It looks like changes are underway in the Texas homeowners market. The legislature seems determined to bring down rates one way or another, and Insurance Commissioner Jose Montemayor’s preliminary report—developed from data provided by homeowners insurers—showing rates as being too …
In March, Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced a seven-point plan for restructuring the California workers’ compensation system. In addition to addressing medical cost containment, the plan includes improving financial oversight; determining a consistent level of permanent disability; improving coordination and …
Whether you are trying to access major carriers’ markets for hard-to-place risks, find a way to brand your agency, or tap into the expertise of other veteran agents, a cooperative may be the way to go. Clusters, networks, huddles—cooperatives go …
Munich Re has issued a new survey report – “topics Natural Catastrophes 2002.” The study found that “storms and floods have an even greater impact on insurers’ claims burdens than in the year before,” and examines “how can the effects …
The number of insolvencies among property/casualty companies remained high in 2002, with 38 companies placed either under regulatory supervision or into liquidation, according to the special report, “Rising Number of P/C Company Impairments Continues Trend,” issued recently by A.M. Best …
Have we finally arrived at the point where the economy is a critical factor in personal automobile insurance? Not quite but it is my opinion that we are closing in. Although insurance company annual statements do not discern between the …
December is the most dreaded month for a surplus lines broker. In addition to all the 12/31 and 1/1 renewals, one must deal with underwriters and employees having the gall to go on vacation, holiday parties, holiday closings and trying …
Marine insurance is, as Insurance Journal put it last year, “a unique animal.” The belly of the beast consists of cargo and yacht coverage, which account for 50 percent of U.S. written premium. But another marine market, aside from coverage …
California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi took center stage when he addressed the problems plaguing State Compensation Insurance Fund on the heels of his recent plans to reform California’s ailing workers’ compensation marketplace. Naturally, his announcement was met with controversy from …
They’re baaack. High-flying medical malpractice liability claims losses, that is. The availability crisis of the 1970s and the affordability crisis of the 1980s may be nothing compared to the crisis insurers and doctors face this time around. Almost 8 percent …
