Rough Notes

Did the policy’s water damage exclusion properly apply to the loss? If the insurer truly meant to exclude coverage for any loss caused by water, regardless of the water’s origin, they have some work to do on their language. By Bruce D. Hicks, CPCU, C...

Posted: Nov 30, 2023

Simplifying the renewal process with an online platform, one company gives agencies the power to deliver fast, secure, and accurate results “The platform saves time for insureds by pre-populating answers from prior years and answers for duplicate que...

Posted: Nov 30, 2023

Working on solutions ahead of time will make it easier to manage things later on Giving up control, in any situation, can be frightening, frustrating, or even traumatic. The last thing anyone wants to feel is powerless. By Michael Wayne During the la...

Posted: Nov 29, 2023

DO YOUR HOMEOWNERS CLIENTS “RESIDE” AT THEIR “DWELLINGS?”?  A critically important question for coverage  Two court cases from 2023 serve as a stark reminder to producers that it’s not enough for a policyholder simply to own a home listed on the poli...

Posted: Nov 14, 2023

INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Medical muddle Allstate Insurance Company and several of its affiliates brought actions on behalf of the state of California alleging insurance fraud under the...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Refinery rumble ExxonMobil Corporation hired Savage Refinery Services to work as an independent contractor at Exxon’s refinery in Baytown, Texas. Their working...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Michael Andary, conservator and guardian of Ellen Andary; Ronald Krueger, guardian of Philip Krueger; and Moriah, Inc., doing business as Eisenhower Center, bro...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Garret and Shelly Falkenburg contracted with Laramie Investment Company, Inc., and its owner and president, Brad Jackson, to obtain a policy for their ranch and...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

What beliefs and behaviors do you envision that would result in success? If everything starts with your beliefs, don’t you believe you should have a documented                                                           […]

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Invest in technology to hire and retain team members in a difficult market Is your agency attracting young talent? If not, then maybe there                                                               […]

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

There’s no substitute for reading the stinking policy We don’t believe insurance companies intentionally make mistakes that may cause a loss to their agents,                                                               […]

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

There is no cost to discuss strategies with clients  Proactive/preventative systems often have a cost associated with them, but when you discuss the alternative with your clients, they                                                       […]

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

NAIC’s study of race and insurance continues The current effort to address racial inequities in insurance at the NAIC is bigger and grander than anything                                                             […]

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

The “secret” to a thriving work environment  “When psychological safety is present, people are able to speak up with work-relevant content.” —Amy Edmondson, Ph.D. By F. Scott Addis, CPCU, CRA, ACRA, TRA, ASA “Psychological safety” is a trending corpo...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Listening to and respecting the expectations of Gen Z  While much of what is said about the goals, priorities and aspirations of Gen Z is true, it is often                                                     […]

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

It’s never too early and never too late to own your potential [W]hile diligence and working hard are almost universally admired, we will be judged by                                                           […]

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Members of The Dunn Group executive team. From left: Bryant Dunn, Chief Operating Officer; Josh Palmer, President of Swan Morss; and Hank Dunn, President. Formed during the Great Depression, agency embodies founder’s values around family, ethics and...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

As the world ushers in AI technology, the insurance industry is ready to leverage the opportunity to improve results By Lori Widmer It used to be that technology was a bit of an option. In the 1980s, the agency management system was born as a means b...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Insurance pro forms organization to bring training and unwavering support to 15,000+ insurance women By Elisabeth Boone, CPCU Energy. Enthusiasm. Exuberance. These are spot-on descriptions of Tracie Wynn, founder and chief executive officer of Women...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Two Marines share military experiences and insight on veterans working in the industry By Christopher W. Cook Founded this month back in 1775, the United States Marine Corps is but one of the eight uniformed services in the country. Its motto: Semper...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

10 questions to ask yourself By Brenna Johnson As the insurance industry continues to evolve technologically and change to meet the needs of its clients and agents, one aspect remains constant: Agencies need agency management systems. Agency manageme...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Understanding vs. overcoming objections through empathy By Brandon Aguirre Whether you’re a diehard NFL fan or grew up watching The Price is Right, you might be familiar with over/under betting. For sports fans, this type of betting is about guessing...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

The Rough Notes Company Community service award opportunity Applications being accepted for independent agents, brokers, and their firms By Robert N. Kretzmer, CIC December marks our annual call for independent agents, brokers, or agencies to be nomi...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Organizations fight the “fatigue” of a prolonged hard market By Joseph S. Harrington, CPCU When it comes to insurance, not-for-profit organizations and social service agencies are beset by “fatigue,” according to Cheryl Tamasitis, regional vice presi...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023

Stop loss carriers see interest broadening to smaller employers By Thomas A. McCoy, CLU Healthcare coverage is the centerpiece of an employee benefits plan. It also can be the biggest pain point for plan sponsors because of the relentless increases i...

Posted: Nov 01, 2023