Our key markets and global spread
We take a global approach to our core businesses of general and life insurance. The diversity of our portfolio, both geographically and by line of business, is key to our strategy. We have a strong presence in the world’s most attractive insurance markets, and we can use our scale and financial strength to full effect across all lines of business. Our customers benefit from our ability to underwrite and provide service on many fronts.
North America
We are a leading property and casualty insurer in the United States, serving a wide range of small and mid-sized businesses and commercial market segments, including specialty lines and the programs sector. We focus on similar markets in Canada.
The US consumer market is served primarily by Farmers, the third largest personal lines property casualty group in America. Founded in 1928, the Farmers Exchanges and their subsidiaries, which we manage but do not own, operate in 41 states through the efforts of approximately 20,000 employees. With tied and independent agents, plus independent contractors, they serve more than 15 million customers.
Farmers New World Life in the US focuses on protection products for the middle income market, which has 63 million households.
Europe
Key markets for our Europe General Insurance business division are Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We also have a significant presence in Austria, Ireland and Portugal, plus operations in Israel, Morocco and Russia.
We are well positioned to achieve profitable growth through our strong relationships with customers, agents and brokers, and also through direct selling. In 2006, we established a new business unit to serve central and eastern Europe, with the emphasis primarily on retail business.
Our life business in Europe focuses on unit-linked and protection products, and on clearly defined niches in key markets.
International
Our International Businesses division includes our operations in Latin America, Australia, Japan, Greater China/Southeast Asia and southern Africa. We have servicing capabilities around the world, including emerging markets. This reinforces our strong global network and provides long-term growth opportunities.
In the life market, Asia is a particular growth area. Young professionals and high net worth customers are the fastest-growing sector investing in Zurich’s products in Greater China. Zurich International Life is now targeting other markets in Southeast Asia, with their large expatriate communities and growing professional classes.
North America
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2
nd largest commercial insurer in the US
(including the Farmers Exchanges, based on direct written premiums 2005)
Source: A.M. Best
United Kingdom
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Largest commercial liability insurer
(based on net earned premiums 2005)
Source: Moody’s Statistical Supplement
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3
rd largest general insurer
(based on net earned premiums 2005)
Source: Moody’s Statistical Supplement
Germany
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Market leader in direct motor insurance
(based on direct gross written premiums 2005)
Source: GDV (Gesamtverband der deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft)
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Largest provider of unit-linked life products in Germany
(based on new business premiums 2005)
Source: Tillinghast
Switzerland
Hong Kong
