Market Insights

Top Catastrophe Claims Tips for Winter Storm Season

Severe weather can strike any season. Help your clients be prepared in the event their property is damaged during the winter months.

Insurance Claims at Lloyd's – How Does it Work?

The claims process can be long and complicated, particularly in the London market, where syndicates operate under the Lloyd’s of London corporate “umbrella.” Amwins Global Risks is a Lloyd’s broker and one of the largest independent Lloyd’s broking operations, placing approximately 13% of all Lloyd’s U.S. premium.

Wildfire Insurance: Market Outlook, Claims Trends and Innovative Technology Shape the Sector

The wildfire insurance market is rapidly evolving due to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires. And with wildfires occurring more often in unexpected regions, insurers are reassessing wildfire zones across the country.

The Earthquake Insurance Market: What’s Next?

The earthquake insurance market is navigating a period of transition, moving from a phase of strict pricing and risk aversion to one marked by increased competition and opportunity. Understanding these emerging trends, regional impacts and future outlook is crucial.

Severe Convective Storms Continue to Challenge the Insurance Industry

The cost to address damage done by SCS is now almost on par with primary perils like hurricanes and earthquakes. In 2023, these storms dominated global insured losses, surpassing $50B in losses within the U.S. alone and making up nearly 60% of all insured losses. The trend has continued in 2024.

Highs and Lows of the Public Entity Property Market

In 2024, the property public entity market has seen significant relief, yet large catastrophic events and the demand for new entrants in the high excess space have led to an uneven playing field. Staying informed about data collection capabilities and emerging trends among new entrants is essential for making strategic decisions in this evolving landscape.

Carbon Sequestration 101: Understanding the Risks and Finding Insurance Solutions

One way that companies are doing their part to battle climate change is investing in carbon sequestration. However, this process poses the potential for new exposures. This article explores the rise in popularity of the practice, associated risks, and how retailers can help safeguard their clients from potential claims.

EIFS: Understanding the Risks and Potential Coverage Limitations

Properties with EIFS have frequent reports of loss due to water damage. Here we discuss the importance of understanding your client’s financial exposure to specific EIFS risks and highlight the common exclusions that could potentially limit coverage.

Builder’s Risk Insurance: What Costs Are Covered in the Event of a Loss?

Because no two construction projects are the same, builder’s risk policies and coverages can vary widely depending on the insurer. For retail agents and brokers to best serve their commercial construction clients, they need to be familiar with potential risk exposures and the optional coverages available to mitigate expenses in the event of a loss.

Facultative Reinsurance: Property Market Update

With the property insurance market in a constant state of flux, the utilization of facultative reinsurance has increased dramatically. In this report, we examine how trends have mimicked what we have seen on the E&S side, with the market softening, causing brokers to reconsider how they position this capacity.

State of the Market: A Focus on Builders Risk

This report provides an up-to-date market analysis of the Builders Risk industry, focusing on current market trends, impacts to capacity and pricing, as well as specific classes facing notable challenges. Learn more about the ongoing shift in market dynamics when compared to 2023, with increased capacity leading to more competitive terms and conditions.

Another Look: The Rise of Billion-Dollar Catastrophe Claims

Weather events are not only becoming more frequent but also more severe, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to enhance resilience and mitigate the escalating risks. As Hurricane Preparedness Week begins, it is crucial to assess the impact of named storms on insurance claims and understand why this heightened storm activity is likely to persist.

Top Catastrophe Claim Tips for Severe Weather Season

Severe weather can be unpredictable and strike at any time. Help your clients be prepared in the event their property is damaged by a hurricane, tornado, hailstorm or similar disaster with these 10 catastrophe claim tips.

The Role of Fire and Water Remediation Insurance in Disaster Recovery

Fire and water remediation contractors stand as a vital safeguard in the aftermath of catastrophic weather events, providing protection and support to those affected. With the escalation of climate change leading to more frequent and severe disasters, comprehensive and tailored coverage cannot be emphasized enough. Here's why.

