Insurance Claims for 2008 U.S. Catastrophes to Top $25 Billion

37 Cats Generate the Fourth Highest Cost, Highest Frequency in a Decade

Madoff Scandal to Cost Insurers $1.8 Billion, Aon Benfield Says

Losses Could Prompt a Harder Market for Professional Liability

Washington Report

Obama Presidency Could Dramatically Influence Courts

Washington Report

FBI Reports Drop in Crime Including Arson

London's Reach Bolsters U.S. Specialty Lines

Catlin, Beazley, Amlin, Hiscox and Newcomer Torus Focus on U.S. Market

Duty to Defend Greater than Duty to Indemnify

Subcontractor's Contractual Obligation Exists Regardless of Negligence

Special Report: Contractors and Subcontractors

Additional Insured Endorsements May Reduce Coverage Available to Named Insured

Growing Your Property Casualty Agency

Old Insurance Inspection Photos Make Meaningful Gifts

Wholesaler Innovation Helps Close the Gaps

E&S Exists to Provide Coverage for Unique and Emerging Risks

Legal Beat: New Fines for Minor Violations of Insurance Code

California DOI Can Issue Monetary Citations Against Brokers and Agents

Closing Quote: The Invisible Hard Market

We're in Unchartered Waters Now

Opening Note

People

MyNewMarkets

2009 National Directory of Excess, Surplus and Specialty Markets, Volume I.

Nevada Names Kipper Insurance Commissioner

Kipper Was Formerly Oregon Insurance Administrator

EPIC Announces Settlement With Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Company Maintains It Acted Fairly and Properly

Montana Lawmakers Look at Limiting Recreational Liability

Recreational Businesses Seek Protection From Lawsuits Because of Insurance Costs

Montana Bill Suggests Implementing Fire-Safety Incentives

Bill Would Force Insurers to Offer Discounts to Homeowners Who Take Fire Precautions

Agents Speak Out on 'Putting Back the Pieces' After Brooke

Brooke Group Declares Bankruptcy, Faces RICO Charges, More Lawsuits

California Appeals Court Reverses Pollution Liability Decision

Decision Potentially Multiplies the Amount Policyholders Can Use to Pay Claims

Continuing Financial Crisis Leads to Vacant Properties

Customers Should Obtain Appropriate Insurance

Customer Retention Should be Priority No. 1

The Hartford's Juan Andrade on Agency Management

Kicking Off a Good Team

7 Management Lessons Insurance Agencies Can Learn from the Football Field

Even Best Practices Agencies Struggle to Grow in Soft Market

Revenue Growth Proves Challenge; Hiring New Producers Remains Priority