News

Wilmington port is shut down due to floods, delaying shipments

Lydia Mulvany | September 18, 2018

The port at Wilmington, North Carolina, is currently an island in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

News

S.C. Dept. of Insurance issues emergency regulation to aid customers

Danielle Ling | September 18, 2018

Director Ray Farmer laid out the details of the emergency order.

News

Marsh & McLennan acquires Jardine Lloyd Thompson

Denny Jacob | September 18, 2018

This deal is the latest in a string of mergers and acquisitions in the insurance industry. Who's next?

News

Citizens Property Insurance eyes ‘assignment of benefits’

Jim Turner | September 18, 2018

Assignment of benefits, which involves policyholders signing over insurance claims to contractors, has been highly controversial in recent years, particularly involving water-damage claims.

Analysis

How small businesses can better protect themselves

Jeff Somers | September 18, 2018

The right insurance and recovery plan enable small businesses to bounce back after a natural disaster.

Best Practices

After the disaster: Not all vendors are created equal

Sean Scott | September 18, 2018

A catastrophe attracts unscrupulous individuals trying to take advantage of shell-shocked and vulnerable homeowners.

News

Several North Carolina hog-waste lagoons flooded by Hurricane Florence

Mark Niquette, Shruti Date Singh and Megan Durisin | September 17, 2018

The lined earthen pits that hold treated waste had been a major environmental concern as unprecedented rain falls.

Best Practices

Pet safety before, during & after Florence & other natural disasters

Jayleen R. Heft | September 17, 2018

Many pets have become lost or separated from their families during Hurricane Florence and the aftermath.

Analysis

Insurers collaborate to gather critical data after catastrophes

Patricia L. Harman | September 17, 2018

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, carriers have a new weapon to protect against fraudulent claims.

News

Florence's floods obscure damage inflicted on Carolinas

Mark Niquette, Rachel Adams-Heard and Olivia Carville | September 17, 2018

Record-setting, still-rising floods are preventing a comprehensive assessment of damage from Hurricane Florence.

News

Drone army is ready to swoop in for Florence power recovery

Naureen S. Malik| September 17, 2018

Insurers Travelers and USAA say they’ll also use drones to inspect properties and collect evidence for claims.

News

Burns & Wilcox renews sponsorship with golf-pro Webb Simpson

Danielle Ling | September 17, 2018

The deal marks the second extension the company has made with Simpson.

Career Moves

Ethos Specialty taps chief underwriting officer to lead company

Denny Jacob | September 17, 2018

Cline joined Ethos Specialty at its inception in 2017 and most recently held the role of chief underwriting officer.

Market Insights

Workers' comp mega claims impact industry

Joel Kranc| September 17, 2018

2016 saw an uptick in so-called mega claims (claims of $10 million or more), which is having a large impact on the workers' compensation industry.

Market Insights

Seeing the full picture of a claim

Nina L. Smith| September 17, 2018

Obtaining more data only helps insurers if they are able to translate it into actionable intelligence.

Analysis

Teachable moments in cyber network business interruption

Rituparna Datta| September 17, 2018

The cyber risk landscape is evolving rapidly, and its potential economic fallout cannot be underestimated.

Best Practices

7 actions to help lower campus sexual assault risks

Jean Demchak| September 17, 2018

Institutions of higher education should secure broad, yet tailored, insurance protection.

Slideshow

At least 17 dead as Florence brings catastrophic flooding to Carolinas

Danielle Ling | September 17, 2018

Preview the destruction caused by Hurricane Florence.

News

Florence damage to continue 'several days,' FEMA chief says

Ben Brody and Anna Edney| September 16, 2018

FEMA is monitoring the region’s dams and has seen evidence that some have been “compromised.”

News

Coal ash, sewage spill over as Florence floods the Carolinas

Mark Niquette and Christopher Flavelle| September 16, 2018

The deluge has already killed at least 13 people and left entire communities under water.

News

Florence leaving catastrophic flooding in Carolinas [photos]

Mark Niquette, Olivia Carville and Anna Edney| September 15, 2018

Catastrophic flash floods are likely in the Carolinas and Appalachians through early next week.

News

Florence's floodwaters overwhelm coastal North Carolina; at least 5 dead

Mark Niquette, Christopher Flavelle and Natasha Rausch| September 14, 2018

More than 20 inches of rain have drenched the region, and the total may reach 40 inches in some areas.

