Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty acquires Merchants Preferred

Jayleen R. Heft | August 17, 2018

Seeman Holtz continues to target independent agencies for geographic expansion and continued growth in the U.S.

Commentary

Guns, schools and claims – Part 3

Ken Brownlee, CPCU | August 17, 2018

Investigating a school-related claim is like any other type of governmental claim.

News

Natural disasters cost $36B in economic losses in 1H 2018, Swiss Re estimates

Danielle Ling | August 17, 2018

The global economic loss total is significantly less than it was at this time last year.

News

California fire risk won't abate until November, U.S. warns

Brian K. Sullivan | August 16, 2018

The fire risk across the U.S. West will stay high through October — and for California it will last even longer.

Commentary

Why insurers need to stop worrying and love Amazon

Alex Webb | August 16, 2018

The e-commerce giant has been talking to insurers about introducing a price comparison website in the U.K.

Market Insights

Consumers still have major misconceptions about their insurance coverage

Danielle Ling | August 16, 2018

A new study reveals that many customers are misinformed about some basics of their home and auto policies.

News

Flood insurance CE required for property line insurance pros in Oklahoma

Steven A. Meyerowitz | August 16, 2018

Resident producers, CSRs and adjusters will have to complete one hour of continuing education per license period.

Analysis

Car insurance online distributor survey reveals consumer tastes

Marcy Updike | August 16, 2018

These insights may enable insurers and agents to better understand how online car insurance distributors are disrupting the market.

News

Did six-month delay doom insurer’s appraisal demand?

Steven A. Meyerowitz | August 16, 2018

An appraisal can be an important part of an insurance claim, but policyholders and carriers may reach an impasse, which can affect the claim.

Research

Women dominate insurance, but inequality is rampant at leadership levels

Denny Jacob | August 16, 2018

At a time when numerous industries are undergoing a metamorphosis, the insurance industry is positioned to lead the pack.

Expert Opinion

Insurance lessons learned from the 2017 California wildfires

Michael D. Brown| August 16, 2018

A year later, what can the insurance industry take away from these disasters to be better prepared to handle this occurrence in the future?

News

Microsoft's captive insurer settles license, tax issues for $877K

Rosalie Donlon | August 15, 2018

Washington State insurance commissioner plans to look into other captive insurers after this ‘test case.’

News

Around the P&C insurance industry: Aug. 15, 2018

Denny Jacob | August 15, 2018

News from HUB International Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., AIR Worldwide and more.

Commentary

A day of setbacks reveals something greater

Shawn Moynihan | August 15, 2018

Our team is ramping up for volunteer day in advance of the Workers’ Compensation Institute’s annual conference in Orlando.

Analysis

How to claim the cost of 'contents manipulation'

FC & S Editors | August 15, 2018

Coverage Q&A: It may be necessary to relocate property in order to complete repairs after a loss, but is it covered?

Market Insights

5 cities with the lowest dog insurance premiums

Denny Jacob | August 15, 2018

For agents and brokers, this represents an untapped market lush with opportunity.

Best Practices

How insurance agents can use bots for a competitive edge

Jason Walker| August 15, 2018

Artificial intelligence and bots can help independent insurance agents better serve clients and compete more effectively in a tight market.

8 questions to keep prospects engaged and talking

John Graham| August 15, 2018

When agents ask more questions, they may talk less — and listen more.

Market Insights

Q2 experiences organic growth not seen since 2014, new report details

Danielle Ling | August 14, 2018

All revenue lines saw 'significant growth' in Q2 2018.

News

Italy highway bridge collapses in Genoa, killing at least 35

Gregory Viscusi and Lorenzo Totaro| August 14, 2018

A police video showed the viaduct completely cut in two in a heavy rainfall.

News

Blazing a trail of innovation

Moshe Beauford| August 14, 2018

Generali Global Assistance receives 2018 ACE Trailblazer Award, presented by Claims Magazine.

Commentary

3 reasons reinsurers are leading InsurTech investment

Kirstin Marr| August 14, 2018

Many of the InsurTech companies that previously struggled to overcome regulatory and legacy hurdles are now equipped to be more effective.

Market Insights

3 technologies supporting the InsurTech revolution

Cara McFarlane| August 14, 2018

The digital transformation movement affects all industries, and can mean many things to different organizations.

