As we look at the topics in this Casualty Matters, a theme emerges. Many of the developments are part of trends creating new challenges and opportunities for the insurance industry.

Cyber coverage, gig economy, farms abutting neighborhoods, ridesharing/ homesharing…these are all social, demographic and economic trends that are reshaping how we live and do business today. Some of the other topics, most notably Liquor Liability, are more mature in underwriting terms but present new growth areas for carriers. Even dog bites and construction defects still provide a new twist now and again, as we discuss here.

In this edition several Gen Re underwriting and claim professionals provide perspectives on an issue, to link the new form or ruling to what insurers are doing today. Several of their insights reinforce the interconnections across insurance products. A ruling on CGL coverage creates ripples for Cyber products; a new Personal Auto endorsement warrants Personal Umbrella attention.

The discussion on Cyber coverage may look familiar to you because we sent GL and CU clients a preview in April. After the federal appellate court found CGL coverage for defending a cyber lawsuit, several companies asked about the implications for their GL, CU and/or Cyber products. Rather than wait until our May publication date, we shared out our early draft via Gen Re ENews to clients. There is more information here, so we urge you to take a look.

As we distribute this research publication, we realize it’s time for us to collect Gen Re and law firm contributions for our June Policy Wording Matters newsletter. Our lead article will delve into the topic of Additional Insured endorsements. As always, we hope you find content of interest to you in our publications.