Monthly Archives: <span>July 2008</span>

Flooded Midwest’s Impact Could Be Felt at Dinner

Producers might benefit from the $3.8 billion disaster fund that is part of the 2008 farm law. Farmers must have crop insurance to qualify for the program. We have all watched with utter dismay and compassion as Midwest storms and …

Yes, You Are in a ‘Flood Zone!’

The Importance of Understanding Flood Zones “I don’t need flood insurance.” “I’m not in a ‘flood zone.’” Or, “I don’t need flood insurance because my mortgage company said I don’t need it.” Those statements are made more often than any …

Winning as a Strategist

Thinking Strategically Can Lead to Insurance Sales Success Want to be a better insurance agent or broker? Then consider your strategy. Today’s sales professionals must be at the top of their game to win sales through competitive advantages. Successful sales …

National Insurer Wants to Include Flood Coverage in Home Policies

One of the nation’s largest insurance companies is lobbying Congress for permission to sell policies that cover damage from both wind and flood water, a plan billed as a way for insurers and homeowners to avoid costly litigation after disasters …

People Dayton, Ohio-based Norman-Spencer Agency Inc. named Mark Yearn national program director for its recreational marine division. Yearn will oversee Norman-Spencer’s H2O Headings Program, which serves boat dealers and marina operators across the country. Yearn brings nearly 30 years of …

When In Rome, Do As the Romans

Hint: Learn Before You Go The ancient expression “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is used to warn friends and colleagues to respect and adapt to the culture of places that they visit. In the insurance industry, that …

Insured Property Value in Coastal States to Double in 10 Years

In the past three years, the insured value of properties in coastal areas of the United States continued to grow at a compound annual growth rate of just over 7 percent, according to a new report released by AIR Worldwide …

People

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has announced the promotion of Mike Becker to director of federal affairs. Since joining PIA, Becker has managed the day-to-day responsibilities associated with running the Professional Insurance Agents Political Action Committee, including …

N.Y. Gov. Paterson Supports Easing Rules for Foreign Reinsurers

New York will ease regulatory barriers that are “openly discriminating” against foreign reinsurers, Democratic Gov. David Paterson told reporters. Paterson, the state’s first black governor, who is also legally blind, joked when describing the complaints of insurers with whom he …

A Candle Burnes at Both Ends

Free-market advocates and some agents applauded last year when Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie S. Burnes quickly moved to deregulate the Bay State’s backwards-but-long-established system of personal auto insurance. That move, which took effect April 1, included two fundamental changes: the …