The short answer: Bigger profits! (For the long answer, keep reading below.) It’s no surprise that many homeowners start as renters first. There’s a logical progression to it. Well, according to recent research,[1] renters who move on to home ownership don’t move on...
A legacy: NFIP rating system’s past and future
Traditionally, a legacy is something that is handed down from one generation to the next. In the legal world, it is literally an amount of money or property left to someone. More philosophically, a legacy can be an idea, mission, or purpose that future generations are...
Increase Law & Ordinance coverage for homes in SFHA flood zones
Did you know that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s substantial damage rule applies to any building damage … not just flood damage? That’s right, even common homeowners policy perils such as wind, fire and/or water damage could trigger the requirement for a...
Does HO insurance cover solar panels?
Typically, solar panels represent a sizable financial investment. As an insurance agent, you naturally want to provide your clients with all the information they need to protect that investment properly. Whether homeowners enlist qualified installers or install their...
Five funny holiday- and winter-time claims
After determining that everyone is safe and getting the claims process started, there are some claims submissions that can give an agent a belly laugh once he or she gets off the phone. Here are some comical examples of winter-season claims: No. 1: A very hungry pup....
The holidays are full of claims opportunities
We hope that everyone has a safe and warm holiday season without any mishaps—but sometimes, things go awry. And, just what are the most common claims this time of year? For the answer, read on: No. 1: Fires. At this time of year, people tend to use more candles, light...
Life insurance underwriting is getting tougher
COVID-19 and the legalization of adult-use cannabis in New York state has affected underwriting greatly. To complicate matters further, some municipalities are considering opting-out of the cannabis adult-use law. These changes are causing insurance underwriters and...
Office parties: Think beyond the venue and food
Holiday parties are a great way to boost morale and show appreciation to employees. Nevertheless, there are a few general considerations that employers should be aware of, notwithstanding the current pandemic environment, when considering how to throw their office...
Always read the exclusions first!
Over the years, I have found that our preferred carriers don’t always offer the coverage we need for our insureds. As a result, we shop for coverage in the excess market for general liability, professional liability, and cyber liability coverages to name a few. While...
Water-damage claims can happen anywhere at any time; education & tech can mitigate damage
I’m a coastal agent who insures a lot of secondary homes. At my agency, I have been watching water-damage claims closely for years. When our area gets a deep freeze, we do have a fair number of large claims due to water damage. However, weather is only a part of...