A recent report in National Underwriter describes a 4% drop in property and casualty insurance rates in October, and cites a market evaluation concluding that dropping rates might be a “new normal” for the P&C industry.  This evaluation matches the comments of several insurance brokers National Underwriter interviewed at the Insurance Leadership Forum of the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers held last month.

What do you think? Are lower P&C rates here to stay for awhile?

M&A’s Mark Brannon recently commented in Florida Underwriter on the potential impact of SB  2044. Mark indicated that SB 2044 “provides some changes on how mitigation discounts can be applied” but he expressed doubt as to how many insurance companies will be able to provide an adequate demonstration to support a rate offset at this time.  The full article is available here.

What are your thoughts on SB 2044?  How should Governor Charlie Crist act on the bill? Let us know.