Conning Research: Regional Property-Casualty Insurers Holding their Own in the Small Commercial Market

-- $95 Billion in Premiums at Stake

(Hartford, CT) June 11, 2008 - Property-casualty insurers are competing aggressively for the small commercial market, according to a new study by Conning Research and Consulting.

“The small commercial market has become increasingly competitive in recent years because more insurers have entered or expanded their footprint in this market. Insurers are attempting to compete for business through use of technology, product development, and market specialization,” said Clint Harris, analyst at Conning Research & Consulting. “However, smaller regional companies are holding their own, and many are outperforming the larger writers.”

The Conning Research study, “The Property-Casualty Small Commercial Market: Redefining Battlegrounds and Rules of Engagement” explores how insurers are competing for market share with new product development, service enhancements, and use of analytics. The study also provides details of this marketplace by class of business, account size, and other characteristics to identify market potential and growth opportunities.

 “Many of the key battlegrounds that are developing in technology, expanded distribution, and micro-segmentation have focused on satisfying distributor needs,” said Stephan Christiansen, director of research at Conning.  “Insurers are also pursuing a complementary strategy that leverages knowledge of the ultimate customer to build products and services that add value for the customer. So far, both battles are being won on focus, not on scale."

“The Property-Casualty Small Commercial Market: Redefining Battlegrounds and Rules of Engagement” is available for purchase from Conning Research & Consulting, Inc., by calling (888) 707-1177 or by visiting the company's web site at www.conningresearch.com.

About Conning Research & Consulting, Inc.
Conning Research & Consulting provides insurance industry analysis to insurers and industry stakeholders. Its published research includes market coverage of 30 segments of the industry in addition to industry forecasting and identification and analysis of major strategic issues. Conning Research & Consulting understands insurance industry challenges and opportunities and provides in-depth analyses on a wide range of industry products and issues. The Conning name has represented excellence in independent insurance industry research for 50 years. Conning Research & Consulting is a division of Conning, a provider of asset management and insurance industry research and consulting services to insurers. Conning is headquartered in Hartford, CT.