Insurance reporter covering reg & policy for S&P Global | @uva alum | Rts ≠ E | she/her 🌼
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Hailey Ross
LA County sues State Farm over wildfire claims, seeks $160M in restitution
Los Angeles County is suing State Farm General Insurance Co. and subsidiary State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. for purportedly mishandling claims stemming from the devastating 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires. The 107-page lawsuit, filed Aug.
NAIC summer 2026: Colorado commissioner urges action toward an AI model law
Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway Source: Colorado Division of Insurance Pursuing an AI model law within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is an important step to ensure the power of the state-based regulatory system is preserved, according to Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway.
US pet insurance direct premiums written hit record high in Q1'26
Business is booming for US pet insurers, with direct premiums written in the first quarter hitting an all-time quarterly high for the industry. Insurers wrote $1.53 billion in direct pet insurance premiums in the period, reflecting an increase from $1.31 billion in the same quarter last year and from $1.47 billion in the last three months of 2025.
NAIC quarterly mandate to trump any SEC reporting changes for insurers
The US SEC, headquartered in Washington, DC, proposed in May a semiannual reporting option for public companies. Source: J. David Ake/Getty Images News via Getty Images. As the looks to eliminate mandatory quarterly reporting requirements for public US companies, experts suggest it will be business as usual for insurance companies when it comes to making quarterly reports to the federal agency.
Berkshire exits UnitedHealth, Aon, Visa, Mastercard in 1st quarter with new CEO
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. dropped a significant number of companies from its investment portfolio during the first quarter of 2026 as new CEO Greg Abel took the reins from the legendary Warren Buffett. Berkshire completely exited a slate of companies, including managed care behemoth UnitedHealth Group Inc., insurance broker Aon PLC, and credit card giants Visa Inc. and Mastercard Inc.
US state insurance regulators, Treasury secretary meet to discuss private credit
A group of state insurance regulators met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on May 7 to discuss the life insurance industry's exposure to private credit and the shift of US life and annuity reserves to offshore jurisdictions.
US life insurers projected to see YOY growth in Q1 2026 profits, revenue, EPS
The majority of top US life insurers are predicted to report year-over-year gains in first-quarter 2026 revenue, profits and earnings per share, according to an S&P Global Market Intelligence analysis using Visible Alpha data. Unum Group, Voya Financial Inc. and Corebridge Financial Inc. are outliers from the group for revenue projections. All three insurers are expected to book lower revenue in the first quarter on a year-over-year and sequential basis. Meanwhile, Aflac Inc.
US pet insurance market growth slows in 2025, but still robust
The US pet insurance market once again expanded by more than 10% in 2025, a feat that it has achieved every year since at least 2018. The market recorded an 11% year-over-year increase in net premiums earned last year, rising to an industry record $3.59 billion, according to an analysis by S&P Global Market Intelligence. That said, the 2025 total reflects a slowdown in the pace of growth from the prior year when net premiums earned soared 26.6% to $3.23 billion in 2024.
US insurance regulators pulling back the curtain on private credit
US insurance regulators are taking steps to better understand the industry's exposure to private credit as investments in the asset class grow. Exposure to private credit has sparked investor concern across industries as the asset class experiences rising defaults and heightened investor redemptions.
Corebridge, Equitable stocks get a bump after 'surprise' merger news
Corebridge Financial Inc. and Equitable Holdings Inc. shares finished the week in the green following the announcement that the two would undergo an all-stock merger. Corebridge and Equitable announced March 26 that they would create a retirement, life, wealth and asset management company in an all-stock transaction valued at about $22 billion, based on the closing stock price of each company as of March 25.
US life insurance trade group advocates for federal privacy framework
The American Council of Life Insurers supports a federal privacy framework, according to a March 17 statement for the record it submitted to the House Financial Services Committee. In the letter, the ACLI said Congress should update and modernize the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (GLBA), which established rules governing how financial institutions handle customer privacy and data security.
Doubts emerge about Trump's marine war insurance plan
Aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing 9 sit on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, 2026. Source: United States Navy. The feasibility and efficacy of President Donald Trump's plan to backstop marine insurers covering shipping in the Persian Gulf is being questioned as the war between the US and Israel and Iran continues.
Insurance regulators to pay closer attention to residential mortgage loans
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has "taken notice" of insurers' growth in residential mortgage loans and may give further scrutiny to the asset class, according to Wisconsin's state regulator. "I anticipate that more attention will be given to this topic to ensure that broader disclosure, attributes, capital, etc.
