HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Personal lines insurers faced a challenging operating environment over the past ten years, but a new study by Conning identifies a select group of personal lines competitors, distinguished by sustained growth and profitability during this period.

"For personal lines insurers, the past ten years included the profitable growth period of 2003 to 2007, followed by the recession and elevated catastrophe activity from 2008 to 2012," said Alan Dobbins, analyst at Conning. "In analyzing the performance through these years, we identified 18 standout companies, which led their peers in both growth and profitability over the past five-year and ten-year measurement periods."

The Conning study, "Growth and Profit Leaders in Personal Lines Insurance" analyzes personal lines company performance over the past decade to identify the personal lines growth and profit leaders in the industry. The study then establishes the key characteristics of this group, identifying similarities and differences among the market leaders. Overviews are provided for each of the companies appearing on Conning's 2013 list of growth and profit leaders in personal lines insurance.

"The personal lines growth and profit leaders are a diverse group, ranging in size from below $100 million premium to some of the largest national insurers with premium exceeding $10 billion," said Steve Webersen, director of research at Conning. "Distribution channels for the group include independent agency, general agency, direct response, and affinity group marketing. Yet our analysis indicates that specialization is a strong common thread. At least half of the members of the group have clearly identifiable product or customer segment specialties, and a number of others have a regional specialization, sometimes in addition to a product niche."

"Growth and Profit Leaders in Personal Lines Insurance" is available for purchase from Conning by calling (888) 707-1177 or by visiting the company's web site at www.conningresearch.com.

About Conning

Conning (www.conning.com) is a leading investment management company for the global insurance industry, with almost $83 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2013 through Conning, Inc., Conning Asset Management Limited, Cathay Conning Asset Management Limited, and Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. The company's unique combination of asset management, risk and capital management solutions and insurance research helps clients achieve their financial goals through customized business and investment strategies. Founded in 1912, Conning is focused on the future, providing clients with innovative solutions, leveraging its global capabilities, investment experience, and proprietary research. The company is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, with additional offices in Purchase, London, Cologne, and Hong Kong.

SOURCE Conning, Inc.