banking sector. The Bank offers a range services and products, such as current accounts, fixed-term deposits, investment funds and retirement plans, mortgages, insurance policies; as well as other banking operations to businesses and individuals.

QBE Insurance stock prices target by Credit Suisse

Best insurance stocks - QBE Insurance stock rating prices target by Credit Suisse : Credit Suisse reissued their outperform rating on shares of QBE Insurance Group Limited (ASX: QBE) in a research report released on Tuesday morning. Credit Suisse currently has a $13.79 (13 AUD) price target on the stock.


QBE has been the subject of a number of other recent research reports. Analysts at Macquarie reiterated a neutral rating on shares of QBE Insurance Group Limited in a research note to investors on Tuesday, January 15th. They now have a $13.44 price target on the stock. Separately, analysts at Nomura reiterated a buy rating on shares of QBE Insurance Group Limited in a research note to investors on Thursday, January 10th. They now have a $14.74 price target on the stock. Finally, analysts at CIMB reiterated a neutral rating on shares of QBE Insurance Group Limited in a research note to investors on Wednesday, December 12th. They now have a $12.73 price target on the stock.

Shares of QBE Insurance Group Limited traded down 2.55% during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting A$11.830. QBE Insurance Group Limited has a one year low of A$9.880 and a one year high of A$15.150. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently A$13.12. The company has a market cap of A$13.936 billion and a P/E ratio of 18.28.

QBE Insurance Group Limited is engaged in underwriting general insurance and reinsurance risks, management of Lloyd’s syndicates and investment management.

7 Life Insurance Myths That Can Cost You

Life insurance is an important part of a well-rounded financial plan. But let's face it — it can also be confusing. In fact, misunderstandings about life insurance cause many people to skip the coverage altogether, putting their families at great risk for financial hardship. Here, we set the record straight on seven common myths about life insurance.

Myth 1: Single and young people don't need life insurance.
Truth: Your key question should be: Will anyone be worse off financially if I die? Even if you have no dependents, you might leave behind credit card debt, student loans, a car payment or funeral expenses.

A small life insurance policy would cover these costs. Moreover, buying while you're young can help you lock in lower rates and guarantee coverage if you develop health problems later in life.

Myth 2: Only people with kids need life insurance.
Truth: Chances are your spouse depends on your income, regardless of whether you have children. Could he or she manage to pay the mortgage and all other household bills and debts alone? A life insurance policy could help your partner keep the house and maintain the same standard of living.

Myth 3: If your employer provides coverage, there's no need for more.
Truth: Many corporations provide their employees with free life insurance worth once or twice their annual salary. Similarly, the military's Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) offers great rates on policies up to $400,000. These are nice benefits, but if you leave your company or the military without a separate policy in place, it may be difficult or even too late to purchase one when you need it most.

Myth 4: Life insurance is too expensive.
Truth: It probably costs less than you think. For example, a healthy 30-year-old male can get $250,000 of 20-year term coverage for less than $15 per month.1 And as average life expectancies continue to increase, life insurance prices keep going down.

Myth 5: Insurance policies are all the same.
Truth: Policies that have similar names may differ substantially in what they cover. So before you buy based on price alone, it pays to read the fine print.

Myth 6: There's no reason to insure a stay-at-home spouse.
Truth: Your stay-at-home spouse may not earn an income, but think of the services he or she may provide for free: child care, meal preparation, housekeeping and more. With that spouse gone, life suddenly gets a lot more expensive. Life insurance can defray the cost of hiring help in your partner's absence.

Myth 7: Buying life insurance is a hassle.
Truth: Today, you can use simple online tools to determine your life insurance needs, compare options and apply on the spot. Explore at your own pace with no high-pressure sales tactics. And if you have questions, call us.

Travelers insurance earnings surpassing the Zacks Consensus

Best Insurance stock - Travelers insurance earnings surpassing the Zacks Consensus : The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV - Analyst Report) reported earnings of 72 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2015, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 4 cents per share. However, results plunged 51% from $1.48 earned in the year-ago quarter. Operating income of $278 million dipped 54% the reported quarter.

The year-over-year downside was largely attributable to higher catastrophe losses mostly due to Hurricane Sandy. However, higher underlying underwriting margins and higher net favorable prior-year reserve development limited the downside to some extent.

