December 2009
Cover Story
Consumers’ buying and shopping habits have changed. Think about what you do when you’re thinking of buying a new product or service. For most people, the research process starts by going to the Internet and searching for that product or service. ...
Columns
For years, agents and brokers have pursued an elusive goal: streamlined risk submission to multiple carriers that reduces policy errors and increases pricing and underwriting precision. That goal seems to be within reach....
It’s the time of year for introspection and an emotional mix of regrets and optimism—all of which could account for seasonal depression and holiday drinking, especially this year....
An insurance agent or broker is obligated to immediately advise the insurer of a suit served upon its insured. The insured is, similarly, obligated to advise the agent or the insurer, immediately upon being served....
“Greetings, oh groggy one!” bellowed the large lifeform slowly appearing from the mists as Ebenezer’s vision gradually came into focus. ...
A friend of mine said, “Selling insurance is a lousy job, but a great career.” ...
For many, social networking seems complicated, mysterious, intimidating and even a bit scary. ...
Have you ever taken some clients out for golf? Do you periodically send your customers and prospects newsletters that offer tips on safety, ways to save on premiums or information on new products? Well, that’s all social networking....
Why pay producers 35 percent on new business rather than the 30 percent an agency might pay for renewals?...
Departments
It is unlikely that there has ever been a time on Capitol Hill when so many insurance issues were being considered. ...
For most agencies, personal insurance has become very different in the past few years. ...
When Trent Richmond bought a small-town Kansas insurance agency from a family friend in 1999, it’s safe to say he didn’t know what he was getting into. ...
Wage and hiring freezes are starting to thaw at U.S. companies that implemented the freezes during the recession, according to a Watson Wyatt survey....
Americans will spend more on consumer electronics this holiday season, both for themselves and as gifts, according to the Consumer Electronics Assn. (CEA)....
U.S. manufacturing showed signs of life in October, when the PMI, the index used to measure the strength of the industry. ...
If the 1908 asteroid explosion that hit Siberia were to occur above Manhattan today, it would cause more than a trillion dollars in property loss and 3.2 million deaths, according to a catastrophe modeling firm....
Only a sliver of non-profits across the country plan to increase hiring in the next 6 months, and half anticipate reducing employee bonuses....
The U.S. personal savings rate rose to 3.3 percent in September, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). ...
Data theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States. Law enforcement has been struggling to catch thieves who use computers to commit fraud. ...
Directories
Market Directory, Restaurant and hospitality risks. ...