It's been a tough month for the IAG (ASX:IAG) share price so far

Why has the IAG price come under fire recently?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

July has not been very kind to the Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price.

The pain hasn't stopped today either. At the time of writing, shares in IAG have tumbled more than 2.3% in today's trading session.

Despite a weak start to the month, the IAG share price is still around 4% higher since the start of the year.

Let's take a look at why the IAG price has come under pressure recently.

A shocked and stressed man looking at his laptop and trying to absorb bad news about the Netwealth share price falling

Image source: Getty Images

Why has the IAG share price stumbled in July?

Since the start of July, the IAG share price has tumbled more than 4.5% to date.

The most recent catalyst that could explain the weakness in the Iag share price can be traced back to earlier this week.

On Monday IAG announced its aggregate reinsurance cover for FY22.

IAG noted that the structure of its main catastrophe reinsurance program remains unchanged.

The FY22 aggregate cover provides protection of $350 million in excess of $400 million. In addition, individual qualifying events will be capped at $200 million in excess of $50 million per event.

Snapshot of the IAG share price

IAG is the parent company of a general insurance group with operations in Australia and New Zealand. The Group's businesses underwrite over $12 billion of premium per annum, selling insurance under many leading brands, including NRMA Insurance, CGU and SGIO.

As noted previously, the IAG share price remains slightly positive for 2021.

Shares in the insurance giant came under pressure in mid-June, following flooding events in Victoria. IAG noted that the company received more than 4,300 claims relating to floods in the Gippsland region.

For FY21, IAG's net costs for natural disasters are approximately $660 million, having budgeted for only $658 million in natural disaster claims at the beginning of the financial year.

The floods in Victoria were the third major claim this year following the previous floods in Sydney, and Cyclone Seroja in Western Australia.

Earlier this year, IAG reported a 33.1% increase in insurance profit of $667 million. The company cited a $100 million benefit from lower motor claim frequency, largely due to COVID-19 induced lockdowns in Victoria.

Overall the company recorded a loss of $460 million, largely due to claims by businesses under IAG's business interruption insurance policies.

IAG was also on the receiving end of a lost landmark court case in NSW last year, which sought to exclude pandemic lockdowns from business interruption policies.

Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Fallers

Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.
Share Fallers

Why Appen, Catalyst Metals, South32, and Woolworths shares are sinking today

These shares are having a poor session on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

A man in a business suit hangs in mid air facing the floor as he plunges to the ground.
Share Fallers

Why Appen shares just crashed 28% despite a return to growth

Appen shares tank 28% as the quarterly update rattles investors.

Read more »

An older man wearing glasses and a pink shirt sits back on his lounge with his hands behind his head and blowing air out of his cheeks.
Share Fallers

Why Catalyst Metals, G8 Education, Meteoric Resources, and Westgold shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

ASX share investor sitting with a laptop on a desk, pondering something.
Share Fallers

CSL shares crash to a 9-year low. Is it time to sell off my shares?

What's next for the beaten-down ASX biotech stock?

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Beach Energy, Domino's, Origin Energy, and Pantoro Gold shares are dropping today

Why are these shares under pressure? Let's find out.

Read more »

Frustrated and shocked business woman reading bad news online from phone.
Gold

Why is this $1.5 billion ASX 200 gold stock tumbling 8% today?

Still up 31% in a year, this ASX 200 gold stock is getting hammered today. But why?

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why Cochlear, Karoon Energy, Origin Energy, and WiseTech shares are falling today

These shares are starting the week in the red. Let's find out why.

Read more »

An arrow crashes through the ground as a businessman watches on.
Share Fallers

After falling 43% in a week, are Cochlear shares now a buy?

Is this drop a warning sign?

Read more »