Expert Commentary

Insurance as a Commodity? Addressing Our Industry's Biggest Challenge

Timothy O'Brien | August 17, 2012

Tim O'Brien explains why we need to help consumers examine the actual worth of the coverage being offered.

Construction Safety

Innovations in Construction Safety—Error-Proofing

Peter Furst | August 1, 2012

While construction safety has traditionally focused primarily on the worker, Peter Furst says attention should be on the process.

Personal Lines Claims

Claims: There's an App for That, or Is There?

Elise Farnham | July 7, 2012

Elise Farnham develops ideas for mobile phone applications for insurance claims adjusters.

Builders Risk Insurance

Builders Risk Insurance: When Coverage Interpretation Relies on Nonpolicy Documents

Steven Coombs | July 1, 2012

In claims situations, Steven Coombs says it can be necessary to look outside the policy to determine coverage.

Captives

Captives and Life Insurance

Michael R. Mead | July 1, 2012

Yes, captives are used to provide life insurance, says Michael Mead. He explains how.

Time Element

Burden of Proof in Business Interruption Claims

Michael Speer | July 1, 2012

Michael Speer points out the importance of objective, verifiable, and evidentiary support of the claim.(IRMI.com article)

Liability Insurance

Contractual Liability Exclusion—The Ball Is in Your Court

Craig Stanovich | June 1, 2012

Fifth Circuit tosses the CGL policy's subcontractor's exception to the "your work" exclusion. Craig Stanovich relates the case.

Liability Insurance

Punitive Damages—Setting an Example

Craig Stanovich | June 1, 2012

To say the CGL policy will never pay punitive damages is erroneous. Craig Stanovich explains.

Environmental

CGL Absolute Pollution Exclusion Barred Coverage for Chinese Drywall Damages

Kent Holland | June 1, 2012

Kent Holland relates a case holding that reduced sulfur gases are a pollutant dispersed into the atmosphere.

Property Insurance

Does Mold Constitute a Direct Physical Loss under a Property Policy?

Jay Levin | June 1, 2012

Under a property policy, mold has to cause tangible damage to be covered. Jay Levin warns that courts may interpret this narrowly.