Overall, commercial insurance prices in aggregate declined by 1% during the second quarter of 2010, according to the company’s survey, which compared prices charged on policies underwritten during the second quarter of 2010 to the prices charged for the same coverage during the same quarter in 2009. While data for most lines indicate flat prices, the Commercial Property, Directors and Officers Liability, and Employment Practices Liability lines show price reductions.
Yet those companies that use predictive modeling techniques for pricing and risk-tiering reported slight price increases — on average — compared to companies that do not use predictive modeling. Insurers that have yet to implement predictive modeling experienced price decreases greater than the overall decline of 1.0%. The most recent survey was the first time Towers Watson queried respondents on their use of predictive modeling and, while these indications are preliminary, they point to the power of predictive modeling.
The bottom line is that effective predictive modeling enhances underwriting and pricing profitability,” said Bruce Fell, practice leader of Towers Watson’s risk consulting and reinsurance brokerage services to the P&C industry in the Americas. “The commercial lines insurers that are taking advantage of predictive modeling are finding new rating variables and sources of data, and are applying the results in new and innovative ways.”
CLIPS results indicate that accident-year-to-date 2010 loss ratios deteriorated 4% relative to year-to-date 2009. This deterioration — which is based on six months of information and is therefore preliminary — is consistent with an estimated deterioration of 4% for accident-year 2009 over 2008. The firmer prices in year-to-date 2010 on an earned basis are offset by somewhat higher claim cost inflation indications than that observed in 2009.
About CLIPS
CLIPS data are based on both new and renewal business figures — when available — obtained directly from carriers underwriting the business. This particular survey compared prices charged on policies underwritten during the second quarter of 2010 to the prices charged for the same coverage during the same quarter in 2009.
CLIPS participants represent a cross section of U.S. property & casualty insurers that include many of both the top 10 commercial lines companies and the top 25 insurance groups in the U.S. CLIPS’ measurement of both pricing changes and loss ratio changes also sets it apart from other studies.
Participation in CLIPS has been increasing, as carriers believe it provides a more accurate picture of price changes, and find it useful in setting assumptions for product pricing and estimating claim liabilities.
The survey results track the differing trends in pricing across various regions, lines of business and account sizes on a quarterly basis. Historically, price level and loss ratio change results vary considerably by line of business and market segment.