Expert Commentary

Commercial Property

Valued Policy Laws—What Constitutes a Total Loss?

Catherine L Trischan | July 16, 2025

This complex issue has varying answers, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances surrounding the loss. Catherine Trischan explains.

Breaking Coverage Case—"Additional Named Insured" Not Enough for Owner Under Builders Risk Policy

Jes Alexander | July 16, 2025

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment for Travelers, holding that a property owner could not recover for lost rental income or soft costs under a builders risk policy because it was only an "additional named insured" and not the "named insured" under the policy. The court held that the policy limited coverage for such losses to the "named insured" only.

Claims Practices

Failure to Read Policy Proves Fatal to Claim

Barry Zalma | July 15, 2025

The Georgia Court of Appeals holds that ignorance of underinsured motorist coverage for a pedestrian hit by a car is inexcusable. Barry Zalma relates the case.

Liability Insurance

Duty to Defend in the CGL Policy

Craig Stanovich | July 11, 2025

Craig Stanovich explains in a clear, concise, and understandable way how the duty to defend provision works in the commercial general liability (CGL) policy.

Employee Well-Being

Preventing Suicide from Happening at Work Through Lethal Means Safety

Sally Spencer-Thomas | July 11, 2025

Organizations must treat suicide prevention with the same seriousness as any other safety issue. Dr. Sally Spencer–Thomas explains.

Builders Risk Insurance

Builders Risk Case Update: BCC Partners, LLC v. Travelers

Steven Coombs | July 11, 2025

Steve Coombs relates a recent case where an additional named insured was not covered for soft costs or loss of rents due to a technicality.

Risk Management

Risk Management Is Entering a New Era of Innovation

Henry Story | July 11, 2025

Henry Story provides takeaways from the 2025 RISKWORLD in Chicago.

Wrap-Up Programs

Navigating Wrap-Up Programs in Construction: Overcoming Challenges with Best Practices

Seth Oswald | July 11, 2025

Project sponsors are increasingly turning to wrap-up insurance programs to manage the complex interplay of insurance coverage on construction sites. However, navigating these programs can be tricky. This article, derived from a presentation at the 2024 IRMI Construction Risk Conference, aims to explore common challenges and best practices for participating in and managing wrap-up policies in construction projects.

Risk Mgmt. and Ins. Higher Education Scene

The Shift Away from DEI in Higher Education

Brenda Powell Wells | July 1, 2025

Dr. Brenda Wells discusses the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education institutions.

Construction Safety

Seeking Synergy in Construction

TJ Lyons | June 27, 2025

The construction industry needs to be relentless in embracing technology, strengthening efficiency, and fostering injury prevention. TJ Lyons makes a suggestion.