Personal Lines Articles

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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.

Claims Practices

Mold and Fungi Insurance Claims

2004-08-01 | Barry Zalma

"Mold is gold," according to some in the claims industry. Barry Zalma looks at the growth of these claims, the science behind them, the case law, testing, and remediation.

Security, Catastrophe Risk Management

Managing Terrorism Risk

2004-07-24 | Nathan C Gould

In this article, Dr. Nathan Gould explains a three-tiered terrorism risk management plan, including initial and detailed assessments and a variety of risk management techniques.

Claims Practices

Stacking Insurance Limits

2004-07-01 | Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma explains why it is essential to examine the law of the jurisdiction relating to stacking of policy limits and self-insured retentions before making a decision on how to handle a claim.