Agency Management

Moody's Investors Service, citing the impact of stock market declines, downgraded the insurance financial strength rating of National Indemnity Company and the long-term issuer rating of its ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

72% of respondents to a recent survey on D&O claims issues answered yes to the question, "Have you been involved in an actual claim where the D&O insurer paid more than you believe it needed to, based upon the facts and coverage issues?"

In case someone hasn't gotten the message, the decision of the Obama administration to administer the toughest kind of love possible to the automobile industry shouldn't be lost on the insurance community.

Cutting-edge technology and evolving business strategies will be revealed to insurers, reinsurers, producers and other insurance industry-related professionals attending the 2009 ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum.

While the premiums generated from writing transportation risks may seem tempting to insurers, experts in the field warn that a certain level of expertise is required to turn those premiums into profit.

In spite of the impact of an economic recession and the unraveling of one major competitor, the property-casualty insurance business--and the specialty insurance market, in particular--remain strong, according a specialty carrier executive.

Even as some insurance industry bonuses draw criticism, Jack Windolf, the chief executive officer of Bollinger Insurance Solutions brokerage, is drawing national acclaim for dishing out $1,000 to all 434 company employees from his own pocket.

At a time when many are suffering from the collapse of financial institutions and other key sectors through no fault of their own, the insurance industry seems committed to greater opacity, and indeed, compounding the hardship of working families.