Cat loss in the quarter was $689 million or $1.78 per share. Including net realized investment gains of $26 million or 6 cents per share, the company reported net income of $304 million or 78 cents per share, comparing unfavorably with net income of $618 million or $1.51 a share. The year-ago quarter included net realized investment gains of $9 million.

Operational Update

Net written premiums during the quarter were $5.4 billion, up 2% year over year.

Net investment income increased 5.7% year over year to $689 million during the quarter, largely attributable to better performance at non-fixed income portfolio, partly muted by reduction in fixed income returns.

Travelers posted underwriting loss of $338 million, comparing unfavorably with profit of $187 million in the year-ago quarter. Combined ratio deteriorated 950 basis points year over year to 105.4% in the reported quarter. The deterioration was due to higher catastrophe losses, partially muted by higher underwriting margins and higher net favorable prior-year reserve development.

Total revenue in the quarter under review was $6.5 billion, increasing 2% year over year, driven by the augmentation in premiums earned and net investment income. Revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.3 billion.

Full Year Highlights

Operating earnings of $6.21 per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.56 and year ago earnings of $3.28. The upside stemmed from a combination of lower catastrophe losses, higher underwriting margins and higher net favorable prior-year reserve development

Including net realized investment gains of 9 cents, the company reported net income of $6.30 per share, surging from $3.36 a share earned in 2015.

Total revenue increased 1% year over year to $25.7 billion. It also outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $25.2 billion.

Underwriting gains of $296 million reversed the year-ago loss of $745 million. Combined ratio improved 800 basis points.

Segment Update

Business Insurance: Net written premium increased 6% year over year to $2.78 billion in the quarter, largely driven by increases in renewal rate change.

The combined ratio deteriorated 770 basis points year over year to 103.5%, mainly due to higher catastrophe losses.

Operating income slid 27% year over year to $326 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, primarily attributable to higher catastrophe losses.

Financial, Professional & International Insurance: Net written premium in the quarter under review improved 2% year over year to $808 million, driven by a 6% increase in net written premiums in the International business.

The combined ratio deteriorated 100 basis points year over year to 80.2% in fourth quarter 2015, attributable to higher catastrophe losses.

Operating income descended 13.8% year over year to $131 million, attributable to higher catastrophe losses, partly offset by higher underlying underwriting margins

Personal Insurance: Net written premium skidded 3% year over year to $1.79 billion, primarily due to lower new business volumes.

The combined ratio deteriorated 1540 basis points year over year to 89.7% in the fourth quarter of 2015, largely driven by higher catastrophe losses.

Operating loss of $114 million compared unfavorably with profit of $77 million in the year-ago quarter largely due to higher catastrophe loss. However, higher underlying underwriting margins and higher net favorable prior-year reserve development limited the downfall.

Dividend and Share Repurchase

Travelers spent $400 million to buyback 5.4 million shares in the quarter, taking the tally to $1.45 billion spent to buyback 22.4 million shares in 2015. The company is still left with $2.159 billion remaining under its authorization.

The company also paid $178 million in dividends. Additionally, the board approved a quarterly dividend of 46 cents, payable Mar 29, 2015, to the shareholders of record as of Mar 8, 2015.

Our Take

Travelers continues with the trend of delivering positive earnings surprise.

Though its exposure to cat loss weighs on the results, prudent underwriting practices and favorable prior-year reserve development managed to limit the adverse affect.

High retention rate, pricing gains, positive renewal rate changes, and a strong capital position are among the other positives, which are likely to support Travelers perform better going forward.

Travelers’ continuous share buyback strategy has a positive impact on earnings per share and also bolsters shareholder value.

Further, Travelers recently increased its stake in J. Malucelli Participações em Seguros e Resseguros S.A., a market leader in the surety insurance business in Brazil. Further, it made some useful investments to augment its technology platform. It scores strongly with the rating agencies as well.

source -  Zacks.com

Travelers stock prices rally today

Best Insurance Stock - Travelers stock prices rally today : Shares of Travelers Cos. rallied on Tuesday after the insurance company reported quarterly earnings that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations.

The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund XLF +0.41% , which tracks the performance of financial stocks in the S&P 500 SPX -0.28% , traded marginally higher in midmorning trade.   The broader U.S. stock market declined after data showed a decline in sales of existing homes in December. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% to 1,481.

