By the time this column is printed, surplus line insurers and brokers will have roughly 45 days to adjust to the biggest change to impact their business in generations. The Non-admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act (NRRA) will stand many long-held assumptions on their heads. Surplus line brokers, corporate risk managers...

The child care industry isn’t what it used to be—or what it will be. Coverages have changed and the market has shrunk as a result of the recession. But as the economic recovery gains momentum and employment gradually rebounds, independent agents can successfully grow in this business.

June brings us memories of days when as kids we’d find a shady spot to get out of the sun and heat, lay back on the grass, gaze at the clouds and daydream of ways to solve all the problems of the universe. Ah, the longing for those simpler times...

For the best independent agents, it’s all about selling value. Consider, for example, the case where a devastating fire destroys an insured’s home. Then, consider the credibility established and the loyalty earned by the agent who counseled his customer to purchase guaranteed replacement coverage, enabling the insured to replace her...