Research & Publications Office to host seminar on ‘Beyond the Storm: Climate Risk and Homeowners Insurance’ on 29 July
The talk will be delivered by Prof. Varun Sharma, Indiana University
27 July, 2025, Bengaluru: The Office of Research and Publications (R&P) will host a seminar on ‘Beyond the Storm: Climate Risk and Homeowners’ Insurance’, to be delivered by Prof. Varun Sharma from Indiana University (Finance & Accounting area), at 12.00 PM on 29th July 2025, in Classroom P22.
Abstract:
The research seminar examines how, using detailed policy-level data and natural disasters as the empirical setting, insurers adjust pricing and claim rejection practices to account for climate risk. The research reveals that insurers raise premiums in both disaster-affected and unaffected regions following a disaster, while claim rejection rates rise only in unaffected areas. These spillover effects depend on consumers' price sensitivity; less price-sensitive homeowners in unaffected regions see higher premiums, while more price-sensitive ones face increased claim rejections. The study also finds that insurers’ financial constraints influence these outcomes: during periods of financial pressure, insurers increase premiums across the board, while in less constrained periods, they primarily adjust rejection rates in low-risk areas. The findings underscore the growing influence of climate risk on insurance dynamics, cost redistribution, and homeowners’ access to protection in both high- and low-risk zones.
Speaker Profile:
Prof. Varun Sharma is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. He holds a PhD in Finance from London Business School and is a CFA charter holder. His research spans financial markets, intermediation, climate finance, and insurance, and has received notable academic recognition and media outlets. Prior to his academic career, Prof. Sharma was a Senior Manager and Associate Director in PwC’s Risk Advisory practice in London, where he provided strategic counsel on financial risk and regulatory compliance to Fortune 500 banks and financial institutions.
Webpage Link: https://www.sharmav.com/
Research & Publications Office to host seminar on ‘Beyond the Storm: Climate Risk and Homeowners Insurance’ on 29 July
The talk will be delivered by Prof. Varun Sharma, Indiana University
27 July, 2025, Bengaluru: The Office of Research and Publications (R&P) will host a seminar on ‘Beyond the Storm: Climate Risk and Homeowners’ Insurance’, to be delivered by Prof. Varun Sharma from Indiana University (Finance & Accounting area), at 12.00 PM on 29th July 2025, in Classroom P22.
Abstract:
The research seminar examines how, using detailed policy-level data and natural disasters as the empirical setting, insurers adjust pricing and claim rejection practices to account for climate risk. The research reveals that insurers raise premiums in both disaster-affected and unaffected regions following a disaster, while claim rejection rates rise only in unaffected areas. These spillover effects depend on consumers' price sensitivity; less price-sensitive homeowners in unaffected regions see higher premiums, while more price-sensitive ones face increased claim rejections. The study also finds that insurers’ financial constraints influence these outcomes: during periods of financial pressure, insurers increase premiums across the board, while in less constrained periods, they primarily adjust rejection rates in low-risk areas. The findings underscore the growing influence of climate risk on insurance dynamics, cost redistribution, and homeowners’ access to protection in both high- and low-risk zones.
Speaker Profile:
Prof. Varun Sharma is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. He holds a PhD in Finance from London Business School and is a CFA charter holder. His research spans financial markets, intermediation, climate finance, and insurance, and has received notable academic recognition and media outlets. Prior to his academic career, Prof. Sharma was a Senior Manager and Associate Director in PwC’s Risk Advisory practice in London, where he provided strategic counsel on financial risk and regulatory compliance to Fortune 500 banks and financial institutions.
Webpage Link: https://www.sharmav.com/