Travelers TRV +2.63%  was the top gainer among S&P 500 financial stocks and the biggest gainer in the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA +0.12% , with its shares up nearly 3%. The insurer said its fourth-quarter profit slumped 51% as it racked up millions in claims from Hurricane Sandy, which hit the Northeastern U.S. in November. Still, the results were better than expected. See: Travelers fourth-quarter profit down 51% after Sandy. Another insurer, Allstate Corp. ALL +1.76% , gained 1.8%.

State Street Corp. STT +3.36%  shares rose 2.6% after the investment manager was upgraded to neutral from underweight at J.P. Morgan Chase, which said that the company’s new cost-savings program is expected to offset its lower net interest margin, In the banking sector, shares of Regions Financial Corp. RF +4.58%  rose 1.5% after the lender swung to a fourth-quarter profit, source : http://www.marketwatch.com

Choosing Insurance Tips

HEALTH is the most important thing in life. Therefore, people take a variety of ways to maintain and health care. Even people looking for health insurance to support and ensure their health. Moreover, the cost of care and treatment of disease increasingly soar.

With the health insurance program means you have shifted the risk to other parties. Risk transferred to it, you have to pay a premium depending on the risk transferred and who want the benefits obtained. However, you still jelly choose the right insurance that does not suffer later. Here we present some tips that you can see before taking a decision to follow the health insurance.

Bonadifitas and Track Record
Lately considerable spread of health insurance (eg aromatherapy) are offered through the credit card providers (Issuer). That is, other than a direct quote from health insurance companies, there is also offering health insurance through credit card organizer (Issuer). Offered to card holders benefit from health insurance and direct premiums charged to card holders via credit card.

At this point you should look at what benefits the insurance company provided. Does the insurance company that works with the credit card issuer is a bona fide and have experience? Not until, when you are sick and make a claim, the process is even more difficult. Even difficult for you. So for selecting health insurance companies, at least there are two things to note, namely bonafiditas and his track record and offer advantages compared to the premiums charged to you.

Savings and Investment
Health insurance services is now very varied. In addition to offering financial guarantees when ill, there is combining it with certain services. For example, premiums paid in part shall be applied as a savings or investment. Of course this exciting offer. But insurance premiums are usually offered will also be given greater or health food.

In addition, those who actually join the insurance program at a young age will get some ease. For example, no medical examination required. Please note that insurance premiums will increase with increasing age of the customer. So, register yourself on health insurance when he was young.

Nigeria insurance market trends by A.M. Best Co

Nigeria insurance market trends by  A.M. Best Co : Economic development and the demand for energy infrastructure projects has been fuelled by Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, resulting in the country’s insurance market becoming the largest in West Africa, according to a new report from A.M. Best Co.

“Africa’s Diverse Insurance Markets Offer Growth Opportunities, Untapped Demand”

In the report entitled, “Africa’s Diverse Insurance Markets Offer Growth Opportunities, Untapped Demand”, A.M. Best notes total insurance premium in Nigeria reached USD 1.6 billion in 2015, although insurance penetration is modest at 0.6%. The report states the Pension Reform Act, which makes pension insurance compulsory for companies employing more than five people, is likely to drive further growth in life premiums. A.M. Best considers the development of the life portfolio in Nigeria as positive for insurers’ diversification, although management teams may need to demonstrate their skills in these new areas.

Carlos Wong-Fupuy, Senior Director, Analytics, said: “Nigeria’s non-life sector accounted for 74% of total premium in 2015, with drivers including the enforcement of compulsory lines of business such as motor third-party liability, professional indemnity, public and general liability. Motor risks make up more than a quarter of non-life premium in Nigeria. This reflects the country’s oil and gas risks, which result in very volatile growth in gross premiums written and low retention ratios.”

The report notes the insurance market has experienced consolidation driven primarily by higher capital requirements. The financial crisis also contributed to merger and acquisition activity, as the Central Bank of Nigeria passed a directive ordering all deposit money banks to divest their non-banking interests or form a holding company structure. However, the report states Nigeria’s insurance market remains crowded.