Florida Condo Associations and Co-Ops Face the Reality of Legislative Updates

Florida Senate Bill 4-D created safety requirements for condos and co-ops. However, the challenges and costs of implementing this new law soon became clear and resulted in the subsequent passing of Senate Bill 154. In this article, we examine key provisions of both bills and their impact on property owners looking for creative ways to offset increased costs.

State of the Market Report – A Focus on the Hospitality Industry

While property rates have stabilized, we've seen significant dislocation in the casualty market over the past 12-18 months. Learn more about the issues facing the hospitality industry and what's necessary to secure coverage for your clients' more challenging risks.

Navigating the Shifts in RMS Modeling

Moody’s RMS version 23 brings substantial updates to existing models, addressing core perils and climate change views while introducing enhancements in geocoding, model flexibility, data framework and security. This article explores the potential impact to commercial insureds in Gulf states and the Southeast.

Stock Throughput – An Alternative Solution for Property Brokers

The incorporation of STP into the insurance landscape represents a paradigm shift, offering businesses a seamless, comprehensive and cost-effective solution. As the industry evolves, STP emerges as a valuable tool, providing not just coverage but strategic advantages for businesses engaged in various stages of the supply chain. Learn more about this innovative approach here.

Property Market Conditions Expected to Slow and Even Out as Year Progresses

In our 2024 Property Outlook, we noted the property market was showing signs of softening and a slowdown in the pace of rate increases for most insureds was to be expected. As we move further into Q1, that prediction is ringing true. Here's why.

State of the Market 2024 Outlook

While some segments are seeing softening, others face the hardest market conditions in decades. In this State of the Market report, Amwins specialists share market intelligence spanning rate, capacity, and coverage trends across lines of business and industries.

State of the Market Report: Real Estate

Select key events and marketplace change since the beginning of 2023 will further shape the future of the real estate market for the rest of this year and beyond. This update endeavors to provide an informative look at the key factors driving the real estate marketplace.

Lessons Learned from Lahaina and Other Similar Wildfires

In this article, we will look at the Lahaina, Tubbs and Camp fires; the contributing factors of each; and what can be done to help prevent such widespread and heartbreaking loss.

The Pitfalls of Force-Placed Coverage

While having the lender put a policy in place for you may sound like a no-brainer, there are pitfalls to this type of policy, the biggest being the price and lack of adequate coverage. Learn more about how to avoid force placed coverage here.

Changes to California’s FAIR Plan Complicate an Already Troubled Market

The California FAIR Plan was meant to be a temporary safety net, providing basic fire coverage until traditional property coverage could be obtained. However, with recent regulatory changes and an ongoing hard property market, the FAIR Plan can be the least expensive option available, even though most Californians have access to the same coverage through the traditional, competitive market.

Is Your Client’s Yard Safe? Increased Fire Risk, Catalytic Converter Thefts and Driver Shortages Impact Recycling Operations

Recycling operations have unique risks that require careful insurance underwriting. Having the proper risk transfers in place, completing supplemental forms and complying with loss control inspections prior to placement may be in order.

Amwins State of The Market Report 2023: A Focus on the Cannabis Market

The cannabis insurance market has undergone notable transformations and shifts in recent years with insurance providers refining their offerings to meet the unique needs of the sector. In general, the market is seeing price compression and downward pressure – particularly in western states that were the first to enter this emerging market. And, while the property and casualty markets remain challenged, the general liability insurance market continues to be more widely available.

Wildfire in the U.S. – Not Just a Problem for Western States

Surprisingly, more wildfires occur in the eastern U.S. than in the western states. And while eastern fires are typically smaller than those in the west, land-use changes are making wildfires worse in areas previously unaffected.

Public Entity Programs and the Need for Adequate Property Valuation

Onsite appraisals completed by a vetted, independent third party can help ensure appropriate coverage and potentially limit renewal increases. This is especially critical for public entities with unique exposures like historical buildings.

Are Billion Dollar Catastrophe Claims the New Normal?

As we kick off Hurricane Preparedness Week 2023, we examine the impact named storms have had on claims and why we can expect this high level of storm activity to continue.

