Best’s Briefing: Hurricane Irma Poses Key Initial Catastrophe Challenge to Florida Insurance Market Newcomers

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best believes that although insured losses as a result of Hurricane Irma will not be as severe as originally forecast, the storm still represents a sizeable catastrophe event that will test the infrastructure and potentially strain the financial wherewithal of some local and regional carriers in Florida, particularly those that are geographically concentrated.

The Best’s Briefing, titled, “Hurricane Irma Tests Newer Participants in Florida Market,” notes that over the past decade, the number of more concentrated local/regional writers in Florida’s insurance market has increased as national writers pulled back on the state. The state-formed Citizens Property Casualty Insurance Corporation took on much of that risk exposure, and as a result, experienced significant financial pressure. This led to a fairly successful depopulation program, whereby private insurers were given incentives to assume policies from Citizens. This, along with other factors that included benign weather in Florida and favorable reinsurance pricing, prompted many new insurance companies to form.

According to the report, a number of new insurance companies were formed since 2007, writing nearly a fifth of the property market lines: homeowners, farmowners, fire and allied, and commercial multiperil (non-liability). Hurricane Irma represents the first severe event to test the strength of these business models, particularly with regard to risk selection, loss mitigation and potentially their reinsurance programs.

The report also states that with Hurricane Irma occurring in such close proximity to Hurricane Harvey, the demand for independent catastrophe claim adjusters has increased. A.M. Best-rated entities had already started strengthening their claims processes in response to the state’s Assignment of Benefit issues. Newer companies may face additional pressure from a lack of experience as well as limitations due to scale.

A.M. Best does not expect a significant number of rating actions on its rated insurers to result solely from Hurricane Irma, but reinsurance programs that respond differently from what is anticipated could increase ratings pressure.

Ultimately, although the aftermath of Hurricane Irma may be bleak for some regional and local carriers, particularly overexposed companies with earnings and potential capital concerns, A.M. Best believes opportunities will emerge for others. An insurer that can effectively navigate through the storm and potentially others during this hurricane season may attract displaced insureds. Insurers also may need to rethink their risk selection, risk tolerances and reinsurance purchases, and some may consider diversifying outside of Florida or revamping products. Smaller or struggling companies in the Florida insurance market also could become merger and acquisition targets.

To access the full copy of this special report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=265689.

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

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A.M. Best

Chris Draghi, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5043

Financial Analyst

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Jason Hopper, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5016

Associate Director

Credit Rating Criteria – Research & Analysis

jason.hopper@ambest.com

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christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

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Jim Peavy, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5644

Director, Public Relations

james.peavy@ambest.com

Source: A.M. Best