Source: Business Wire

Vermont Mutual Insurance issuer credit rating by A.M. Best

best insurance stock - Vermont Mutual Insurance issuer credit rating by A.M. Best : A. M. Best Co. said it has upgraded the issuer credit rating (ICR) to “a+” from “a” and affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) of Vermont Mutual Insurance Company and its two fully reinsured subsidiaries, Northern Security Insurance Company and Granite Mutual Insurance Company.

These companies are members of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group and are all domiciled in Montpelier, Vermont. The outlook for all rating is stable.

The ICR upgrade reflects Vermont Mutual’s favorable underwriting and operating results. In addition, Vermont Mutual continues to maintain solid risk-adjusted capitalization, a well established market presence in the New England states and knowledge of local insurance issues.

Chartered in 1828, the Vermont Mutual Insurance Company is one of the 10 oldest mutual property/casualty insurers in the United States. The Vermont Mutual Insurance Group provides coverage throughout New England and New York.

Through more than 400 independent agencies, Vermont Mutual insures some 275,000 policyholders with a direct written premium of more than $300,000,000.

Cheap Life Insurance Rates Online

You need to be well informed about this because some insurance companies that make monetary losses from some claims end up shifting that burden to the consumer. You must look for an affordable indemnity cover that will allow you to save some money. Requesting indemnity quotes by filling simple online indemnity questionnaires that are provided by different indemnity companies; you can find and compare indemnity rates online.

Following this simple way, you will be able to compare indemnity coverage and premium quotes from competing indemnity companies. This process can be done in 15 minutes or less and you don't even need to make a single call or being a part of the lengthy and time consuming meetings with indemnity agents. To find cheap indemnity rates online, you can also look into other non indemnity companies' sites that have the technology which will allow you to compare indemnity premium quotes from multiple competing indemnity companies in a few minutes by entering your information.

One of the best ways to find out the best rates over the net is to keep checking the quotes of various indemnity plans. This will help the customers get the quotes of their desired choice. The third party indemnity companies can also be consulted for a comparative analysis. Thus, it is very important to compare the indemnity quotes before buying an insurance scheme.

Given the current recession it is important to make sure to prioritize your money and compare insurance quotes online. A good place to state would be an online website that actually allows you to compare insurance quotes online for free.

Buying Life Insurance Tips

Life insurance serves as a protection if the insured dies. For example, if I was insured by an insurance product and die tomorrow, then the insurance companies will provide insurance money to people who I left behind.

The purpose is to take life insurance to cover the potential loss of income. If I as the backbone of the family died, the family I leave behind will lose sources of income. If I follow the life insurance program, so that my family would leave the insurance money that can be used as a substitute for the lost revenue, at least for a while.

Actually the rule choosing life insurance products are not much different from choosing another product:

* No purchase life insurance if not required; and
* If you need life insurance, buy life insurance that provides adequate protection.

From my brief survey to several friends and family members, virtually none of them are taking life insurance in accordance with the rules above. Most buying life insurance when not needed, and not take life insurance with a sufficient sum assured if needed.

Do not buy life insurance if not required

The main factors are buying life insurance dependents and obligations (e.g. debt). If someone does not have both so concerned not need life insurance.

Small children (or even newborn) do not need life insurance protection because it does not have any dependents. If the child dies, the family will grieve, but it will not adversely affect the financial condition of the family. On the contrary, precisely the family finances would improve because the number of dependents decreases. Buy life insurance child at this stage will only give free money to the insurance company.

People who already have money can become not need life insurance if you are concerned do not have dependents and do not have obligations. People without dependents and no liability to third parties do not need life insurance because if the person dies, no one feels lost revenue.

If the person is on the take-credit, consumer credit, especially now that the question already has an obligation. Thus, it is time he takes the life insurance (if credit is not equipped with credit insurance). If not, then he has the potential to incriminate relatives if something bad happened to her.

Parents of all children are independent and no longer have an obligation to the other party does not need life insurance. If the respective dies, her children will grieve, but no one will ever feel financially disadvantaged. In addition, if the parents are managing the funds properly, then the concerned should already have savings or investment return far greater value than the sum assured of life insurance.

If the parents are already having enough savings, he could cancel his life insurance before the time if the perceived value of insurance coverage is not proportional to the amount of savings. If he dies before the children independently, his children will still be a legacy in the form of these deposits.