Analysis

5 takeaways from recent cybersecurity developments by Colorado & the SEC

Brian Neil Hoffman, Holland & Hart| August 14, 2018

Update company policies, remediation plans and disclosure and trading practices before a cybersecurity incident arises.

Commentary

Risk-based pricing remains the best option for consumers

Alex Hageli| August 14, 2018

Here are five things agents, brokers and consumers should understand about credit-based insurance scores.

Commentary

Studying beer to sell insurance: A lesson in sales and marketing

Justin Guerra| August 14, 2018

It has to be about more than traditional marketing to get the ear of a policyholder or prospect these days.

Expert Opinion

Resolving insurance coverage and claim disputes

Bill Wilson, CPCU, ARM, AIM, AAM| August 14, 2018

Independent insurance agents can help their clients with the claims process and possibly get initially denied claims covered.

News

Wildfires are burning three times more of California to date than in 2017

Jayleen R. Heft | August 13, 2018

By this time last year, the most deadly California fires hadn’t even begun.

News

Alaska Air suicide flight highlights gap in airport security

Justin Bachman| August 13, 2018

The suicide-by-plane at Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport has raised fresh questions about aviation security.

News

Flood kills 6 in Philippines, tens of thousands displaced

Cecilia Yap| August 13, 2018

About 1.1 million people have been affected by the weekend rain, with 59,100 of them moved to safer ground.

News

Facing $17 billion in wildfire damages, a CEO blames climate change

Mark Chediak| August 13, 2018

Scientists tend to agree with that assessment.

News

Who's using what in P&C insurance: Aug. 13, 2018

PC360 Staff| August 13, 2018

Property & casualty insurance industry partnership and technology news from Symbility Solutions, Accenture, One Inc, Metromile and more.

News

Reinsurers not liable for $26M judgment for failed loan

Greg Land| August 13, 2018

The decision turned on whether the court had the jurisdiction to hold a group of foreign-based reinsurers liable for a $26 million arbitration award.

Commentary

Improving the 3 lines of defense

Henry Essert| August 13, 2018

Here's how insurers can tweak their internal risk management strategies to rise to the demands of their new reality.

Analysis

What top personalities can teach us about reputational risk

MP McQueen| August 13, 2018

Better due diligence along with thoughtfully drafted contractual clauses, appropriate insurance and planning can lessen the risks, say legal experts.

Expert Opinion

5 ways for experienced insurance advisors to get back into prospecting

Bryce Sanders| August 13, 2018

Your clients are aging, and you know you need to fill that pipeline — here are some prospecting tips to remind you how you did it before.

Analysis

3 things you don't know about travel insurance coverage for wildfires but should

Jayleen R. Heft | August 13, 2018

Whether your home or travel destination is in the fire's path, travel insurance may be able to help.

Commentary

One insurance agency’s commitment to community service

Dan Keenan| August 10, 2018

For Keenan, it’s about giving back for all the right reasons. And it helps with employee motivation and retention too.

Commentary

Managing the cost of technology implementation

Johan Nelis| August 10, 2018

The concept of sophisticated simplification allows carriers to implement faster and smarter product innovations.

News

Texas woman heading to prison for burning down house for insurance money

Steven A. Meyerowitz| August 10, 2018

Genevieve Thompson has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to arson and insurance fraud.

Career Moves

People on the move in the P&C insurance industry: Aug. 10, 2018

Denny Jacob | August 10, 2018

News from Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Assurance, American International Group Inc. and more.

Analysis

How data analysis quantifies water, fire risks for insurers

Steve Brewer| August 10, 2018

We can't always blame Mother Nature. Now, insurers can quantify water and fire risk from non-weather-related events.

Best Practices

Protecting your business operations and people from wildfires

Robert W. O’Brien| August 10, 2018

For businesses in areas affected by wildfires, here’s how you can prepare and remain resilient.

Slideshow

Top 10 European insurance groups in 2017

Denny Jacob | August 10, 2018

The 15 largest European insurance groups operating within the non-life segment wrote 255.4 billion euros in 2017.

News

Connecticut Supreme Court voids auto self-insurer exclusion

Steven A. Meyerowitz | August 09, 2018

Connecticut Supreme Court reviews longstanding exclusion for rental car companies from underinsured motorist claims.

