Leadership Shift at Verisk as Insurance Sector Navigates Profits and Storms

Verisk Analytics has announced a key leadership appointment within its Claims Solutions division, marking a strategic move as the U.S. insurance industry grapples with both robust profitability and costly extreme weather. Investors are now looking ahead to the company's imminent full-year results to gauge its operational momentum.

The U.S. property and casualty insurance market has demonstrated a significant financial turnaround, according to a recent industry analysis co-authored by Verisk and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). For the first nine months of 2025, the estimated net underwriting gain reached $35.3 billion. This figure represents a substantial increase from the $4 billion recorded in the same period the previous year.

A key indicator, the combined ratio, improved to 94%. This marks the first time in a decade that this critical metric has fallen below the 95% threshold for a nine-month span. The positive shift is attributed primarily to increased premium income and a temporary lull in severe weather-related losses. Net written premiums grew by 5.1% to approximately $740.7 billion.

Winter Storm "Fern" Poses a Major Challenge

Despite the favorable market trend, recent extreme weather events are generating substantial claims. Initial estimates for Winter Storm "Fern" indicate insured losses could total $4 billion. Widespread damage from freezing conditions, wind, and snow across 14 states—from Texas to Massachusetts—is driving the costs.

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If these projections hold, "Fern" would rank as the third-costliest winter storm in U.S. history. In response to such escalating climate risks, Verisk is already utilizing an updated analytical model scheduled for official release in June 2026. This enhanced model places greater emphasis on the vulnerability of U.S. power grids to freezing rain and the resulting outages.

New Leadership and Forthcoming Financials

To drive further efficiency in claims management, Verisk has appointed Steven Kauderer as President of its Claims Solutions business, effective immediately. Kauderer is tasked with focusing on innovative solutions designed to streamline and enhance the accuracy of the adjustment process for insurers. CEO Lee Shavel highlighted Kauderer's extensive experience advising global insurance firms.

Market attention now turns to February 18, when Verisk Analytics is set to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results. The company's third-quarter performance, which featured revenue of $768 million and net income of $226 million, provides a recent benchmark. The upcoming report will reveal the extent to which organic growth, driven by pricing strategies and new client acquisition, has been sustained in the current environment.

• Steven Kauderer assumes leadership of the Claims Solutions division.
• U.S. insurers posted a $35.3 billion underwriting gain for the first nine months of 2025.
• Winter Storm "Fern" may become the nation's third-costliest winter event, with an estimated $4 billion in insured damages.