If it does not have dependents and no longer in productive age, the elderly person needs life insurance is not, but the liquid funds in large numbers. Furthermore, in these conditions required that the product is exactly the opposite of life insurance, annuities i.e. If the life insurance provides protection if the insured dies too soon, annuities serve to provide protection if the insured is living too long. Pay life insurance premiums at this time could be a "financial disaster" for the required product is exactly the opposite of life insurance.

Get Cheap Car Insurance Rates

Chances are that if you are over 25 years of age you can get a pretty good discount on your car insurance. Auto insurance companies tend to give discounts to drivers over the age of 25 because they see them as more mature because of their experience behind the wheel.

However the best age group that gets excellent rates on auto insurance are senior citizens. Auto insurance companies consider people over 50 years of age as senior citizens. They get the best rates because they are less likely to get into auto accidents or get a speeding ticket.

If you want to get the best rates possible you should consider combining your home and auto insurance together. Auto insurance providers generally would give insurance discounts to individuals that combine their auto and home insurance together. This helps you save money and also helps you easily manage your bills.

Another way to get your car insurance rates cheaper is to go online. By going online you have the opportunity to get the best rates possible because you do not have to deal with agents trying to receive commission like those locally in your area. Generally the more information you give the car insurance companies online the more accurate your quotes will be.

Motorcycle Insurance Prices

A lot of things can affect motorcycle insurance prices, including the type of motorcycle you drive; whether or not you take riders with you; and even whether you belong to a riding organization.  All of these variables can make it tough for some people to decide which policy is best and to find the best premium price.

First, let’s talk about some of the things you should consider before shopping for motorcycle insurance:

Your Bike

The type of bike you drive will have the most to do with how much insurance will cost to cover it – and you.  A small or midsize commuter motorcycle could cost as little as $200 a year to ensure; while a high-powered sport racer can cost  five to ten times that much to insure. The reason is twofold: higher priced bikes cost more to repair in the event of an accident and the more power your bike has, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident in the first place.  Those two things alone can send your premiums skyrocketing.

The Coverage You Need

Another thing that can affect your bottom line when it comes to getting solid motorcycle insurance prices is the type of coverage you need.  Not every policy is equal and thus not every price is the same (or even close).  Some of the more important things to consider when determining exactly the coverage you will need are:

• Who will be riding on the bike.  If you plan on being a sole rider then your premium will be lower. Of course, if you do not buy passenger insurance coverage, then you will NEVER be able to take a passenger along for a ride. Still, for those who ride alone, getting rid of those passenger premiums can save you a few bucks.

• Whether or not you need comprehensive and collision insurance. Smaller, less expensive bikes can usually be fixed (or even replaced) much more cheaply when covering them with comprehensive collision insurance is.  Compare the cost of the two and consider what the odds are that you will need to file a claim before dropping any coverage.

• If you have a loan on the bike.  If you borrowed money to purchase that dream cycle, then you may be required to carry a full line of coverage.  See your lender for details.

• What your state laws are.  In some states every motorcycle must be insured with a standard package that includes passenger service; health coverage, and more.  Your insurance agent should be able to easily outline the coverage you must carry by law and what coverage items you can waive.

Whether or Not You Belong to Motorcycle Club or Association

Believe it or not, belonging to a certified motorcycle group like Motorcycle Safety Foundation may qualify you for insurance discounts. Be sure to check with your carrier about nay safety course discounts or organizational discounts available in your area.

Your Driving History

Another main premium component is your own driving history – and not just your cycle driving, but your complete driving history.  The better you drive, the less you will pay for any vehicle insurance – including the coverage you need for your motorcycle.  Keep claims at a minimum and don’t get any tickets for awhile and you can ask for a safe driver discount for both your motorcycle and standard car insurance policies.

Your Credit History

Many insurers are now standing by the notion that those who are responsible for paying their bills on time are also more responsible when it comes to their driving and safety habits.  Simply keeping your credit score high can help save you 10-20% on your insurance coverage.


Once you have determined the type of coverage you will need and use some of the tips listed above to trim your liability costs, it is time to begin looking for the best carrier and the best policy in the industry has to offer. When shopping around for motorcycle insurance, be sure to compare like polices, which include basically the same coverage items. Then ask about such important things as whether or not the company handles claims 24/7; what their average claim time is; and what filing a claim will do to your future premiums. Armed with this important information, you will be better able to choose the right policy and the right provider at the right price to handle you motorcycle insurance needs.