News

Hub International acquires the assets of Kilbride & Harris Insurance Services

Danielle Ling | August 09, 2018

Since 1998, Hub has acquired more than 450 brokerages, expanding from their original number of 11.

News

Independent insurance agents reap tax benefit

Rosalie Donlon | August 09, 2018

Treasury Department’s proposed regulations for pass-through businesses specifically allow agents and brokers to take the 20% deduction.

News

Blazing trails: Calif. commish to lead national cannabis insurance committee

Danielle Ling | August 09, 2018

NAIC's Cannabis Insurance Working Group will work to address the issue of insurance availability for the legalized cannabis industry.

News

4 to 7 hurricanes in 2018, according to NOAA's updated prediction

Brian K. Sullivan| August 09, 2018

The most active part of the Atlantic hurricane season starts about Aug. 20, building to a statistical peak on Sept. 10.

News

Zurich property unit leads way as insurer chases CEO's plan

Jan-Henrik Förster| August 09, 2018

Zurich got a boost from its P&C business, putting the company on track to meet CEO Greco’s 3-year restructuring goals.

Commentary

What do InsurTechs really need? An open mindset

Julie Sherlock| August 09, 2018

Why is insurance so complex? According to this contributor, it's because of 'the layers upon layers of archaic rules and laws.'

Expert Opinion

Take a fresh look at your insurance agency's education program

Craig Most, CPIA, CIC| August 09, 2018

A better educated insurance professional will not only help you with your own customers, but will elevate the industry.

Slideshow

States with the unhappiest homeowners' insurance policyholders

Denny Jacob | August 09, 2018

The happiest states are generally less susceptible to extreme weather and natural disaster threats.

News

Toddler’s Popsicle-by-air marks milestone in U.S. drone delivery

Alan Levin| August 08, 2018

For the first time, delivery flights were allowed over congested areas where people live.

Career Moves

Travelers announces C-Suite changes

Denny Jacob | August 08, 2018

Frey joins Travelers with more than three decades of finance and accounting experience.

News

Uber death may have been avoidable with Volvo's technology

Sarah Gardner| August 08, 2018

In a new report, the IIHS criticized Uber for turning off Volvo’s collision-avoidance technology.

PEAK6 Investments acquires National Flood Services

Danielle Ling | August 08, 2018

Details of the acquisition were released along with the announcement.

Analysis

How to help clients determine replacement cost options

FC & S Editors | August 08, 2018

Coverage Q&A: Accepting Actual Cash Value instead of replacement costs should be a conscious decision by the insured.

Best Practices

Playing with fire: Avoiding toxic exposures in structure fires

Sean Scott| August 08, 2018

Poor ventilation and a build-up of toxic substances pose risks for adjusters.

News

Around the P&C insurance industry: Aug. 8, 2018

Denny Jacob | August 08, 2018

News from AIR Worldwide, American International Group Inc., Marsh and more.

Expert Opinion

Want happier insurance customers? Help them get oriented

Maria Ferrante-Schepis| August 08, 2018

To be comfortable, consumers need to understand what's happening.

Commentary

Opportunities for P&C agents with self-funded health plans

Frank Pennachio| August 08, 2018

Health insurance agents are creating enormous openings for P&C agents to advise small business owners about the risks of loss from self-funded plans.

Slideshow

Residents in hurricane-prone areas aren't properly prepared, survey says

Danielle Ling | August 08, 2018

Even after a historic 2017 hurricane season, coastal residents aren't effectively protecting themselves and their property.

News

Updated: Burning California won't see relief with hot, dry weather forecast

Brian K. Sullivan| August 07, 2018

Almost 4,000 fires were raging across California as of Aug. 5, scorching more than 600,000 acres.

News

Cybersecurity National Risk Management Center launched by DHS

Rhys Dipshan| August 07, 2018

With few details on how the DHS’s new National Risk Management Center will operate, success will likely depend on how much cooperation it receives from the private sector.

Live Coverage

For Starr Companies' latest acquisition, the sky's the limit

Denny Jacob | August 07, 2018

The value of the aviation book is estimated to be in excess of $50 million in gross written premiums.

