California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund suffered setbacks recently over unethical practices in its group programs, and an order by California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner forced the organization to address structural and operational changes. Yet newly appointed SCIF Interim President Lawrence …
Workers’ compensation CEO says the time’s right for a new selling strategy Everybody needs workers’ compensation coverage and to some that translates to a commoditization of the product line. But to be successful at selling workers’ comp, producers have to …
What insurers in U.S. and worldwide are doing to address the effects of climate change Recent mega-catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast have brought increased attention to the issue of global climate change and its impact on …
MGAs deliver more than just specialty packages as they prepare for changing market No one knows just how many managing general agencies (MGAs) operate in the United States, but the insurance industry couldn’t survive without them, says Scott Anderson, current …
Insuring child welfare organizations offers opportunities, rewards and good business After spending most of her childhood and adolescent years growing up in foster care agencies, Rhonda Sciortino, a California independent insurance agent, felt she had to give back in the …
More independent insurance agencies gave salary increases in 2006 than in 2005, but still nearly half of all agency salaries nationwide stayed right where they were compared to 2005. On the other hand, producer commission rates in 2006 soared above …
Incentive pay plans for agents that some insurers are implementing to replace discontinued contingency compensation could work out better for agents than the programs they are replacing. A handful of major carriers banned the use of contingent commissions at the …
The St. Paul Travelers Companies Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to reacquire its trademark red umbrella, and change its name to The Travelers Companies Inc. After the closing of the transaction, the company will begin trading on the New …
Ames & Gough survey finds as many as 50% of contractors not covered Contractors, project owners, and project finance professionals are increasingly interested in the niche market of contractors’ professional liability insurance (CPLI), according to a recent survey of insurers …
Today’s managing general agencies and carrier partners in the specialty program marketplace are enjoying profitable times while looking over their shoulders at new carriers and agents eager to enter the ring, according to industry insiders. The specialty market written through …
