How can smaller insurance companies compete against slick ad campaigns? Through superior service and word of mouth, says Jeff Snyder, an agent with Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.

The history of third-party bad faith claim decisions brought under state Unfair Claims Settlement Practices statutes consists of more than three decades’ worth of roller coaster battles between plaintiffs and insurers.

The National Flood Insurance Program historically has been subject to constant lapses due to delayed reauthorization, upsetting agent/client relationships and hampering home sales. Now, recent shakeups in Congress could finally mean real reform to the troubled program.