US life insurance Q3'25 recap: execs talk private credit, AI investments
US life insurers used third-quarter earnings calls to assure investors that they have a good handle on where their money is being allocated, from investments in private credit to developing and enhancing in-house AI tools. Private credit has come under greater scrutiny following the September bankruptcy filings of aftermarket automotive parts supplier First Brands Group LLC and car retailer and lender Tricolor Holdings LLC.
Berkshire ups stake in Chubb; places new bet on Google; cuts BofA in Q3
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. had a busy third quarter as it increased its stake in Chubb, further reduced its position in Bank of America Corp. and placed a large first-time bet on Google parent company Alphabet Inc. According to its latest Form 13-F filing, the Warren Buffett-led conglomerate picked up roughly 4.3 million additional shares in property and casualty insurer Chubb, reflecting an increase of about 15.9% from its previous position.
US life Q2'24 earnings recap: new strategic moves, higher YOY earnings for many
US life insurers' second-quarter earnings season was relatively uneventful compared to past quarters, but the period was generally marked by higher year-over-year results and fresh news regarding strategic moves for certain companies. Many of the top publicly traded US life insurers saw an improvement in year-over-year earnings, a result in line with analyst expectations of a strong second quarter for the sector. Among the group, MetLife, Inc. saw considerable growth.
US House committees move to hinder implementation of Labor's fiduciary rule
Two US House committees passed measures July 10 that would inhibit the implementation of the Labor Department's controversial retirement security rule. The House Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which would bar the department from using funding made available by the act to "administer, implement or enforce" the fiduciary rule. The proposed legislation passed 31-25.
Wash. regulator calls out NAIC decision-making, insurers' use of credit scores
latest-news-headlines Market Intelligence /marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/wash-regulator-calls-out-naic-decision-making-insurers-use-of-credit-scores-82242705 content esgSubNav Wash. regulator calls out NAIC decision-making, insurers' use of credit scores Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler speaks before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners during one of its national meetings. Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Trupanion's incoming CEO welcomes competition as Nationwide drops pet policies
Trupanion's incoming CEO welcomes competition as Nationwide drops pet policies A hairless cat named Forty stands atop a desk at US pet insurer Trupanion. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently separated reporting of the rapidly growing business line. Source: Trupanion ➤ The pet insurance space is extremely competitive, but Trupanion's incoming CEO insists this will boost consumer education around the business line.
US Senate searches for fix to homeowners insurance woes
Senators brainstormed potential solutions to fix the exacerbating issues with affordability and availability of homeowners insurance with witnesses during a June 5 meeting of the Senate Budget Committee.
Root shares rise, then fall after Q1 2024 earnings; Heritage's stock plummets
Root shares rise, then fall after Q1 2024 earnings; Heritage's stock plummets Root Inc.'s stock initially rallied after the insurtech reported first-quarter earnings, but those gains evaporated as the week went on and the stock ending up being one of the worst performers. For the first time in its history as a public company, Root posted positive operating income. It also booked operating income of $5.4 million, up from an operating loss of $29.8 million in the year-ago period.
US Labor Department head defends fiduciary rule at House hearing
US Labor Department head defends fiduciary rule at House hearing Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su testifies before the House Committee on Education & the Workforce in Washington, DC, on May 1, 2024. Source: Hailey Ross Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su defended her department's work in finalizing a fiduciary rule as she spoke before members of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce during a May 1 hearing.
Globe Life shares plummet, rebound slightly after short report
Globe Life Inc. shares had one of their biggest drops on record on Thursday after a report published by a short seller alleged that the life insurer and its subsidiary American Income Life Insurance Company extensively engaged in fraudulent practices. The Texas-based life insurer's stock plummeted over 50% in light of the claims by Fuzzy Panda Research.
Investors unfazed by Chubb's Baltimore bridge link
Investors unfazed by Chubb's Baltimore bridge link Chubb Ltd. shares have seen little movement this week despite areport that it is likely the lead provider of insurance on a major bridge that unexpectedly collapsed in the early morning hours of March 26. The 1.6-mile-long Francis Scott Key Bridge fell into the water after being struck by a container ship heading out of the Port of Baltimore that had lost control of its vessel.
NAIC head: Federal role, climate, AI on state insurance regulatory agenda
NAIC head: Federal role, climate, AI on state insurance regulatory agenda Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais speaks during the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' fall national meeting in November 2023. Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners ➤ State insurance regulators are willing to work with the federal government but continue to maintain that they are best positioned to oversee the industry.
Genworth attributes 'significant' long-term care rate approvals to NAIC effort
A process developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners helped boost long-term care increases for Genworth Financial Inc. in 2023, CEO Thomas McInerney said during the company's fourth-quarter 2023 earnings call. McInerney said Genworth saw "significant" rate approvals for its PCS II long-term care policy block in 2023 as a result of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' development of a multi-state actuarial (MSA) review.
