Commercial Lines

In spite of carrier angst about backing start-up programs, MGAs are having success in launching new offerings for wine collectors, auto dealers and properties exposed to earthquake risk.

Readers weigh in on a dilemma proposed by Question Of Ethics Columnist Peter R. Kensicki regarding an agent's obligation to report payroll misstatements that were discovered while preparing a proposal for a potential client. In Part 2, readers discuss duties to the current insurer and consider legal ramifications.

The earthquake in Japan and two other major losses for insurers have put the brakes at least for now on the soft-market pricing trend in the energy-insurance market, says a report from Willis Group.

With chatter about the next market turn heating up, experienced niche-market participants don't anticipate a replay of the gut-wrenching turmoil that left some program administrators out in the cold during the last turn. But that doesn't mean program books won't need to be mended or that some carrier retrenchment from...

The prolonged soft market is about to run its course, and it will be replaced by a gradual turn that agents and brokers will see over this year and next, according to a panel of industry experts.

Working with carriers is one of the most common ways for agents and brokers to reach out to the global marketplace. A perfect example is the story of Capacity Coverage Co. of New Jersey, Inc.