Builder’s Risk Insurance Market Deep Dive

The builder’s risk segment started seeing hardening conditions much later than the overall property market. Rate increases have now started to plateau in 2023, but they’re plateauing at higher levels than we’ve ever seen in this industry. This article explores the various factors impacting the builder’s risk market and how to achieve the best results for your clients.

State of the Market - Q1 2023

While some segments are seeing softening, others face the hardest market conditions in decades. In this State of the Market report, Amwins specialists share market intelligence spanning rate, capacity, and coverage trends across lines of business and industries.

Florida Again Acts to Stabilize Property Insurance Market

On Dec. 14, Governor Ron DeSantis signed property insurance reform bill SB 2-A into law. Widely touted by the legislature as both “groundbreaking” and “sweeping,” the law is designed to bring long-term stabilization to an increasingly chaotic Florida property insurance market. This article takes a look into the new law and how it addresses the state's insurance pain points.

Property Market Update - Q4 2022

Recent events have changed the trajectory of the E&S marketplace, especially for catastrophe-exposed property accounts. While it looked as though 2023 would bring a deceleration of rate increases, factors including CAT weather events, inflation, valuations, and reinsurance renewals have changed this path and we find ourselves in a continued hard property market for the foreseeable future. This update will provide an informative look into the factors that are shaping the current market landscape.

Renewable Energy Initiatives Expose New Insurance Risks

While industry experts agree that the energy transition is required for the future health and sustainability of the planet, they also acknowledge that such change is not without risk and there are still a lot of unknowns about how the insurance industry might respond. Retail agents and brokers are wise to stay up to date on the latest developments so they can manage clients’ expectations as the situation evolves.

Major Growth on the Horizon for Minor Cannabinoids Adds to Cannabis Insurance Complexities

This article will explore the challenges posed by the booming minor cannabinoid industry, recent court rulings that significantly impact the space, and coverage concerns that agents and brokers should be aware of when insuring this burgeoning industry.

How Will Florida’s Property Insurance Legislation Impact Capacity, Limits and/or Premium Rates?

On May 26, Florida adopted pro-industry bipartisan property insurance legislation that seeks to reform property insurance concerns in the state. The bills address fraudulent insurance claims and litigation, home hardening, and reinsurance assistance for insurers in an effort to inspire carriers to expand capacity and offer premium relief to property owners. This article examines some of the details of these bills.

Infrastructure Act Likely to Influence Builder’s Risk Market

At a time when the industry is still experiencing construction delays related to ongoing supply chain issues and lack of manpower, the additional demands from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will present both challenges and opportunities for general contractors as well as the retail insurance agents and brokers who serve them. Now is a good time to look at market conditions and talk to your insureds about ongoing trends that are likely to impact future pricing for new projects.

Limited Capacity, Climate Change and Valuations Further Harden the CAT Property Market

We are continuing to see a hardening trend in the property market, especially in difficult geographic areas, as carriers de-risk their portfolio by limiting their exposure to high-risk perils. With the impact of 5/1 domestic reinsurance treaty renewals now being felt, we’re reiterating some key points from our recent State of the Market report and bringing you a deeper look into the current conditions of the property market.

Limited Wildfire Capacity Sparks Broker Creativity

Wildfires are an evolving concern across the U.S. and as the frequency and severity of them rises, so do the costs of insuring property in the geographic regions. Retail agents and brokers need to set appropriate expectations with insureds about the limitations in the current market and work with clients on risk management strategies, including fire prevention efforts.

Liability Policies: Understanding How Abuse and Molestation Exclusions Impact Insurance Coverage

Because the term "abuse" is open to interpretation, alleged acts of abuse can happen to anyone, anywhere—creating risk exposures for all types of organizations and individuals. This article explains how exclusions to liability policies may limit insureds' coverage in the event allegations are made against them.

6 Tips for Accurate Property Valuations as Replacement Costs Spike

Insurance to value has always been a point of contention and the increased fluctuation in replacement costs makes it harder than ever to accurately assess replacement values. Here are six tips to help clients accurately gauge values for insured properties.

Florida Condominium Property Insurance Marketplace: Real-Time Update

With a recent upward shift in demand for replacement or supplemental Florida condominium capacity, the market has tightened in this segment and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. Learn more about these market developments and exclusive capacity available through Amwins brokers.

