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Claims Practices

Rescission in California

2005-08-01 | Barry Zalma

Misrepresentations or concealment of material facts—whether intentional or not—can leave an insured without coverage, even for a legitimate claim. Barry Zalma looks at a recent case on point.

Personal Risk Management

Identity Theft: A Personal Risk Management Approach—Part 2

2005-08-01 | Robin K Olson

What are the steps a person can take to reduce the chance of identity theft? If a theft occurs, what steps should be taken to mitigate the size and scope of the loss? Rob Olson provides some answers.

Personal Risk Management

Identity Theft: A Personal Risk Management Approach—Part 1

2005-07-09 | Robin K Olson

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States today, and everyone is a potential victim. In this first of three articles, Robin Olson focuses on the risk itself.

Catastrophe Risk Management

The Impact on Lifelines on the Estimation of Natural Hazard Loss

2005-07-01 | Nathan C Gould

Dr. Nathan Gould explains how loss of service of key lifelines can lead to increased downtime following a major natural disaster and significantly elevated business interruption costs.

Claims Practices

Insurance and the Law of Unintended Consequences

2005-04-01 | Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma looks at how efforts by and for the insurance industry have resulted in far greater problems: rising costs, soaring litigation, increasing fraud, and a reputation seemingly beyond repair.

Personal Risk Management

Plugging Liability Insurance Gaps with the Personal Umbrella Policy

2005-02-01 | Jack Hungelmann

While most people buy an umbrella policy for its excess coverage, including defense costs, it has far greater value as a risk management tool. Jack Hungelmann explains.

Catastrophe Risk Management

Understanding the Vulnerability of Hospitals to Natural Disasters

2004-12-01 | Nathan C Gould

If risks posed by natural hazards are not properly addressed, hospitals may themselves become victims of the disaster. James Bailey and Nathan Gould explain.

Claims Practices

Fraudulent Application Can Haunt the Broker

2004-12-01 | Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma discusses a recent California case holding that if the broker knew the application contained false information, it can be held liable to the insurer for resulting damages.

Personal Lines Claims

Adjusting Residential House Fires

2004-10-09 | George Epps

Adjusting a house fire is a difficult endeavor under the best of circumstances. George Epps looks at fire claims where the coverage is on an actual cash value basis.

Claims Practices

California Supreme Court Rules: Ordinary Negligence Involving Toxic Chemicals Not Pollution

2004-09-01 | Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma examines a recent California Supreme Court ruling which concluded that the CGL pollution exclusion does not exclude ordinary acts of negligence involving toxic chemicals.