Asbestos Claims Challenge Insurers

Asbestos litigation is again moving to the forefront of insurance challenges according to recent studies issued by consulting firm Tillinghast-Towers Perrin as well as A.M. Best. The Tillinghast-Towers Perrin report concludes that asbestos-related claims for individuals will ultimately top $200 billion in the United States. Carriers will be burdened with about 30% of that total, or $55 billion to $65 billion. Overseas insurers--including those based in London, continental Europe, Asia, Australia and South America--will bear another 31%. Tillinghast-Towers Perrin expects that asbestos defend...