AI-Powered Transactional Insurance Opens New Small Business Cargo Markets

Per-load cargo insurance has caused many headaches over the years because of the mismatch between time invested and coverage needed. The convergence of artificial intelligence and automation has created new opportunities for brokers to help their clients with these low-complexity, high-volume risks. This article outlines how the right insurtech solutions can enhance brokers’ capabilities to create data-backed, human-centric transactional cargo coverage.

All Dried Up: Limitations to Standard Flood-Insurance Policies

Flood insurance is often a glossed-over coverage that insureds purchase only when required. It's not until a loss occurs and the bills mount up that many come to realize the limitations to standard flood insurance. This article outlines the limitations and exclusions of standard flood insurance and provides recommendations to help minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Protecting Auto Dealer’s Shrinking Inventories During Hail Season

While demand and pricing remain high, identified factors have curtailed much of the expected growth for automotive sales in 2021. This forecast means that it is even more important that your clients are versed in how to protect their lots from hailstorms. This article shares tools to help your auto dealer clients mitigate and efficiently report hail-related loss, as well as hot topics circulating the DOL market.

How to Prepare for Texas Winter Storm Claim Issues

In February, three back-to-back winter storms brought unprecedented freezing temperatures to Texas and surrounding areas as well as an estimated $18 billion in insured losses. This article sheds light on claims questions and issues that retailers should be prepared to address with their clients to achieve a successful outcome.

4 Coverage Issues Impacting the Hemp and CBD Industries

With the federal legalization of hemp and its derivatives under the 2018 Farm Bill and the increased popularity for health and wellness use, the global market for these products has reached billions of dollars in annual sales. However, the regulatory landscape is complex and constantly evolving. This article addresses four major insurance coverage issues that retailers should look out for on hemp and CBD accounts.

Silent Cyber: An Issue Making Noise Across Industries and Coverage Lines

Cyber events don’t always just result in financial loss but can also cause first or third-party bodily injury or physical damage. In response, many insurers have adopted various exclusions, sub-limits and changes to non-cyber insurance policies. This issue of non-affirmative coverage for cyber events is known as silent cyber. Through various claim scenarios across coverage lines and industries, this article explores the wide range of insureds that are at risk of a silent cyber incident.

How to Overcome a Loss with an Emergency Response Plan

When your client's business has suffered a loss, so much of how they respond afterward is predicated on how well they've prepared prior to it occurring. Emergency response preparation is invaluable in the event of an unforeseen loss. This article offers questions to ask your clients and tips to develop an effective response plan.

5 Strategies for Successful Small Business Renewals During COVID

In the current economic climate, many small businesses are struggling and some may even fail. Despite these challenges and the continued hardening market, there is opportunity for retailers to write and retain business. This article provides guidance on navigating the complex small business marketplace and helps retailers fine tune their understanding of what insurable risks will look like over the next 12 to 24 months.

Flood 101: What to Know About Standard Flood Insurance

Ninety-eight percent of all United States counties were impacted by a flood event in 2018, yet many property owners remain unaware of their true risk of flood or what their existing policies cover. This article highlights key statistics about flood risk and outlines the differences between the National Flood Insurance Program and private market flood insurance.

Mind the Gap: COVID-19's Impact on the Logistics Industry

The disruptive impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on supply chains is already having a pronounced effect on the world of logistics and logistics insurance. Port closures, demand surges and production shifts are requiring nimble response to keep up with change. This article arms insurance brokers with the information needed to understand the changes taking place and plan for what is likely to occur in the months ahead.

Top COVID-19 Issues Impacting Builder’s Risk Insurance

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing historical disruption to the construction industry. These changes mean that risk mitigation strategies need to be implemented or revisited, policy language should be reviewed, and carriers should be apprised of all changes at the work-site. In this article, AmWINS specialists examine the major areas of concern for Builder’s Risk insureds, including government-mandated shutdowns, supply chain-driven slowdowns and policy wording that could limit coverage, and provide guidance for retailers to achieve the best results for their clients.