News

Super Typhoon Mangkhut slams Philippines with Category 5 power

Cecilia Yap| September 14, 2018

The storm could affect as many as 48.6 million people in the region.

News

Slow-moving Florence pummels North Carolina as flood waters rise

Brian K. Sullivan| September 14, 2018

Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach Friday morning as a Cat 1 storm bringing catastrophic flooding.

News

Deadly gas explosions near Boston destroy homes

Naureen S. Malik, Rachel Adams-Heard, Brian Eckhouse and Ryan Collins| September 14, 2018

Dozens of explosions and fires left at least one person dead and 13 injured and displaced 8,600 customers.

Career Moves

People on the move in the P&C insurance industry: Sept. 14, 2018

Denny Jacob | September 14, 2018

News from The Travelers Companies Inc., Zurich Insurance, Perkins Coie and more.

Commentary

Is clunky tech driving away millennial employees?

Brian Berns| September 14, 2018

It’s no secret that there is a significant talent gap in insurance.

Commentary

Strategies and pitfalls for bank-insurance partnerships

Barry Seigerman| September 14, 2018

Industry veterans talk best practices in this second installment about banks that enter the insurance business.

Editor's Letter

Insurance industry works to Give Kids the World

Patricia L. Harman | September 14, 2018

By donating just a few hours of time, 1,100 insurance professionals made a world of difference.

Best Practices

5 biggest cyber threats that could impact businesses

Darian Lewis| September 14, 2018

The best overall protection is a fully developed and implemented security program, along with the appropriate insurance.

Best Practices

3 top succession strategies for agency owners: Which one's right for you?

Rob Goff| September 14, 2018

The first step in developing a succession plan is choosing a strategy that fits your insurance practice and time horizon.

News

Hurricane categories by the numbers

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU| September 14, 2018

Based on history, here's what each storm category is capable of.

Slideshow

15 cities with the worst drivers in 2018

Danielle Ling | September 14, 2018

Allstate data reveals that 94% of collisions are caused by preventable human factors.

Market Insights

North Carolina weakened its building codes in 2013

Ari Natter| September 13, 2018

It’s a decision they may regret as Hurricane Florence takes aim at the Carolinas.

News

GM recalls 1 million pickups, SUVs to fix power-steering flaw

David Welch| September 13, 2018

The flaw, attributed to an electrical and software issue, has led to 30 accidents, including two injuries.

News

Crowded Atlantic Ocean may get 5 named storms for the first time

Jim Efstathiou Jr.| September 13, 2018

For tropical storms, two’s company, three’s a crowd and five is, well, unprecedented.

News

Florence begins assault on Carolina Outer Banks, landfall looms

Brian K. Sullivan| September 13, 2018

The storm still carries 105 mile-per-hour winds, strong enough to tear off roofs and topple trees.

Expert Opinion

Hurricane Florence – A triple threat?

Bob Frady| September 13, 2018

Hurricanes bring winds, storm surge and floods – a losing trifecta for anyone in the storm’s path.

Commentary

3 leading data trends shaping the future of insurance claims management

Holly Tachovsky| September 13, 2018

Empowering claims professionals with data will pave the way for profitability, retention and growth.

Market Insights

Windshield repairs provide options for fraud

Fred Lizza| September 13, 2018

Parts-shifting and billing discrepancies are frequent methods of inflating claims.

Best Practices

Prepare for flooding from Hurricane Florence with this checklist

Denny Jacob | September 13, 2018

The storm is expected to make landfall Thursday evening or early Friday morning.

Market Insights

The ‘whys’ behind lack of flood insurance coverage

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU| September 13, 2018

Property owners need to better understand how to mitigate the risks of damage from flooding as well as the terms and conditions of their flood insurance coverage.

Market Insights

The E&S insurance sector continues to innovate and thrive

Shawn Moynihan | September 13, 2018

If only something could be done about all that excess capacity?

Commentary

Florence landfall forecast: A new twist

James Cosgrove| September 13, 2018

Florence is now expected to stall over, or very near to, the Carolina coastline.

News

Florence may leave 3 million homes and businesses without power

Jim Efstathiou Jr. and Christopher Martin| September 12, 2018

This is no ordinary storm, and people could be without power for a very long time — not days but weeks.

