A View from the Press Box

Agents and brokers! Can’t live with them, can’t live without them! That sums up the reaction of at least one carrier to the news that producers think insurers can do a better job communicating and partnering with them, as well as delivering on their obligations in terms of policies and claims.

(more…)

In an earlier post, I noted my discomfort in merely reporting that insurers had little-to-no exposure in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, asking for examples of industry players helping to raise rescue, relief and recovery funds. While not up to the level of Hollywood stars pledging $1 million or more out of their own pockets, the industry has begun to respond to the humanitarian crisis on the island. (more…)

How ironic is it that the individual elected to replace Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Senate will provide the 41st vote to prevent Congress from completing action on Sen. Kennedy’s dream of comprehensive health care reform? What will the demoralized Democrats do now? (more…)

While it’s our job as news reporters to feed our readership what they need to know and what interests them most, I couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable reporting all the “good” news that carriers need not lose any sleep over insured losses in Haiti, where thousands have lost their lives and many more lost their homes and businesses in this week’s devastating earthquake. (more…)

With the economy flat-lining, interest rates stuck at zero and no dramatic turnaround in sight, p&c insurers are stuck between a rock and a hard place. How can they keep their bottom lines in the black with their top lines so starved for revenue? Are there enough premium dollars to go around, or will some fall by the wayside via mergers and acquisitions?

(more…)

In his recent HBO special, “Politics of Self-Destruction,” comedian  Robin Williams had a terrific suggestion: Politicians should be required by law to wear the logos of all the major contributors to their campaigns–just like the sponsor decals displayed by NASCAR drivers–so that we know who is financing them.

(more…)

Last week, I reassessed my fortune-telling ability in picking the Top-10 stories for 2009. (Turns out I got four absolutely right and two half-right, but was dead wrong on four others.) Now it’s time to peer into my crystal ball once again to forecast what might be in store for 2010. (more…)