State of the U.S. Logistics Insurance Market

For decades, the logistics insurance market has been considered a sub-market of the cargo or ocean marine market. However, the continual rise of e-commerce and its effect on the global supply chain has carved out a complex and expansive industry niche. This article provides insight into the various lines of coverage, the specialized underwriting approach, and rate surges within the U.S. logistics insurance market.

Lloyd’s & the London Market’s Response to COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lloyd’s remains open for business and syndicates have successfully transitioned to working from home. However, there are notable changes in how the London market is approaching business. In this article, specialists from THB, AmWINS’ London broker, share their insight on consistent themes across the London Market as well as updates on various lines of business.

COVID-19 Claims Advice

There have been a lot of questions regarding COVID-19, in particular about coverage and claims handling. This claims advice is intended to offer guidance to help our retail clients through these difficult times.

How Parametric Products Benefit Catastrophe-Driven Risk Transfer

Parametric insurance is an innovative product that functions differently than traditional insurance by covering the impacts of an event and not just losses sustained to an asset. Proceeds of the policy are paid quickly and can be used flexibly to cover any expense associated with the triggering event. Coverages can be designed to capture the impacts of natural perils and other forms of non-damage business interruptions such as future epidemics. Learn how the parametric landscape has and will continue to play a major role in improving coverage and the recovery experience.

COVID-19 – Are Your Clients Covered?

The disruption to business and everyday life caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is resulting in an economic impact for insureds. Much of this disruption is likely not covered by insurance. We have consulted with several AmWINS insurance specialists across the Property, Casualty and Professional Lines sectors and offer a COVID-19 update.

From Seed to Sale: The Top 5 Issues Impacting the Cannabis Insurance Industry

Over the last few years, the legal cannabis industry has seen rapid growth and had a significant impact on the U.S. economy. With states continuing to legalize its use, insurance needs for cannabis-related businesses are becoming a popular topic of discussion. This article examines the evolving cannabis industry by exploring five key issues impacting coverage.

A Bird’s-Eye View: Insuring Drones in the Construction Industry

The use of drone technology in the construction industry can revolutionize the lifecycle of a project and provide a contractor with a competitive edge. With the significant increase in the usage of drones, it's important that contractors employ sound risk management strategies and analysis in order to protect their business. This article explores the benefits of utilizing drone technology, associated risks, and legislative issues, as well as insurance coverages to consider.

A Changing Mindset - Three Parametric Case Studies

Could parametric insurance help narrow the insurance coverage gap? These case studies provided by Lloyd's risk insight team examine the need for a product that provides effective coverage with transparent claims service and automated responses to customer loss. With data indicating that a large percentage ($162.5bn in 2018) of global economic losses derived from natural catastrophes in the past 10 years were uninsured, the concept of “staying afloat" versus being “made whole" appears to be gaining popularity. Learn how parametric insurance can help manage risks ranging from earthquake damage to market volatility.

The Importance of Shipper’s Interest Coverage Under a Freight Forwarder’s Policy

As the U.S. economy continues to move forward, one of the fastest-growing industries is Logistics and Freight Forwarding. With more and more Freight Forwarding startups entering the space, it is becoming a highly competitive environment. Added services, such as Shipper’s Interest policies, can be a key differentiator and competitive advantage for a forwarder. This article provides insight into the benefits of offering a Shipper’s Interest policy and how it differs from a Cargo policy and other essential coverages.

Convective Storm and Expanded Weather Deductibles

As a result of significant storm-related losses in recent years, insurance companies are obligating policyholders to take on increased risk-sharing of storm losses via deductibles. In addition to the storm deductible categories of named storm, hurricane, flood, and wind/hail, policyholders must now contend with the newer convective storm deductible. This article explores the definition of convective storms, the importance of clear policy wording in the application of storm deductibles, and understanding specific risk concerns by location.

Identifying Anti-Stacking Provisions in Policy Language

Anti-stacking provisions are designed to ensure that an insurance company will not apply multiple sets of limits to a single loss event. These provisions can have a significant impact on claims and may be designed for application to intra-policy and inter-policy loss events as well as deductibles. Through various examples and scenarios, this article explains what anti-stacking provisions are, how to identify them in a Property, Casualty or Professional Lines policy, and what they mean to policyholders.