News

Farmers in Hurricane Florence’s path race to cushion the blow

Shruti Date Singh| September 12, 2018

Any flooding could compromise fields that haven’t been picked yet this season.

News

Hurricane Florence heads for Duke Energy’s nuclear reactors

Christopher Martin| September 12, 2018

The plan is to shut the 1,870-megawatt plant two hours before tropical storm-force winds reach the facility.

Market Insights

Sedgwick gets new majority owner in $6.7B deal

Danielle Ling | September 12, 2018

The deal will be finalized later this year.

News

Gov. Cuomo signs legislation to give benefits for 9/11 volunteers, workers

Denny Jacob | September 12, 2018

The extension allows more individuals additional time to file for workers' comp., disability and accident death benefits.

News

Florence's hit to insurers starts early as businesses shut down

Ivan Levingston and Katherine Chiglinsky| September 12, 2018

Mass evacuations in the Carolinas and Virginia are starting the clock ticking on business-interruption policies.

News

Around the P&C insurance industry: Sept. 12, 2018

Denny Jacob | September 12, 2018

News from HUB International Limited, Brownyard Group, Innovisk Capital Partners and more.

Expert Opinion

Bodily harm: The next frontier for cyber

Joshua Motta| September 12, 2018

When you imagine falling victim to a cyber attack or widespread technology failure, you probably picture a data breach. Think again.

Video

Erie Insurance debuts video with NFL's James Conner

Denny Jacob | September 12, 2018

The video is part of a new Erie Insurance marketing campaign to promote the value of insurance agents.

Analysis

Winning the war on insurance claims fraud

Dan Donovan| September 12, 2018

Insurers should weigh the time and cost of developing systems in-house vs. purchasing an established system.

Analysis

Insurance challenges may arise from vandalized property

FC & S Editors | September 12, 2018

Coverage Q&A: When an empty property is vandalized, insurers may need to determine whether the property was truly vacant or simply unoccupied?

News

Hurricane Florence threatens the coast from South Carolina to Virginia

Patricia L. Harman | September 12, 2018

Policies determine coverage in the event of a loss. Here are five things to know about flood insurance.

News

How businesses and industries are preparing for Hurricane Florence

Bloomberg News| September 11, 2018

Florence could be especially devastating for the tourism business in the Carolinas because of its unusual westward path.

News

Hurricane Florence preparations: U-Haul offers 30 days’ free self-storage

Rosalie Donlon | September 11, 2018

Homeowners are advised to move their belongings out of Hurricane Florence’s path if they can. Self-storage units are one option.

News

Hurricane Florence poses $20 billion threat for insurers if history repeats

Danielle Ling | September 11, 2018

Nearly 759,000 homes are threatened by Hurricane Florence.

News

Hurricane Florence's risks: Toxic sludge and lagoons of pig manure

Jim Efstathiou Jr., Sylvia Carignan and Shruti Date Singh| September 11, 2018

Hurricane Florence’s potential for destruction includes increased risks for the environment and public health.

News

Tropical Storm Olivia is set to strike Hawaii overnight Tuesday

Brian K. Sullivan| September 11, 2018

Storm warnings have been posted on Maui, Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii, where 10 to 15 inches of rain could fall.

News

Monsoonal rains devastate Southern India, triggering $4B in losses

Danielle Ling | September 11, 2018

Kerala state experienced the worst flooding since 1924, leaving over 500 people dead or missing.

Market Insights

New workers' comp. program announced for cannabis industry in Calif.

Denny Jacob | September 11, 2018

The program was created by Atlas General Insurance Services to serve businesses and workers in the cannabis industry.

I don’t need SEO, I’m an insurance agent!

Ashleigh Rothhammer| September 11, 2018

SEO can have a big impact on small businesses like insurance agencies.

Profile

Profile in excellence: ACE Customer Champion Award winner

Patricia L. Harman | September 11, 2018

Insurance claims professionals represent the company to an insured, so experience matters.

Best Practices

8 ways to prevent roommate theft

Jayleen R. Heft | September 11, 2018

Roommate theft can be hard to tackle so it's important to have the right insurance to protect yourself.