Cheap Life Insurance Rates Online

You need to be well informed about this because some insurance companies that make monetary losses from some claims end up shifting that burden to the consumer. You must look for an affordable indemnity cover that will allow you to save some money. Requesting indemnity quotes by filling simple online indemnity questionnaires that are provided by different indemnity companies; you can find and compare indemnity rates online.

Following this simple way, you will be able to compare indemnity coverage and premium quotes from competing indemnity companies. This process can be done in 15 minutes or less and you don't even need to make a single call or being a part of the lengthy and time consuming meetings with indemnity agents. To find cheap indemnity rates online, you can also look into other non indemnity companies' sites that have the technology which will allow you to compare indemnity premium quotes from multiple competing indemnity companies in a few minutes by entering your information.

One of the best ways to find out the best rates over the net is to keep checking the quotes of various indemnity plans. This will help the customers get the quotes of their desired choice. The third party indemnity companies can also be consulted for a comparative analysis. Thus, it is very important to compare the indemnity quotes before buying an insurance scheme.

Given the current recession it is important to make sure to prioritize your money and compare insurance quotes online. A good place to state would be an online website that actually allows you to compare insurance quotes online for free.

Job in Insurance

Everybody needs money to their live in this world. Due to that we have to work in order to get money. Looking for a job seems not as easy as we imagine. Sometimes we get a job but it is not appropriate with the skill that we have. But insurance jobs uk has everything related to this problem, especially on job in insurance and recruitment. 

It can help job seekers to find a job, which is suitable with. There are many job insurance sectors that can be handled by Search Insurance for their solutions, such as Personal Lines, Commercial Insurance, Marine Insurance, Liability, Medical, Personal Accident Cover, Healthcare and Reinsurance.

With their variety of Consultant services, both for permanent and temporary job recruitment, this company becomes UK's largest database employers on full range of positions. Then their clients will be easily finding the best candidates. Because they have established specialist consultants, which are dedicated and experienced work on solid team for high quality and outstanding success.

Four Types of Insurance

Fundamentally you are a moment ago a collection of danger. May You Trust That You Do not should insurance for you or for your family and That You will take your chances on staying healthy and safe Risk But taking this cost you Everything That Could Have Worked for you. The Following are the basic forms of insurance That Should Have Every person Regardless of Their race, age, or Nationality and the Reasons why you do not want to get caught without them.

Health insurance is a big topic and one that is getting much in the U.S. Attention right now. One accident or injury Needs Treatment That Can is enough to wipe you out in Financially Potentially Both the short and the long term. Many people have to declare bankruptcy due at least in part to unpaid medical and others prolong Treatment Expenses until it is too late. A health insurance policy is NECESSARY that is something for everyone from birth Until Death.

Car insurance is of course a form of insurance most people realize That They Need, mostly because the law says they must have it to drive. Even if you are an excellent driver-you-can wind up with Injuries and property damage from someone else's negligence so it is important to make sure insurance Coverage That You Have to Take Care of These issues just in case.


Life insurance Is another Thing That Especially Young people do not think That They Need. Death is Not Guaranteed to hold off Until late in life so it is advisable to carry at least a minimal life insurance policy Even If You Do not Have Any Dependents. Life insurance cover Can you pretty cheaply if you are young and in good health But It Can really help your loved ones pay for funeral and burial Expenses That Could September them back quite a bit. Everyone should have at least a minimum life insurance policy.

Home owners and renters insurance Policies are very important no matter WHERE you live. Believe it or not, even the most dog modest cost of home furnishings to replace a lot. When taking out a policy like this make sure your stuff That They cover not at the present value but at the replacement value. If you lose everything you will not Have Time to shop around for bargains you will need replacements right away and the best way to get through that is a replacement value policy.

Get Cheap Car Insurance Rates

Chances are that if you are over 25 years of age you can get a pretty good discount on your car insurance. Auto insurance companies tend to give discounts to drivers over the age of 25 because they see them as more mature because of their experience behind the wheel.

