Expert Commentary

Environmental

Naturally Occurring Hazards: They Can Be "Hazardous" to Your Contractors Pollution Liability Coverage

Jeff Slivka | January 1, 2007

Buying a CPL policy is a very sound alternative for financing environmental loss, but there are pitfalls. Jeff Slivka explains.

Liability Insurance

No Harm, No Coverage—Personal and Advertising Injury Liability Coverage in the CGL—Part 1

Craig Stanovich | January 1, 2007

Craig Stanovich examines Coverage B of the CGL. Part 2 will discuss applicable exclusions.

Claims Practices

Insurance Fraud Fails in L.A. Superior Court

Barry Zalma | January 1, 2007

Barry Zalma relates the importance of insurer preparation, a thorough investigation, and use of competent counsel when facing a potentially fraudulent claim.

Determining the Optimal Combination of Risk Retention and Risk Transfer

Donald Riggin | December 1, 2006

In his Risk Finance column, Don Riggin provides a financial metric for comparing any combination of retention and transfer.

Ethics

Is Accident Forgiveness Ethical?

George Head | December 1, 2006

Dr. George Head discusses how accident forgiveness violates fundamental insurance principles to the detriment of all.

Property Insurance

The Acts or Decisions Exclusion That Tried to Swallow the Policy

Jay Levin | December 1, 2006

Jay Levin explains that while an acts or decisions exclusion uses extremely broad language, courts enforce it in a common-sense manner to avoid absurd results.

Reinsurance

The Strain To Retain

Larry Schiffer | December 1, 2006

Larry Schiffer discusses the symbiotic relationship between the reinsured and the reinsurer, and the reinsurance contract provisions that affect this relationship.

Government Bailout or Catastrophe "Insurance"?

Gary Bausom | November 1, 2006

While financial managers need to address insurance for catastrophic events, history reveals that the majority of funding will most likely come from the government, per Gary Bausom.

Internal Controls

COSO's New Guidance for Smaller Organizations: a Trojan Horse?

Matthew Leitch | November 1, 2006

Matthew Leitch discusses the danger of the principles listed in COSO's new guidance for smaller companies.

Terrorism Risk Management and Insurance

The PWG Report on the Future of Terrorism Insurance Availability and Affordability: Something for Everyone?

James Macdonald | November 1, 2006

The Presidential Working Group report contains many questionable omissions and conclusions, and offers no definitive public policy position. James Macdonald explains.