Insurance Industry

Overview

The economic and institutional characteristics of the insurance industry require specialized analysis. Product and geographic market definition are key to issues of competition in the insurance industry, and must take into account these characteristics. Some parts of the industry are regulated, and other parts have open competition. Overlapping state and federal regulations, complex rate structures, complicated accounting systems, the role of risk and uncertainty, and moral hazard complicate the analysis of insurance matters.

Secretariat Economists has substantial experience with insurance industry cases. Secretariat Economists professionals have represented clients before the federal antitrust authorities with regard to insurance company mergers. They have also advised insurance companies with regard to charges of monopolization and price fixing. Furthermore, Secretariat Economists professionals have testified in Federal Courts and before state regulatory authorities on mergers and other competition issues. Secretariat Economists’ familiarity with the industry’s particular features is important, as is Secretariat Economists’ perspective on the regulatory background, including thorough understanding of issues pertaining to the McCarran-Ferguson Act.

Secretariat Economists has also worked on damages and liability issues related to contractual disputes about coverage under insurance policies.

Experience

Secretariat Economists professionals have analyzed antitrust and competitive issues in the following areas:

  • Ordinary life insurance
  • Property-casualty insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Medical malpractice insurance
  • Title insurance
  • Credit life insurance
  • Debit life insurance
  • Workers compensation insurance
  • Information collection and exchange