Eyes on catastrophes as renewal talks start; Stable rates likely for most; loss-hit accounts may see increases.(Conference news)

Byline: SARAH VEYSEY and MARK A. HOFMANN

Ample capital means that--barring major losses by year-end--most reinsurance buyers will see stable rates when they renew their programs in January, experts said during the Rendez-Vous de Septembre reinsurance meeting.

Buyers with catastrophe-exposed business likely will see rate increases at the Jan. 1, 2012, renewals, especially if they suffered losses during a series of natural catastrophes around the world this year, but other lines of business are likely to remain stable, experts say.

Catastrophe-exposed U.S. accounts that already saw higher rates when they renewed in April, June and July are most likely to see higher rates at their next renewal. Risk Management Solutions Inc.'s updated hurricane model also is affecting rates. Still, loss-free accounts may see flat to only slightly higher rates, reinsurers said at the Sept. 10-15 gathering in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Despite major catastrophe losses that have totaled at least $70 billion in the first …