News

Zurich Canada appoints new CEO

Denny Jacob | August 07, 2018

Zurich Insurance has appointed Saad Mered CEO and Chief Agent of Zurich Canada, effective Oct. 1, 2018.

News

Hurricane John rips apart Tropical Storm Ileana off Mexico coast

Brian K. Sullivan| August 07, 2018

The National Hurricane Center expects Ileana to dissipate Tuesday, and Mexico has dropped its warning and watches.

News

Putative class action against CIBA Insurance voluntarily dismissed

Greg Land| August 07, 2018

CIBA’s attorney said the complaint was baseless & part of a pattern of spurious lawsuits being filed against the company.

Expert Opinion

How to speed up the training of new insurance advisors

Liana Roberts| August 07, 2018

Hastening the education of new advisor hires will help firm owners achieve their goals faster. Here’s how.

Commentary

How digital commerce changed the insurance business model

Robert Cummings| August 07, 2018

Insurers worldwide continue to face three key challenges in today’s digital economy.

News

Global insurance M&A rises again in first half of 2018, Clyde & Co. finds

Jayleen R. Heft | August 07, 2018

Mergers & acquisitions in the global insurance industry rose in first half of 2018 with 186 completed deals worldwide.

Market Insights

U.S. workers' comp strong in 2017, long-term projections unclear: Fitch

Denny Jacob | August 07, 2018

Fitch believes that the workers' compensation industry may still generate underwriting profits this year.

Commentary

Planning to switch technology systems? Use this guide...

Christopher Watkins| August 07, 2018

As AI, chatbots and other IoT devices emerge, many insurers continue to suffer amid dated, disconnected tech.

Career Moves

AIG appoints Wismer to extensive oversight role

Denny Jacob | August 06, 2018

Jonathan Wismer recently served as group controller for Zurich Insurance Group.

News

Who’s using what in P&C insurance: Aug. 6, 2018

PC360 Staff| August 06, 2018

Insurance industry tech and partnership news from Guidewire, Grinnell Mutual, ITS, Shift Technology and more.

Career Moves

AmWINS Group Inc. names new president of underwriting division

Denny Jacob | August 06, 2018

Robert "Bob" Petrilli has been named president of the firm's underwriting division, effective immediately.

News

Tornadoes are ripping through the Northeast

Brian K. Sullivan| August 06, 2018

Start with summer heat, add a dash of humidity & a misbehaving jet stream & suddenly the Northeast is the new Tornado Alley.

Best Practices

Keeping outdoor workers safe and cool in the extreme heat

Denny Jacob | August 06, 2018

Workers new to outdoor jobs are generally most at risk for heat-related illnesses.

Market Insights

Hey, what gives? Where are my automated vehicle discounts?!

Murali Chidurala and Tom Super| August 06, 2018

If new autonomous technologies are making cars safer, what does that mean for insurance premiums?

Commentary

Insurance marketing campaigns must underscore agency value

Rick Fox| August 06, 2018

Improve cross-selling by reminding clients of your expertise, not just the number of policies you offer.

News

Berkshire insurance profit climbs as firm escapes 2017 slump

Katherine Chiglinsky| August 06, 2018

Auto insurer Geico and the company’s namesake reinsurance business helped lift underwriting to a profit in Q2.

Research

Wearables are making the workplace safer

Katie Kuehner-Hebert| August 06, 2018

Wearables can help improve worker safety by monitoring the wearer’s physical status and environmental conditions.

Best Practices

Water damage prevention tips to offer home insurance clients

Liana Roberts| August 06, 2018

Water damage to a home can be expensive. Here are some simple prevention tips agents can offer clients.

Research

5 most expensive causes of home property damage

Denny Jacob | August 06, 2018

When you leave your home, there's no guarantee that it will be there when you get back.

News

Entries now open for NU's 'Agency of the Year' Award!

Shawn Moynihan | August 05, 2018

Independent agents, do you believe your agency is worthy of recognition among your peers?

News

A Saharan dust swirl puts the brakes on Atlantic storms

Brian K. Sullivan| August 03, 2018

The usual recipe for tropical storms and hurricanes requires thunderstorms, moist air and warm ocean temperatures.