Equitable 'well-positioned' to handle DOL's proposed fiduciary rule - CFO
Equitable Holdings Inc. is "well-positioned" to deal with whatever comes as a result of the US Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary rule, a top executive said. The Labor Department'sproposed fiduciary rule would impact how retirement products are sold by updating the definition of an investment advice fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. It would also lower what the Labor Department calls "junk fees" that customers pay when buying retirement products.
Iowa Insurance Commissioner slams DOL proposed rule during House hearing
The US Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary rule could have "significant repercussions for the insurance regulatory framework" and an adverse impact on consumers, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said during a Feb. 15 congressional hearing. The Labor Department's proposed fiduciary rule would impact how retirement products are sold by updating the definition of an investment advice fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
Lemonade stock takes hit after earnings release
Lemonade stock takes hit after earnings release Lemonade Inc. shares took a big hit this week after it reported earnings that failed to impress investors. The insurtech posted a fourth-quarter 2023 net loss of $42.4 million — an improvement from a net loss of $63.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Driven by higher earned premium and an improved loss ratio, the quarter's adjusted gross profit of $35.3 million reflected a year-over-year increase of $17.4 million.
US senators seek to plug nation's flood insurance gap
US senators seek to plug nation's flood insurance gap Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), chairman of the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and ranking member Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) at a Jan. 25, 2024, hearing to discuss issues related to the National Flood Insurance Program. Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence US senators from both sides of the aisle are looking to fix the nation's flood insurance problem. During a Jan.
US Labor Department's proposed fiduciary rule comes under fire at House hearing
The US Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary rule, which would impact how retirement products are sold, drew criticism from both sides of the aisle during a congressional hearing today. Republican members of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets urged the Labor Department to toss the proposal while Democrats used softer language and suggested improvements be made. Rep.
NAIC fall '23: Iowa regulator takes issue with DOL over proposed fiduciary rule
NAIC fall '23: Iowa regulator takes issue with DOL over proposed fiduciary rule Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen speaks during the NAIC's national fall meeting in Orlando, Fla., to express concern over the Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary rule. Source: NAIC The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) brought regulators from across the country together to discuss industry and economic challenges during their fall national meeting in Orlando, Fla.
US life insurers to see growth in Q3 earnings as interest rates stay high
US life insurers are expected to see growth during third-quarter earnings while wrestling with the impact of higher interest rates, a dynamic annuities sector and the commercial real estate market's effect on investment portfolios. "Life insurer positives include the higher interest rates in the quarter," Wells Fargo analyst Elyse Greenspan said in a note.
Large US life insurers feel impact of commercial real estate concerns
Shares of many large US life insurers underperformed leading indices through the third quarter in contrast to some of their smaller peers. Lincoln National Corp., Principal Financial Group Inc. and MetLife Inc. were among those that experienced the steepest stock declines year to date, falling 19.6%, 14.1% and 13.1%, respectively. By contrast, the S&P 500 posted an 11.68% gain through the third quarter and the S&P 500 US Insurance Index grew 1.01%.
Allstate's stock gets bump as August catastrophes come in line with expectations
The Allstate Corp. was one of the best-performing listed US insurers this week as the carrier released August catastrophe results which were mostly what the market expected. Allstate said Sept. 21 that it expects catastrophe losses for the month of August to hit $551 million, or $435 million, after tax. The insurer's results included 18 events with a total estimated impact of $641 million, but these were partially offset by favorable reserve reestimates for prior events.
Florida-exposed P&C insurers weather Idalia storm
A storm-damaged gas station is reflected in a puddle after Hurricane Idalia crossed the state on Aug. 30, 2023, in Perry, Fla. The storm made landfall at Keaton Beach, Fla., as a Category 3 hurricane. Source: Sean Rayford/Getty Images Florida-based property and casualty insurers and other large carriers that underwrite auto and home insurance in the Southeastern US performed relatively well in the stock market this week despite the arrival of Hurricane Idalia.
NAIC summer '23: Regulators eye 'opaque' investments, algorithmic bias
NAIC summer '23: Regulators eye 'opaque' investments, algorithmic bias Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler speaking at the opening session of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' summer national meeting in Seattle.
Kemper shares tumble after Q2 loss; insurer drops preferred auto, home business
Kemper Corp. failed to impress investors this week after reporting weak second-quarter earnings and announcing plans to exit its preferred auto and home business. The Chicago-based property and casualty company struggled in the quarter, in part due to a large amount of catastrophes. Kemper reported a net loss of $97.1 million, or $1.52 per share, for the second quarter, a worse than the net loss of $72.2 million, or $1.13 per share, a year ago.