10 Issues Impacting Hurricane Insurance Coverage

With another hurricane season just a few months away, now is the time for retail brokers to ensure that they are aware of policy elements and language that can have a significant impact on coverage in the event of a hurricane or named storm loss. This article examines key issues and challenges that may affect coverage and how to address them in order to achieve the best coverage solution for your client.

Loss of Income: Is Depreciation a Continuing Expense?

When a company suffers a loss to a fixed physical asset, such as when a fire damages a building, the insured may incur an interruption to their business which can result in the loss of income and the incurrence of expenses. This article examines how Business Income and Rental Value Income losses in a Property policy may treat depreciation after the damage or destruction of a fixed physical asset, numerous factors that impact the treatment, and how to mitigate claim disputes.

The 2019 Market: Changes are Coming

As we head deeper into the first quarter of 2019, one thing is clear: changes are coming to the insurance marketplace that buyers and brokers alike will experience as the year progresses. Carriers are feeling pain, not just in commercial auto and problematic property sectors, but across many other areas of property and casualty as well. This is leading to a reaction that we’ve already begun to see and that was recently highlighted at the 2019 Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) Underwriting Summit.

Perils and Pitfalls of Insuring Short-Term Vacation Rentals

When the housing market crashed in 2008, many people turned their secondary homes into income-producing properties. The need for specialized insurance for short-term vacation rentals was recognized with the introduction of online booking websites such as AirBnB. However, standard homeowners insurance policies provide minimal coverage for business activities in the home. This article identifies potential coverage gaps and how rental endorsements can address these coverage issues.

ILS & London Performance Management

Changes in the alternative capital space and the London marketplace raise the stakes for retailers. In the Q1 update, our experts discuss the global reinsurance market and how to be well positioned to make use of alternative capital as well as how performance management at Lloyd's could impact capacity in 2019.

Freight Forwarders Risk: A Growing and Evolving Market Segment

Many businesses that depend on the export and import of goods contract with freight forwarders to manage the intricate logistics of international trade. As the number of freight forwarders operating in the United States continues to grow and their roles continue to expand, new risks are being generated that require quick adaptation and innovative underwriting solutions. This article identifies the ever-evolving risks that freight forwarders face and explores coverage options for this growing market.

Program Business Update - Q3 2018

Speed, efficiency, and customer service are essential to earning program business, especially in the current competitive environment. Learn more about changes in the underwriting program space in the Q3 State of the Market report.

Understanding Property Theories of Recovery and Ensuing Loss Clauses

The theories of recovery, as well as the ensuing loss provisions, contained in property insurance policies are often complex and, at times, seemingly in conflict. Although a policy may not directly address these theories, their application by courts plays a significant role in the coverage determination process after the claim. It is essential that brokers understand the primary theories of recovery – Efficient Proximate Cause, the Concurrent Causation Doctrine, and the Anti-Concurrent Causation Doctrine – in order to navigate the challenging post-claim process and effectively serve their clients.

Claims Reporting: Better Late than Never?

A common complication during the claim process is the late reporting of claims. In some cases, a late claim can put the agent or broker's own E&O policy in jeopardy. There are many reasons for missing a reporting deadline; however, in most cases, they will not matter to the insurer or the courts. This article discusses typical claim reporting requirements, common causes of late reporting, and recommendations to mitigate the risk of late notice claim denials.

Top 10 Misconceptions About Placing California Earthquake Insurance Coverage

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding California Earthquake coverage is that it is a straightforward and elective coverage. With the lowest frequency in the CAT space, this peril is often misunderstood. However, one large event with subsequent aftershocks could result in significant losses. We have compiled a list of the top 10 misconceptions about placing CA Earthquake coverage which can help you understand this peril and what is truly being offered.

