Barry Zalma

About the Author

Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE, has practiced law in California for more than 40 years as an insurance coverage and claims handling lawyer. He now limits his practice to service as an insurance consultant and expert witness specializing in insurance coverage, insurance claims handling, insurance bad faith and insurance fraud almost equally, for insurers and policyholders. He also serves as an arbitrator or mediator for insurance related disputes. He founded Zalma Insurance Consultants in 2001 and serves as its only consultant. Contact him at zalma@zalma.com.

• Trust but Verify

  By Barry Zalma  |  April 25, 2012

  Agents shouldn’t represent foreign insurers that can’t pay claims

• Who’s an Employee?

  By Barry Zalma  |  March 28, 2012

  California court rules nonexclusive agent is independent contractor

• Just the Facts

  By Barry Zalma  |  February 27, 2012

  It’s expensive to lie to your insurer

• Valued Advice

  By Barry Zalma  |  February 1, 2012

  Appeals Court rules agents not bound to advise about replacement cost value

• Sell What You Know

  By Barry Zalma  |  December 21, 2011

  Agent loses his life, accident and health license after selling securities

• No Duty to Benefit Consult

  By Barry Zalma  |  December 1, 2011

  Unless compensated as a counselor, an agent’s responsibilities are limited

• Fired Up

  By Barry Zalma  |  November 1, 2011

  Agents don’t need to disclose fire policy adequacy to third parties

• False Statement Voids Policy

  By Barry Zalma  |  October 1, 2011

  A fiscal agent secures insurance through lies about losses and cancellation

• Cert Uncertainty

  By Barry Zalma  |  September 1, 2011

  Certificate of insurance does not modify policy to include additional insured

• Guessing Not Included

  By Barry Zalma  |  August 1, 2011

  Agents have no duty to identify their clients’ needs

• No Lie

  By Barry Zalma  |  July 1, 2011

  Agents are liable for false statements on applications

• Writer’s Cramp

  By Barry Zalma  |  June 1, 2011

  Be careful when taking an insurer’s pen

• Cancellation to Litigation

  By Barry Zalma  |  May 1, 2011

  Failure to update new address prompts lawsuit against State Farm

• Beware Estoppel

  By Barry Zalma  |  April 1, 2011

  Confusion over lack of payment leaves insurer liable for coverage

• The Law of Unintended Consequences

  By Barry Zalma  |  April 1, 2011

  Insurers are the only entities who are required by law to investigate and help in the prosecution of criminals seeking to defraud the insurer.

• Don't change a policy: You can't serve two masters

  By Barry Zalma  |  March 1, 2011

  All insureds must agree on policy changes. Barry Zalma discusses a case where an agency changed a policy without persmission and led to a lawsuit and loss of client's business.