Analysis

How to know if you’re ready to invest in new technology

Doug Mohr| September 11, 2018

Making the call to upgrade your technology is a monumental decision.

Commentary

Stalling on flood reform wastes billions & limits choice

Craig Poulton| September 11, 2018

Hurricane Lane has already hit Hawaii. As Hurricane Florence gets closer, and two more named hurricanes lurking in the Atlantic, can Congress afford to let flood insurance reform languish?

Florence approaches: 11 things you can do to prepare for hurricane winds

Trudy Knockless| September 10, 2018

The damage and total losses caused by hurricane winds can cripple a business.

News

U.S. investigating incidents that stranded two N.J. transit trains

Elise Young| September 10, 2018

Trains were stranded inside Amtrak’s 108-year-old Hudson River tunnel after apparently striking stray electrical equipment.

News

Who’s using what in P&C insurance: Sept. 10, 2018

PC360 Staff| September 10, 2018

Property & casualty insurance industry partnership and technology news from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Act-On Software, Guidewire and more.

Actuarial science ranked the most valuable college major

Riley Griffin| September 10, 2018

Actuarial science majors earn an average annual salary of $108,658 and have a better-than-average unemployment rate.

Commentary

Playing it safe at the U.S. Open Tennis Championship

Peter Williams| September 10, 2018

Fortunately, the U.S. Open has a history of running successfully and has never been interrupted thus far.

Research

FEMA was overwhelmed by 2017 hurricanes & wildfires, GAO finds

Steven A. Meyerowitz| September 10, 2018

Staff shortages and lack of trained personnel with program expertise led to complications in FEMA's response efforts.

Commentary

Driving computer vision into auto claims

Jeffrey Saye| September 10, 2018

Advances in automotive technology are breaking down silos and supporting partnerships between insurers and car manufactures.

News

California Carr and Mendocino wildfire insurance claims top $845 million

Jayleen R. Heft | September 10, 2018

More than 10,000 insurance claims have been filed.

Research

The untold story of Hurricane Harvey wind damage: 12 key findings

Jayleen R. Heft | September 10, 2018

IBHS unveils important data for insurers in its study of the coastal wind damage caused by 2017's Hurricane Harvey.

News

Hurricane Florence reaches Category 4 on way to U.S. coast

Brian K. Sullivan| September 09, 2018

U.S. landfall could come Friday between Charleston, South Carolina and Norfolk, Virginia, the Hurricane Center said.

Research

Three-quarters of Americans don't recognize this basic car warning symbol

Danielle Ling | September 07, 2018

A new study examines Americans' basic car knowledge and maintenance schedule.

Commentary

Embrace the Amazon effect. Your customers have.

Kevin Morreale| September 07, 2018

If Amazon has taught us one thing, it’s that simply meeting customers’ expectations isn’t enough.

News

Florence heading for U.S. coast bringing 'life-threatening surf'

Jim Efstathiou Jr.| September 07, 2018

There’s a 50% chance Florence will strike the U.S. East Coast late next week. And there are more storms behind it.

Career Moves

John Neal appointed Lloyd's next CEO

Denny Jacob | September 07, 2018

He will take up his position on Oct. 15, 2018.

Event

Limited time remains to enter the Zurich Innovation World Championship

Denny Jacob | September 07, 2018

Startups have until Sept. 30, 2018, to apply via the championship webpage.

Career Moves

People on the move in the P&C insurance industry: Sept. 7, 2018

Denny Jacob | September 07, 2018

News from Marsh & McLennan Agency, American International Group Inc., Travelers and more.

Slideshow

The 6 best travel insurance companies: Forbes

Denny Jacob | September 07, 2018

For travelers everywhere, picking the best travel insurance company will prove critical in the long run.

Social connectivity and technology are transforming insurance recovery

Kate Stillwell| September 07, 2018

In cities and neighborhoods where residents have direct ties, they are more likely to help each other during a crisis.

Commentary

How technology enables brokers and agents to do what they do best

Brian Harrigan| September 07, 2018

Insurance distribution channels are evolving as the legacy systems of web-based lead generation no longer work.

News

State Farm buys naming rights for NFL, NBA stadiums

Eben Novy-Williams| September 06, 2018

Long reliant on network television advertising, State Farm is seeking new, more permanent ways to promote itself.

