Expert Commentary

Environmental

Hydraulic Fracturing Damages Excluded by CGL Pollution Exclusion

Kent Holland | October 1, 2012

The limited pollution coverage available by endorsement is not sufficient to manage hydraulic fracturing risks. Kent Holland relates a recent case.

Captives

Captive Loan-Backs versus Corporate Receivables

Donald Riggin | October 1, 2012

An interesting alternative to loan-backs is receivables factoring to convert a nonliquid asset into cash, per Don Riggin.

Nanotechnology

International Standards for Safety Data Sheets Are Coming for Manufactured Nanomaterials

William Rogers | October 1, 2012

All those involved in manufactured nanomaterials should be poised to obtain ISO 13329 once it is published, advises William Rogers, and take immediate steps to ensure compliance.

Current Trends and Issues

Resources for Identifying Standards of Conduct for Insurance Producers

Tim Ryles | October 1, 2012

Tim Ryles looks at occupational standards of entry and retention, and relevant ethical codes.

Design and Professional Liability

Contractor's Professional Liability and the CGL

Jeff Slivka | October 1, 2012

Jeff Slivka examines the CGL exclusion endorsements and discusses why contractors professional liability policies may provide a better solution.

Construction Safety

Correction Conversations Can Improve Construction Safety

TJ Lyons | September 14, 2012

Safety inspectors need to do more than show problem areas, per TJ Lyons, they also need worker buy-in.

Reinsurance

Underwriting and Claims Clauses in Reinsurance Agreements

Larry Schiffer | September 1, 2012

Reinsurers often want certain understandings put in writing about how the ceding insurer underwrite and handle claims. Larry Schiffer provides examples.

Political Risk

Economic Nationalism's Impact on International Business

Daniel Wagner | September 1, 2012

Natural resource-rich nations can lash out at foreign investors. Daniel Wagner explains why international investors need to be wary.

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.