Why are IAG shares slipping today?

IAG shares are trailing the benchmark on Tuesday. Here's what's happening.

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Key points

  • IAG shares are sliding on Tuesday morning.
  • IAG reported that it has integrated RACQI into its catastrophe reinsurance program, expanding its quota share coverage to 35% of the business.
  • IAG’s total 2026 catastrophe reinsurance program includes coverage for two events up to $10 billion, and the company noted improved reinsurance market conditions and strong partner support.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares are in the red today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) insurance giant closed yesterday trading for $7.85. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $7.80 apiece, down 0.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.2% at this same time.

Here's what investors are mulling over today.

IAG shares dip on Queensland news

On 1 September 2025, IAG reported it had completed its acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) for the tidy sum of $855 million, with IAG owning 90% of RACQ shares.

"Today is an exciting day as we begin our partnership with RACQ, supporting its member-first approach, welcoming around 840 new team members to IAG, and strengthening our commitment to Queensland," IAG CEO Nick Hawkins said at the time.

IAG shares closed up 0.6% on the day.

Today, the ASX 200 insurance company announced the successful integration of RACQ Insurance (RACQI) into its main catastrophe cover, whole of account quota share (WAQS) arrangements, and aggregate stop-loss protection.

IAG also revealed that it has expanded its WAQS arrangements to now cover 35% of the consolidated business. Management reiterated that they have maintained RACQI's separate standalone reinsurance program that comprised quota share and catastrophe protections.

Cutting to the chase, IAG shares could gain longer-term support with its RACQI branch now also covered by the catastrophe reinsurance program for the 2026 calendar year.

IAG's total 2026 catastrophe reinsurance program provides a main catastrophe cover for two events up to $10 billion, with an attachment at $500 million.

The company noted that RACQI's quota shares have now been replaced by IAG's WAQS arrangements, adding that the total proportion ceded has increased by 2.5% to now represent 35% of IAG's combined business.

What did management say?

Commenting on the reinsurance program integration that has yet to lift IAG shares today, chief financial officer William McDonnell said, "We are pleased to have integrated the RACQI business into the overall reinsurance program which will achieve the targeted synergies."

McDonnell added:

Global reinsurance markets have improved during 2025, allowing us to renew reinsurance protection favourably relative to expectations. In addition, IAG received strong support from reinsurance partners in expanding the overall program, resulting in a further reduction in the volatility of our earnings.

How have IAG shares been tracking?

With today's intraday dip factored in, IAG shares are down 8.5% over the past 12 months.

The ASX 200 insurance stock also trades on a 3.9% partly franked trailing dividend yield.

IAG is scheduled to announce its half-year results for the six months to 31 December on 12 February.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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