News

Allianz operating profit beats estimates on strong growth

Julie Edde| August 03, 2018

The gains help keep Allianz on track to meet its full-year earnings targets.

News

Swiss Re profit disappoints as pricing pressure hurts reinsurers

Jan-Henrik Förster| August 03, 2018

Pricing pressure in reinsurance weighed on first-half earnings, overshadowing a drop in natural-catastrophe claims.

Commentary

New cyber regs make SignOn Once imperative in insurance

Irv Kantar| August 03, 2018

As the industry doubles down on cybersecurity, there are changes afoot in the way agents and carriers do business.

News

AIG falls as profit stung by investments, underwriting slump

Brian Louis| August 03, 2018

AIG had 'severe losses' of $293 million in Q2, which it said was 'more than double the long-term average.'

Career Moves

People on the move in the P&C insurance industry: Aug. 3, 2018

Denny Jacob | August 03, 2018

News from Chubb, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Nationwide and more.

Market Insights

Despite embracing drones, farmers still have cybersecurity concerns

Denny Jacob | August 03, 2018

Eighty-three percent of respondents use drones on their farms either daily or once a week or more.

Commentary

It may be time to trim your carrier relationships

Peter van Aartrijk| August 03, 2018

Out of the thousands of U.S.-based insurance carriers, how many of those does the average independent agency really need?

Best Practices

14 cold calling tips: Because cold calling still works

Bryce Sanders| August 03, 2018

Lotteries and cold calling share two characteristics: The cost is minimal and the payoff is substantial.

Commentary

Why is long-term re-authorization of NFIP so elusive?

Jon Gentile| August 03, 2018

The new expiration date is after the midterm elections, which may have an effect on reaching any long-term agreement on reforms.

Career Moves

AIG announces executive leadership change for Lexington Insurance Company

Denny Jacob | August 02, 2018

David H. McElroy will join the company as CEO of Lexington Insurance Company at a date to be determined.

News

California takes action to assist wildfire survivors

Danielle Ling | August 02, 2018

State officials have set in place several initiatives to help residents in the aftermath of the deadly Carr wildfires.

Research

Hurricane Maria probably killed 1,139, Penn State study shows

Jonathan Levin| August 02, 2018

Some 1,139 people likely perished after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, far more than the official death count of 64.

News

Axa reports strong profitability

Julie Edde| August 02, 2018

The CEO has been under scrutiny since he surprised investors by announcing a $15.3 billion takeover of XL Group in March.

Commentary

Pearls of wisdom from agency owners

David W. Tralka| August 02, 2018

A career spent serving clients yields these five lessons on agency ownership and perpetuation.

News

Drivers beware: Nationwide identifies deadliest driving day of the year

Denny Jacob | August 02, 2018

There were more traffic fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes on this date than any other of the calendar year.

Market Insights

Cyber insurance growing pains: 6th Circuit overturns email phishing ruling

Rhys Dipshan| August 02, 2018

The ruling will likely impact how cyber insurance policies are crafted in the future.

News

State Farm Florida asks judge to shield assignment of benefits info

Robert Stack| August 02, 2018

State Farm contends the information is a trade secret and is exempt from disclosure under Florida’s public-records laws.

Expert Opinion

What is the future for new and used car sales claims?

Susanna Gotsch| August 02, 2018

New tariffs could increase total loss vehicle values amid already rising claim costs.

Analysis

5 questions answered about GDPR's impact on insurance

Jeff Brown| August 02, 2018

Some people in insurance view the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a ‘starting gun,’ not the finish line.

Slideshow

5 most common causes of home property damage

Danielle Ling | August 02, 2018

Here are the 5 most common causes of home property damage according to the experts at Travelers.

Research

Study shows one overheated laptop battery could down an airliner

Alan Levin| August 01, 2018

A single electronic device that overheats & catches fire in checked luggage can overpower an aircraft’s fire suppression.

Best Practices

16 do's and don'ts when you return home after a wildfire

Jayleen R. Heft | August 01, 2018

Tips insurance agents can share on what homeowners should & shouldn't do when returning home after a wildfire.

News

Commercial trucking weathers substantial rate increases

Bill Coffin| August 01, 2018

Market Update: Claims costs continue to skyrocket despite new transportation risk management techniques and technologies.