NCCI: WC Market Remains Difficult

NCCI Holdings, Inc., delivered its "State of the Workers Compensation Insurance Line" presentation to an estimated 500 insurance executives at the NCCI Annual Issues Symposium (AIS) in Orlando, Fla., claiming the state of the workers' comp market remains tough with early 2001 results indicating one of the year's worst performances in the market's history. NCCI reported a combined ratio of 121 percent for the 2001 workers' compensation insurance calendar year. With a gain of 3 points from the 2000 combined ratio of 118 percent, this year's results mark the sixth straight year of falling combined ratios. During the mid-1990s, the combined ratio for workers compensation hovered around 100 (1994-1997), which is considered excellent for a long-tailed line like workers compensation.