Understanding Catastrophic Event Property Deductibles

Catastrophic event property deductibles (“CAT deductibles”) differ from traditional property insurance deductibles in that they result in significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses for the policyholder for specific perils. Policy wording is crucial to determine the potential financial impact of these high deductibles. This article discusses the three most popular forms of CAT deductibles and how you can protect your clients from substantial financial burden in the event of a CAT claim.

Storm Event: When Multiple Water Perils Intersect

When a storm event occurs, multiple perils often intersect, creating a very challenging environment for a policyholder to prove their loss. Whether these perils are insured by an insurance policy, and if so to what extent, depends on the terms, conditions, definitions and exclusions in the policy. This article discusses the difference between wind-driven rain and rising water, the broad impact of using wind-driven water verbiage, and the importance of clear policy wording concerning water perils.

Insurance Commissioner Orders Carriers to Pay for Mudslide Damages

The Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California's history, subsequently led to a mudslide on January 9, 2018, which caused a massive amount of damage in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The California Insurance Commissioner has issued a formal notice reminding carriers to pay for damage, citing the "efficient proximate cause doctrine." This article takes a closer look at the doctrine and how it has been challenged in court over the years.

Ordinance or Law Insurance Coverage

Ordinance or Law insurance coverage provides limited protection for costs associated with repairing, rebuilding, or constructing a structure when physical damage to the structure by a covered cause of loss triggers an ordinance or law. Compliance with ordinances and laws after a loss can add 50% or more to the cost of a claim. This article will help you educate your insureds on exclusions and limitations and help them take a proactive approach to their insurance program.

AmWINS Exclusive Property Capacity

A one-two-three punch of hurricanes to the U.S., combined with global property catastrophes, have plunged the property market into a period of uncertainty. Vital market access and capacity will be key to success in the coming months.

Insurance-Linked Securities: Providing Capacity to Catastrophe Risks

Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) provide alternatives to traditional indemnity-based insurance products by allowing investors to provide capacity, primarily on property catastrophe risks. Whether purchased in addition to a traditional program or in lieu of a traditional setup, ILS arrangements may offer a more efficient use of capital and can be fine-tuned to meet the needs of the insurance buyer.

Share, But Be Aware: Growing Up with the Sharing Economy

In today's sharing economy, millions of people rely on strangers to provide services and goods to them through various online platforms, such as Uber. Sometimes, however, problems can arise within the corporate structure of the sharing platform itself or arise out of the exchange. As a result, adequate insurance is an important consideration for those who wish to engage in the sharing economy.

Railroad Property Business Keeps Rolling

The engine and cars that come down the track are only a small part of the property of any railroad operation. Property exposures are as diverse and complex as railroads themselves and require a specialized approach to navigate the insurance marketplace.

What Constitutes Property Damage?

Property damage doesn't always mean there was an alteration to structure or contents. In this article, we review a court case in which harmful air quality was ruled as causing “direct physical loss of or damage to” the company’s property.

Fighting Lending Requirements

At a time when many borrowers are taking advantage of record-setting low interest rates by refinancing their loans, regulatory changes are causing lenders to be more cautious than ever as they transfer the risk of unpredictable events to insurance carriers. This article will look at some examples of lender requests and possible ways to counter them.

Aviation Insurance Exposures – Consider the Potential

From a simple slip and fall claim to a complex bodily injury or damage to aircraft claim, airports of all sizes are subject to substantial liability. Aircraft and airport operations seem to be very routine in nature, but when the unexpected loss occurs, proper coverage becomes very important.

Garage Liability Insurance Packages May Reveal Coverage Gaps and Lacking Limits

A close look at a garage liability policy will likely reveal a number of coverage gaps and exposures that could have a dramatic impact on balance sheets in the event of a claim. While these packages are the industry norm, identifying potential gaps and the stand-alone solutions that can supplement the garage package policy will go a long way in helping protect clients before it’s too late.

Contingent Business Interruption Insurance Covers Losses Beyond a Business’ Control

Business interruption is a common coverage that allows a business to recover revenue lost as a result of a direct physical loss or property damage. But contingent business interruption coverage, while less prevalent, provides an additional layer of protection against losses that result from interruptions to supplier or distributor chains which directly impact the insured’s ability to produce products or deliver services.