Because terrorist acts have unique characteristics that are unlike natural disasters, traditional loss-prevention tools often fall short when preparing for this risk, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

As the worlds societies strain to adjust to emerging new economies, the insurance industry will be called upon to play a greater role in spreading the cost of risk with governments while also participating in greater opportunities, says Martin Sullivan, deputy chairman of Willis Group.

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Virginia in August has brought to light the potential of quakes in heavily-populated areas in the eastern U.S.

As many of you know, Susanne Sclafane has left National Underwriter. As we move on, I will be putting together Specialty Markets Insight, writing often about excess and surplus/specialty lines.