Many agency staff (and, yes, even owners) inwardly cringe when the subject of business interruption arises. It seems to be a topic that confuses some, disheartens others and fills most CSRs with a sense of dread. The reason for this almost universal aversion is the worksheet that carriers demand be completed to measure the exposure to loss. I call this the "killer worksheet."

I refer, of course, to ISO's CP 15 15, the Business Income Report/Work Sheet. While not always required by carriers (some have their own version), many underwriters like to have it. It is almost universally demanded when the agreed-value coverage option is requested. And that's only fair. After all, we are perfectly comfortable providing a signed statement of values when we ask for agreed-amount coverage for property. Why rebel at the thought of providing it for BI?

As insurance professionals, we know the importance of measuring exposures and the necessity of insuring to value. So we don't have a problem with the concept; the problem is with the tool that's being used-especially since there's an equally effective yet painless alternative.