News

Delta jet-engine failure at 18,000 feet draws U.S. safety probe

Alan Levin and Mary Schlangenstein| September 06, 2018

An engine failure on a Delta jet forced pilots to shut down the turbine and return to Atlanta shortly after takeoff.

News

Ford to recall 1.6 million F-150 pickups for seat belt fire risk

Ryan Beene| September 06, 2018

Faulty seat-belt pretensioners can spark excessively in a crash and ignite other materials or gases in the vehicle.

Commentary

Underwriters must know how cyber events are found, reported

Eduard Goodman| September 06, 2018

Wouldn’t you like to find out about your company’s cybersecurity vulnerability before the public or the media?

Anatomy of an arson conviction

Steven A. Meyerowitz | September 06, 2018

Before confirming an insurance settlement for a fire investigators have to determine the cause of the blaze.

Research

Study: Older drivers not engaged with family on safe driving discussions

Denny Jacob | September 06, 2018

Four out of five older drivers have not spoken with either a family member or physician about driving safety.

Commentary

Property risks beyond wildfires — what to watch for if dry heat continues

Kevin Williams| September 06, 2018

The economic costs of abnormally dry weather are substantial, and often have a ripple effect on the insurance industry.

Slideshow

15 U.S. cities with the best drivers

Danielle Ling | September 06, 2018

The average driver in America will experience a collision approximately once every 10 years.

Career Moves

10 keys to getting your LinkedIn profile viewed

Lance Polikov| September 06, 2018

Social media plays a critical role in helping employers qualify potential candidates.

News

Strong earthquake hits northern Japan

Kazunori Takada| September 05, 2018

A magnitude of 6.7 earthquake struck the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido early Thursday.

News

Tropical depression Gordon claims its first life, traverses Miss.

Danielle Ling | September 05, 2018

At least 30,000 residents are without power as Tropical Storm Gordon continues to move inland.

News

Toyota recalls 1 million Prius, C-HR Hybrids on risk of fire

Kevin Buckland and Masatsugu Horie| September 05, 2018

An engine wire harness connected to the power control unit is at risk of wear over time, potentially leading to a fire.

News

Typhoon damage may shut a key Japan transport hub for a week

Sophie Jackman and Gearoid Reidy| September 05, 2018

Regions around Osaka, Japan, struggle to recover from damage left by Typhoon Jebi, which left 10 people dead.

State Farm avoids racketeering trial with $250 million accord

Tim Bross, Margaret Cronin Fisk and Jef Feeley| September 05, 2018

Customers claimed the company tried to rig the Illinois justice system to wipe out a $1B jury verdict from 19 years ago.

News

Around the P&C insurance industry: Sept. 5, 2018

Denny Jacob | September 05, 2018

News from Simplitium, TransRe, Grinnell Mutual and more.

Expert Opinion

How insurance brokers are increasing their productivity through technology

Mark Holenstein| September 05, 2018

Here are a few tools for increased productivity and efficiency in the insurance market.

Analysis

Redesigning the digital customer experience

Johan Nelis| September 05, 2018

A high-level understanding of your users is the first step toward transforming your digital presence.

Analysis

Tire bead failure

Charles C. Roberts, Jr. Ph.D., P.E.| September 05, 2018

The weftless bead design is prone to damage under certain conditions during installation.

Market Insights

J.D. Power study: How interested are consumers in Amazon, Google for insurance?

Denny Jacob | September 05, 2018

J.D. Power asked home insurance customers how they would feel about the presence of tech companies in this space.

Q&A

How to determine coverage for asbestos losses

FC & S Editors | September 05, 2018

Coverage Q&A: Coverage for losses that stem from asbestos exposure may be impacted by conflicting policies or exclusions.

Commentary

Touchless claims can save the insurance customer experience

Girish Malik| September 04, 2018

Insurers are now embracing and leveraging new innovations that offer customers the choice and speed they’re looking for.

Analysis

2022 cyber event could result in major losses of policyholder surplus

Denny Jacob | September 04, 2018

Cyber insurance market premiums globally are on pace to grow to $14 billion by 2022.

Profile

MākuSafe's wearable looks to data to create a safer workplace

Denny Jacob | September 04, 2018

MākuSafe's wearable device gathers data to help identify high-risk trends in manufacturing facilities.