Agency Management

Risk managers in the energy sector rate commodity price fluctuations as the top peril their industry faces, according to a poll released by insurance broker Aon.

Patricia Ann Daniel of Extraco Insurance in Waco, Texas, has been named the Accredited Customer Service Representative of the year by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.

Rules for disclosure of compensation arrangements between insurance brokers and surplus lines insurers are ill defined, according to an industry trade group representative.

Beecher Carlson brokerage has agreed to refund $90,000 to Massachusetts customers settling allegations it placed coverage with insurers without telling clients that carriers were paying a fee.

While insurers need to do a better job involving their producers in strategic and operational decisions, such communication must be a two-way street, says NU Editor Sam Friedman in his blog today at www.NUSamSoapBox.com.

A survey of U.S. consumers' experience with a variety of professions finds they rate their interactions with independent insurance agents as less than enjoyable.