Operations News

Insurance Mergers Complicated by Economy, Low Valuations, Hidden Risks

With organic growth difficult in the current economy and soft market, there could be an increase in insurance industry merger and acquisition activity over the next 12 to 18 months, according to mergers and acquisitions experts. But the experts at …

People

Frost Insurance in Austin, Texas promoted Sheri Smyth to vice president of personal lines. Smyth, a 23-year insurance industry veteran, manages the personal lines department’s growth and retention efforts, and implements strategic programs and best practices at the Austin branch …

Declarations

Legislate Commissions “After hearing from various interested parties, if HHS does not fix this language before the rule is final, we hope that Congress will step in and revise the MLR formula through the legislative process.” —Charles E. Symington Jr., …

Insurance Mergers Complicated by Economy, Low Valuations, Hidden Risks

With organic growth difficult in the current economy and soft market, there could be an increase in insurance industry merger and acquisition activity over the next 12 to 18 months, according to mergers and acquisitions experts. But the experts at …

Why Top Performing Agencies Focus on Compensation Expenses

Performance Benchmarks Help Agencies Measure Success There are a lot of performance benchmarks to focus on to become a top performing insurance agency and to achieve high profitability. One of the areas agencies need to focus on is compensation expenses. …

Feds Erred in Loss Ratio Decision

Congress May Need to Intervene After months of discussions, the interim final rule on Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs) released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was a huge disappointment. The rule essentially mirrors efforts by the …

E&O Insights: Pounds of Prevention in 2011

A Few E&O Exercises to Keep an Agency Professionally Fit Traditionally, as another year begins, we establish personal and professional goals. On the personal side, shedding a few pounds is often an objective. After all, with fewer pounds, we will …

Is Your Boss Guilty of Any of the Seven Deadly Sins?

Employees say their bosses are guilty of the “Seven Deadly Sins,” especially laziness and pride, and their sins are having negative effects on employees’ productivity and health. In recent years, the American workplace has been infused with high levels of …

E&O Insights: Nothing Standard About Professional Liability

Typically, when looking to move an account from one carrier to another, you can count on some degree of similarity in policy forms. For the most part, a general liability policy with one standard company will look similar to the …

Farmers Appoints Shriver Senior VP Field Operations in Southwest

Farmers Insurance has appointed Rick Shriver senior vice president of field operations, Southwest Zone. The Zone includes Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Shriver has more than 24 years of experience in a variety of operations, including marketing, sales, …