Articles by Laura Mazzucca Toops

Words Mean a Lot in Vows Between Program Administrators and Carriers

As in a marriage, if you’re in a good relationship, you never have to consider the contract. But if things go badly, words mean everything,” Greg Thompson, president of THOMCO brokerage in Kennesaw, Ga., told attendees at the fifth annual …

How Program Managers Can Avoid the Courthouse Blues

The little old lady from San Francisco rejected an earthquake endorsement on her homeowners coverage, only to have her home later destroyed by earthquake. Her family sued the agent, the case went to trial, and the jury ruled in favor …

Agent-Carrier Partnerships Need Goal Clarity and Exit Strategy, Not Love

The carrier executive tried to pin down agents on what they wanted from their insurers. Among the vague responses of exclusivity, underwriting authority, respect and long-term relationships, one complaint stood out. “When asked about why he wanted to change carriers, …

Words Mean a Lot in Vows Between Program Administrators and Carriers

As in a marriage, if you’re in a good relationship, you never have to consider the contract. But if things go badly, words mean everything,” Greg Thompson, president of THOMCO brokerage in Kennesaw, Ga., told attendees at the fifth annual …

Words Mean a Lot When Administrators and Carriers Write Marriage Vows

Program managers urged to protect themselves when negotiating carrier contracts. Carrier contracts are like a marriage, according to Greg Thompson, president of THOMCO brokerage in Kennesaw, Ga. “As in a marriage, if you’re in a good relationship, you never have …

Healthy Competition, Safety Technology Drive Commercial Auto Market

According to conventional wisdom, 2004 was the first year in the past 16 where insurers finally broke through and made an underwriting profit on commercial lines auto. The breakthrough came after a year, 2003, which saw the countrywide combined ratio …

Agent-Carrier Partnerships Need Goal Clarity and Exit Strategy

The carrier executive tried to pin down agents on what they wanted from their insurers. Among the vague responses of exclusivity, underwriting authority and respect, one complaint stood out. “When asked about why he wanted to change carriers, one agent …

Words Are Key When Program Managers and Carriers Put Vows In Writing

Program Managers Urged to Protect Themselves When Negotiating Carrier Contracts As in a marriage, if it’s a good relationship, the parties never have to consider the contract. But if things go badly, words mean everything.” Greg Thompson, president of THOMCO …

Agent-Carrier Partnerships Need Goal Clarity and Exit Strategy, Not Love

The carrier executive tried to pin down agents on what they wanted from their insurers. Among the vague responses of exclusivity, underwriting authority, respect and long-term relationships, one complaint stood out. When asked about why he wanted to change carriers, …

“It Can’t Happen Here?” Wrong!

Okay, so my rantings about what a great insurance market the Midwest is have come back to haunt me. Evidently we’re just as vulnerable as any other region of the country or the world. Look what happened on Nov. 6, …