“The surplus lines industry is very nimble and can adjust to the changing economic climate very quicky,” says independent agent Tony O’Donnell. “As standard markets change their appetite, then the surplus lines market has to change even quicker to maintai
Understand the basics of telematics, how to address privacy concerns and how this powerful tool can help clients manage policy rate increases.
“Contractors pollution liability terms and pricing continue to remain competitive, but site pollution liability is another story,” says independent agent Bill Howard. “Markets are certainly more conservative and carriers are offering short-term policies.”
“It’s really important for every commercial client to have this coverage, which we’re keeping in mind as we’re growing our commercial book,” says independent agent Melissa Stallings. “As I’ve learned, employees are the bread and butter of a business.”
“The rate increases year over year are taking a toll on our clients, and businesses can’t survive,” says independent agent John Heist. “While agency owners love the hard market, it’s the account managers and producers that must deliver the increases, whic
“Seek out an agent that specializes in personal marine insurance and learn the business,” says independent agent Roger Beale. “In a marine policy, one line removed out of the policy can change the coverage.”
The biggest trend in commercial auto insurance is “increasing claims costs,” says independent agent Larry St. John. “Courts are deciding that the primary factor in major bodily injury claims is often distracted driving and the courts now believe an insure
“If you’re going to get into the classic car specialty market, you need to learn all about classic cars just like we did,” says independent agent Peter Sacchetti. “You should never speak about something you don’t understand—and that includes the car and t
“Horse insurance is unique in that it involves both a significant financial and emotional investment,” says independent agent Laura Connaway. “The bond our customers have with their horses is very special, so when a horse is ill or injured, it can be a ve
“Recently, the market has been constricting—both in appetite and limits available, and mostly in the excess and umbrella lines,” says independent agent Tony Arneson. “The number of lawsuits and the size of jury awards are rapidly trending higher.”