Commercial Lines

Readers weigh in on a dilemma proposed by our “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 1 of a two-part presentation of responses, readers discuss agent duties to the...

Even when insurance policies clearly instruct otherwise, insureds often contact their agents instead of the carrier to report a claim. Attorney Matthew Marrone provides tips on how agents should respond to this tricky and delicate situation—to avoid their own E&O situations down the road.

Recent court rulings confirm that agents and brokers do not owe duties to insureds to provide complete coverage for liability and property damage. Their obligations typically stop at providing only coverage that has been specifically requested.

For the agents and brokers writing commercial-lines insurance for Main Street clients, business remains tough—but some tepid signs of improvement have begun, tentatively, to appear.

No longer the exclusive realm of GM, Exxon or McDonald’s, the foreign market is beckoning businesses of all sizes—from accountants and lawyers to small manufacturers, non-profits and other businesses—in other words, the core clientele of independent agents and brokers. In this weeklong report, we look at where, how and why...

Demand for earthquake coverage is heating up on the West Coast, according to two managing general underwriters offering coverage for commercial and residential properties.

Demand for earthquake coverage is heating up on the West Coast, according to two managing general underwriters offering coverage for commercial and residential properties.

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