Articles by Kevin B. O'Reilly

Personal Lines Issues Dominate Mich. Agents Convention

A host of personal lines issues — ranging from credit scoring to a commissioner-requested data call to state fines on drivers with no proof of auto insurance — headlined the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) convention last February and …

Before Being Destroyed, Bartman Ball Was Insured

A combination of heat, pressure and explosives was used last February to blow to smithereens the baseball involved in a play that some Cubs fans say cost their beloved team a trip to its first World Series in 58 years. …

Innovation Key to Comp Quandary

The workers’ compensation system — the country’s largest line of commercial insurance — is in crisis, as contributing writer Tom Slattery points out in his excellent overview of where comp has gone in the last year. Yes, the line’s combined …

One TPA Says it Has the Secret to Reining in Comp’s Transition Costs

At first glance, Jeffrey McDaniel does not seem disabled. He is built like a football player, and in his mesh green and gold jersey he looks like one too. A pat on the back reveals his muscled frame, the one …

Reining in Comp’s Transition Costs

One TPA Says It Has the Secret At first glance, Jeffrey McDaniel does not seem disabled. He is built like a football player, and in his mesh green and gold jersey he looks like one too. A pat on the …

Desolate Climate for Agency E&O

A s I made my way around the trade show floor at the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents annual convention last week, I happened into a conversation with an agent while she flipped through the Feb. 23 edition of Insurance …

Missouri DOI Finds Insurance Scoring Harms Poor, Minorities

Insurers’ use of credit scoring in underwriting and rating personal lines insurance harms poor and minority policyholders in Missouri, according to a study released by the state’s insurance department. The report, Insurance-Based Credit Scores: Impact on Minority and Low Income …

Over Objections, NCOIL Restricts Web Access to Meeting Documents

The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) has announced that it will restrict access to the portions of its Web site dealing with adopted models and resolutions, reports, issue briefs and meeting minutes. The move, an attempt to increase attendance …

Nightmare on E&O Street

It’s a policyholder’s worst nightmare to find out the insurance she’s been dutifully paying for is not there when she needs it. This is why every responsible agent tries to do business with reputable, financially healthy insurers. Not only does …

Over Objections, NCOIL Restricts Web Access to Meeting Documents

The Albany, N.Y.-based National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) has announced that it will restrict access to the portions of its Web site dealing with adopted models and resolutions, reports, issue briefs and meeting minutes. The move, an attempt to …