In today's competitive marketplace carriers have no margin for wastewhether time or resources. Inefficient underwriting processes and systems jeopardize underwriting profitability as well as new business production. For many insurers, the solution can be achieved through account-based underwriting built on the Three Rs of enterprise underwriting: Reduce, Reuse,...

State Farm, which targets businesses of one to 19 employees, has seen an uptick in inquiries from quick-service food purveyors, such as ice cream parlors, delicatessens and coffee shops, according to Sandy Mullins, underwriting consultant for State Farm.

When it comes to the causes of insured losses, one peril clearly tops the list of risks for restaurants: Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of loss, says Debra J. Denker, an industry manager at Travelers.