Claims Magazine January 2010
Cover Story
A Tale of Two Seasons
Many claim executives are exhaling a sigh of relief as 2010 gets underway, having had a chance to catch their breath due largely in part to a catastrophe season that wrapped up with the fewest named storms and hurricanes since 1997.
Features
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Technical Notebook: Tire Failures
There are a variety of failure modes for automobile tires. The failure mode from under-inflation can be a result of tire penetration by a foreign object.
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Succession Planning
Succession planning refers to the need to prepare for the orderly transition of duties in the executive suites of major companies. However, the phrase can also apply to the need to prepare for major demographic shifts in the workplace.
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The Claim Transformation Journey
When faced with the process of IT transformation, carriers often must confront several challenges before they can reap the desired benefits of faster, more accurate claim processing and better customer service.
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Conference Preview: Go With the Wind
In anticipation of WIND 2010, Claims spoke with Michelle Griffin, executive director of the Windstorm Insurance Network, who talked about what attendees can expect and provided insight about the evolving organization.
Columns
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Putting Procedures in Writing
Some say that claim manuals are essential tools for managing the adjustment of losses. Others view them as dangerous road maps for bad-faith attorneys who magnify any deviation from written protocols.
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Sharing Is Caring
Some vehicle history information providers have taken it upon themselves to disclose information and to decide how it will be shared without any insurance company involvement.
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Active Occupancy
When the word "vacancy" is spotted on an insurance policy, things get a little more complicated.
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Crisis Is Opportunity
An oil crisis is also an opportunity. Perhaps Warren Buffett recognized that last November when he bought the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.
Departments
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More Than a Mentor
Phil became more than just my boss -- he was a mentor and a friend. He gave me the opportunity to succeed -- as well as to fail.
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Speaking Of: Risk Management
Claims' Eric Gilkey sat down with Terry Fleming to discuss his plan for the organization, the challenges that risk professionals face, fallout from the troubled economy, and how claims can better work with risk professionals.
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Study: Chinese Drywall and Corrosion Linked
A recent government study on Chinese drywall has revealed a "strong association" between the drywall and corrosion in homes that may physically irritate their residents.
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2010 Storm Signals, With Caveats
The Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University (CSU) has released its predictions for Atlantic basin hurricane activity in the new year.
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Verdict May Reduce Frivolous PIP Lawsuits
United Automobile Insurance Company is praising a Florida-based ruling that confirms a person cannot sue his auto insurance company for failing to provide an explanation of benefits on personal injury protection claims.
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State Beat Roundup
In this month's issue, we look at fraud cases in North Carolina and Ohio.
