In my Nov. 26 blog entry, I commented on how odd it sounded when Jay Fishman, chairman and CEO of Travelers, said he buys his homeowners insurance from a competing carrier. A few of you set me straight, and laid out the potential conflicts of being covered by your own company. We were inspired to make this topic the focus of our quarterly column, "A Question Of Ethics." Read on and please file your take in the comment section.
Are Mr. Fishman’s ethical concerns warranted? What are the ethical considerations of buying coverage from the carrier you work for when it comes to your personal property and liabilities—whether you are an insurance company employee, or an agent or broker representing the carrier?
Feel free to identify any potential conflicts and how to address them.
In our March 2, 2009, magazine column on ethics summarizing the responses, we will not identify anyone by name. However, we are very interested to know your role in the insurance business—agent, adjuster, risk manager, etc.
