AM Best Audio Podcast

Nancy Moussa, associate research director, LIMRA Insurance Product Research, discusses key trends shaping the Canadian life insurance market, including recent growth drivers, product performance and expectations for continued industry momentum.

News Editor Dave Pilla discusses his BestWire reporting that details how a new $40 billion U.S.-backed reinsurance facility, led by Chubb, aims to stabilize maritime trade through the Persian Gulf as shippers navigate ongoing geopolitical risk and safety concerns.

Senior Associate Editor Renee Kiriluk-Hill discusses her BestWire story explaining Farmers’ plans to add new agency owners to its ranks, some for their new high net worth “Elite Owner Program.”

Susan Ghalili, SVP and chief underwriting officer at Pacific Life, explains how insights from the 2026 Underwriting Outlook Survey show insurers embracing AI as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency and decision-making while emphasizing that human expertise remains essential to maintaining trust, credibility, and sound risk assessment.

A new Best's Special Report discussed by AM Best Associate Director Jason Hopper finds the 2025 net income for U.S. life/annuity industry rose to the highest level in the past five years.

Lynn O’Leary, president of Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, explains that in 2026, business leaders should strengthen their short-term risk awareness and long-term resilience.

Sr. Associate Editor Steve Hallo reports the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is requiring insurers to submit detailed homeowners data from 2018–2025 to assess affordability, carrier strength, and the impact of rising climate and litigation-driven costs.

AM Best Senior Director Wai Tang and Director Matthew Tuite discuss a new Best's Special Report that finds that the ILS market is expected to grow in 2026, albeit slower than 2025.

Michael Barrett, principal/agent, Trusted Choice board member, Vermont national director for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, discusses how few Americans review their insurance annually, leaving coverage gaps and opportunities for agents to engage clients proactively.

Helen Andersen, industry research analyst, discusses two new Best's Special Reports that find upgrades and downgrades both declined for the P/C segment in 2025, while life and health insurers saw an increase in upgrades but not downgrades.