Expert Commentary

Current Trends and Issues

Insurer's Duty at the Outset of a Personal Lines Claim

Tim Ryles | September 1, 2008

Tim Ryles explains why insurers have an affirmative duty to advise first-party insureds of their rights and obligations under an insurance policy.

Surety

Killer Bond Forms and Contract Provisions—Part 3

Marilyn Klinger | August 16, 2008

Marilyn Klinger delves further into coverage limitations, when the obligee completes, waiving defenses, subdivision bonds, and more.

Personal Risk Management

Risk Management for Weddings

Jack Hungelmann | August 16, 2008

Weddings bring with them special risks not always covered by auto, home, or even umbrella policies. Jack Hunglemann explains.

Claims Management

Technology and Claims: Blessing or Curse?

August 1, 2008

RMIS Review Editor David Tweedy takes a look at the advantages and disadvantages of technological progress in claims management.

Property Catastrophe Risk and Capital Markets Risk Transfer

Donald Riggin | August 1, 2008

Don Riggin discusses the barriers to frequency losses being traded in the capital markets.

Valuation of Insurance Organizations

Trends in the Valuation of the Insurance Industry: 2008

Jeff Balcombe | August 1, 2008

Jeff Balcombe looks at how the weak economy, soft market conditions, and deterioration in the credit markets are limiting the growth of insurers.

Litigation Management

Litigation Best Practices—Lessons from Risk Manager of the Year

Michael Boutot | August 1, 2008

Michael Boutot interviews the Business Insurance Risk Manager of the Year who provides some yardsticks and takeaways to improve litigation management processes and outcomes.

Property Insurance

Key Considerations When Buying Builders Risk Coverage

Jay Levin | August 1, 2008

Jay Levin explains why precise coverage terms and conditions should be reflected in the construction documents and reviewed in detail by all.

Courts and Coverage

Event Data Recorders: Balancing the Benefits and Drawbacks

Brent Cooper | August 1, 2008

EDRs are in more modes of transportation than ever. Brent Cooper looks at the legislation and case law on the issue of privacy versus public safety.

Liability Insurance

The Future Is Now: When Eventual Indemnity Obligations become Present Defense Obligations

Steven Rawls | August 1, 2008

Steve Rawls relates a case erasing the distinction between an insurer's duty to indemnify and its duty to defend.