Articles by Stephanie K. Jones

Oklahoma, Texas Assessing Damage from Violent May Weather

Even though it meant the commencement of hurricane season, weather-beleaguered Texans are likely pleased that May 2015 has come and gone. Both Texas and Oklahoma were pelted during the month of May with all kinds of violent and deadly weather, …

High-Growth Agencies Build Business Differently: Survey

A survey of high growth insurance firms conducted and released late last year by a Texas-based consultant found that such organizations hire differently and produce business differently than low growth firms. They also make use of specialized skills and research …

Stand-Alone Pollution Insurance Undersold in the Oil Patch

While stand-alone pollution insurance coverage for energy risks is available in the marketplace, more often than not those who need it the most may be unaware it is available or decide not to purchase it. That creates a coverage gap …

Bad Companies Feel Shake-Out in Energy Sector the Most

While the per barrel oil price has rebounded somewhat after it plunged to under $45 per barrel in March 2015, the energy industry — and by extension the energy-focused insurance sector — continues to adjust to the impact of the …

Texas Pounded by Weather Extremes in May

Even though it means the commencement of hurricane season, weather-beleaguered Texans are likely pleased that May 2015 has come and gone. Texas was pelted during the month of May with all kinds of violent and deadly weather, including hail storms, …

President Signs Disaster Declaration for Texas Counties as Claims Mount

A disaster declaration signed by Pres. Barak Obama will help citizens in Harris, Hays and Van Zandt counties in Texas as they begin to recover from violent storm systems that brought tornadoes, high winds and massive flooding in May. The …

The Rideshare Insurance Challenge

Local communities, states and the insurance industry are all grappling with the issue of finding workable solutions that provide public protection while allowing for innovation and growth in new sharing, or on-demand, economy ventures like transportation network companies, short-term home …

Hail Claim Litigation Bill Dies in Texas House

With the legislative session winding down in Texas, a measure sought by the insurance industry that its proponents say would help rein in litigation related to property insurance claims has died in the House of Representatives. Passed by the Senate …

Ohio Lt. Gov./Insurance Director Taylor Tackles Multiple Roles

As Ohio’s lieutenant governor, top insurance regulator and leader of a statewide regulatory reform initiative, it might seem that Mary Taylor’s public responsibilities would often pull in her in conflicting directions. That would not be the case. Taylor’s two primary …

Ohio’s Lt. Governor/Insurance Director Focused on Streamlining Regulation

As Ohio’s lieutenant governor, top insurance regulator and leader of a statewide regulatory reform initiative, it might seem that Mary Taylor’s public responsibilities would often pull in her in conflicting directions. That would not be the case. Taylor’s two primary …