However the best age group that gets excellent rates on auto insurance are senior citizens. Auto insurance companies consider people over 50 years of age as senior citizens. They get the best rates because they are less likely to get into auto accidents or get a speeding ticket.

If you want to get the best rates possible you should consider combining your home and auto insurance together. Auto insurance providers generally would give insurance discounts to individuals that combine their auto and home insurance together. This helps you save money and also helps you easily manage your bills.

Another way to get your car insurance rates cheaper is to go online. By going online you have the opportunity to get the best rates possible because you do not have to deal with agents trying to receive commission like those locally in your area. Generally the more information you give the car insurance companies online the more accurate your quotes will be.

American Equity earnings conference call February 21 2015

best insurance stock - American Equity earnings conference call February 21 2015 :  merican Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL) announced today that it will release fourth quarter 2015 earnings after the close of market on Wednesday, February 20, 2015. The fourth quarter earnings release and financial supplement will be posted on the American Equity website ( www.american-equity.com) at that time.


EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
AEL will hold a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2015 earnings on Thursday, February 21, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. CST. The conference call will be webcast live on the Internet. Investors and interested parties who wish to listen to the call on the Internet may do so at www.american-equity.com.

The call may also be accessed by telephone at 866-314-4865, passcode 36024971 (international callers, please dial 617-213-8050). An audio replay will be available shortly after the call on AEL’s website. An audio replay will also be available via telephone through March 14, 2015, by calling 888-286-8010, passcode 12797737 (international callers will need to dial 617-801-6888).

ABOUT AMERICAN EQUITY
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, is a full service underwriter of annuity and life insurance products, with a primary emphasis on the sale of index and fixed rate annuities. The company’s headquarters are located at 6000 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50266. The mailing address of the company is: P.O. Box 71216, Des Moines, Iowa 50325

Allstate corp will conference call february 7 2015

best insurance stock Allstate corp will conference call february 7 2015 : The Allstate Corp. will conduct a conference call and webcast at 9 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Thursday, Feb. 7 to discuss fourth quarter 2015 earnings. According to a release, the company will issue a news release announcing quarterly results at or after 4:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Shortly thereafter, the company plans to post supplementary financial and statistical information online. These materials will be available on Allstate's website at allstateinvestors.com.

The investor webcast also can be accessed at allstateinvestors.com. For those unable to participate in the live event, a webcast replay and downloadable MP3 file will be posted on the company's website shortly after the event ends. The company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K will be filed by its due date of March 1. The Allstate Corp. is a personal lines insurer. read Allstate Stock outlook 2015-2015

Effective and Efficient Insurance Group Supervision in the U.S

best insurance stock  - Effective and Efficient Insurance Group Supervision in the U.S : The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America issued the following news release: The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) today released a white paper entitled, "Effective and Efficient Insurance Group Supervision in the U.S.: What More, if Anything is Needed?" The document outlines PCI's group supervision principles and group supervision implementation recommendations.

This white paper is a product of PCI's broader efforts to have a positive influence on global regulatory convergence issues. It outlines PCI's principles and recommendations that should be taken into account by policymakers in any discussions relating to changing U.S. insurance group supervision. This paper will help will assure that the U.S. insurance regulatory system is not undermined and that any group supervision changes promote efficiency and do not simply impose an additional layer of regulation that ultimately harms consumers and the large economy.

"Group supervision issues arise out of many international work streams, including IAIS ComFrame and US-EU Dialogue," said Robert Gordon, PCI's senior vice president policy research and development. "The fact is that current US insurance regulation functions quite well and in our view, adequately accounts for necessary supervision of groups. This is borne out by the excellence performance of the industry despite the financial crisis, natural catastrophes, and years of recession."  Read full PCI release

An Easy Way To Double Your Money

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Another way to grow is to invest money. Just like a tree, the higher the tree, the greater the wind that reaches it. The greater the investment, the greater the risk that might occur. So, there is no standard size of investment, but investment is determined by the goals you invest and how much you dare to take the risk.

There is a wide range of investments with different risk levels. The investment is relatively low-risk government bonds and deposits. Investment is fairly stable, but the results are relatively low.

Other types of investments with greater risk is to invest in the stock market. Good market situation is very tempting because it can double our money. but the situation with lightning speed can be turned 180 degrees and destroy our investment.  

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