Allstate stands its ground on diversity and inclusion
➤ Allstate focused on supporting all clients equally given that natural catastrophes can disproportionally impact economically disadvantaged people and minorities. ➤ Amid political divisiveness surrounding ESG, Allstate is proud to keep pushing forward on diversity and inclusion. ➤ Becoming a more virtual workforce has allowed Allstate to seek out more diverse talent.
Travelers, Allstate shares trade up even with large Q2 2023 catastrophe losses
The Travelers Cos. Inc. and The Allstate Corp. shares finished the week in the green, even as both companies disclosed massive catastrophe losses for the second quarter. Travelers reported second-quarter earnings that included $1.48 billion in catastrophe losses due to property claim services-designated weather events that happened during 88 of the 91 days in the period.
Latest takeover bid for American Equity seems 'different' this time
Emerging signs point to a stronger possibility that Brookfield Reinsurance Ltd.'s bid to take over American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. may be more successful than past attempts. Brookfield’s proposal to buy American Equity Life feels different from other past ventures to snap up the West Des Moines-based life insurer due to the way the company is responding, according to analysts.
House hearing highlights fraught ESG environment for asset managers
Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) spoke during a joint hearing of two subcommittees of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Source: Hailey Ross The polarized political environment facing asset managers in the US regarding environmental, social and governance issues was on full display during a June 6 House hearing.
US life insurers shrug off credit concerns; stocks up modestly after Q1 earnings
A majority of US life insurers' stocks finished the week ending May 19 in the green with first-quarter earnings wrapped up. Going into the season, unease around credit risk had investors on edge even as rising interest rates were expected to make spread-based businesses like fixed annuities profitable. Another concern coming into the quarter had been increased surrender activity in annuity-based products, according to Piper Sandler analyst John Barnidge.
Equitable focused on growth in US retirement market as rates rise, banks roil
Equitable focused on growth in US retirement market as rates rise, banks roil ➤ Equitable Holdings Inc. aims to be "big" in the US retirement market where it sees ample opportunity for growth. ➤ The insurer's CFO cautioned that it will take some time for investors to differentiate the banking industry from the insurance industry amid market turmoil. ➤ Higher interest rates make many insurance company offerings more attractive.
Aflac shares rise as execs quell concerns over commercial mortgage pressure
Aflac Inc.'s shares gained speed this week after using its first-quarter earnings call to abate concerns over the life insurer's investment exposure to commercial real estate and middle-market loans. Aflac Global Chief Investment Officer Brad Dyslin said during the call that there is some pressure in the commercial real estate space as the difficult market for office leasing persists, but he expressed confidence that the company's exposure is "manageable" even in a severe downturn.
US life insurers to focus on credit risk, accounting change as Q1 earnings start
US life insurers are expected to use their first-quarter earnings announcements to address concerns around credit, as well as the impact of a new accounting standard that many companies had to implement retroactively at the start of the 2023. Worries about insurers' potential exposures to credit risk have been mounting as pressure on commercial real estate loans and collateralized loan obligations grows, especially in light of the recent turmoil seen in the banking sector.
Insurtech CEO says data, technology to evolve small business insurance in 2022
Insurtech CEO says data, technology to evolve small business insurance in 2022 ➤ Business interruption coverage is likely to stay a "fairly nascent" product until more data can better determine pricing for severity and frequency, Coterie's CEO said. ➤ Coterie's top executive expects further advancements around business interruption, a product that can be difficult for many business owners to afford.
Argo shares plummet on reserve charge; Assurant rises after earnings
Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.'s stock tanked after the insurer announced an expected reserve charge of between $130 million and $140 million that will negatively impact its fourth-quarter 2021 results. Equity markets suffered modest losses for the week ending Feb. 11, with the S&P 500 declining 1.82% to 4,418.64. The S&P 500 Insurance Index edged down 0.39% to 563.49.
James River's stock plunges after insurer takes 'really big' reserve charge
James River Group Holdings Ltd. shares plummeted this week after it disclosed a $115 million fourth-quarter 2021 adverse reserve development in its casualty reinsurance segment that CEO Frank D'Orazio referred to as "unexpected and extremely disappointing." The ongoing impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine dominated trading in the equities and commodities markets during the week ending March 4. The S&P 500 declined 1.27% to 4,328.87, and the S&P 500 Insurance Index dropped 2.09% to 553.41.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Hailey
Contact Hailey, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack