INSURANCE

U.S. Insurer Expects Japan Quake Loss: In one of the first signs that insurance companies in the States could feel financial pain from the temblor, American International Group Inc. said it expects to lose at least $50 million on policies written in Japan. Though few earthquake insurance policies are in effect, AIG said its losses are for anticipated obligations from personal accident insurance that covers injuries resulting from quakes. Of the 30 U.S. companies licensed to write policies in Japan’s protected market, the seven doing the most business are AIG, American Home, Cigna, Chubb, Kemper, Trans Atlantic Reinsurance and Travelers, according to the Insurance Information Institute. U.S. and other foreign companies have been shut out of most Japanese markets for traditional life and other insurance products.