Published: May 2012

The Cost of Claims

The Cost of Claims Loss-adjusted expense data compiled by A.M. Best Co. identify the lines the lines of business where insurers have been most successful managing claims. By Ron Panko. Property/Casualty. Page 18.

Split Decisions The outcome of court cases concerning appraisals varies from state to state for insurers. By Ronald E. Tigner. Regulatory/Law. Page 23.

Claims Report Jewelry eclipses electronics as the top P/C loss category claimed in 2011. By Dennis Gorski. Property/Casualty. Page 26.

Support Group Insight: Midsize companies find that funding a captive insurer together helps control their total cost of risk. By Gary Thompson. Property/Casualty Underwriting. Page 44.

Striking It Rich Emerging Market: The skyline of Panama City erupts with skyscrapers. This city, which is the country's capital, is home to some 1.4 million people. Wealthy citizens of Panama and other Latin American countries are buying private health insurance coverage for use in the United States. By Fran Matso Lysiak. Health/Employee Benefits. Page 45.

Water Lines Inland marina coverage launched Stuckey & Co. 20 years ago and continues to produce for the firm. By Dennis Gorski. Agent/Broker. Page 48.

Outside the Box Annuity writers have been carving out space through product innovation to vie primarily for baby boomer business. By Ron Panko. Life. Page 50.

Branching Out Asia-Pacific insurers seek overseas expansion to drive growth and strategic diversification. By Iris Lai. Reinsurance/Capital Markets. Page 54.

History Lesson Insight: Irene was a reminder that hurricanes do sometimes target the Northeast. By Scott Spencer. Property/Casualty Loss/Risk Management. Page 58.

Operation: Efficiency Five ways independent agents are working smarter. By Gary Sjolin. Agent/Broker. Page 59.

Going Mobile Wireleee tech tools can free agents to work away from the office. The trick is equipping them with the right stuff. By Tom OConnor. Technology. Page 62.

Back on the Job Return-to-work programs reduce the cost and stress of employee disability. By Jim Porter. Agent/Broker. Page 66.

Off Limits Trade-secret status is the best way to keep a book of business safe from competitors. By Matthew E. Farmer. Agent/Broker. Page 70.

Train Gain Insight: Producer education evolves with flexible, cost-effective training options to help agents hit the ground running. By Marie Alvarado. Agent/Broker Selling. Page 73.

Ready for Takeoff As the Federal Insurance Office ramps up, companies may fact a multitude of requests. By Michael R. Nelson, Molly E. Lang. Regulatory/Law. Page 74.

Why Collaboration Is the New Normal Insight: When advisers and other professionals work together on cases, they can help clients and build their own businesses. By Kay I. Dempsey. Life Selling. Page 79.

Big Data Insight: Insurers must master huge volumes of internal and external data to improve processes and enhance customer service. By Michael A. Costonis. Technology. Page 80.

Behind the Desk A memento from Franklin D. Roosevent's insurance career will be showcased to help his legacy live on. By Lori Chordas. The Last Word. Page 96.