Happy New Year 2009! Welcome again to the time of year when hope springs eternal, new horizons beckon, the errors of the past are sworn to be overcome, and the future's so bright, we have to wear shades.Or is

"Twas the day after Christmas... Bob Cratchit, independent agent, arrives a bit late at the Tiny Tim Agency, having made merry the day before with his family and friends. To his surprise, he notices through the

"Hail, hail, the hail's all here!"And thus began my June, 1999 column, concerning a reader's question on hail damage to siding. History is said to repeat itself, and herewith the proof. Recently, an e-mail wended its way to my inbox

It seems every month or two I come across some consumer publication with an article titled, "What Your Insurance Agent Doesn't Want You to Know," or "Top 10 Things Your Insurance Agent

There's a reason midsummer is often referred to as the "dog days": It's called heat, pure and simple. Heat makes you sluggish, gives you a whole new perspective on the practicality of afternoon siestas and generally lowers your

As presidential candidates continue to criss-cross the country in hopes of nabbing their party's nomination, there may be room for one more name--mine.And while it's true I have yet to determine

Ah, here comes summertime! Days of newly mown lawns, the crack of a baseball bat, fun in the sun and teenagers out of school driving around like maniacs.Which, just like that, brings me to the personal auto policy and kids' cars. The basic

Ah, April! Spring is in the air and the world is renewed! Sure, we had to get through summer, fall and winter to get here. But on a clear, fresh morning, hope springs eternal once again!Wouldn't it be great if the insurance world had such a season?