Insurance Speak, brought to you NU PropertyCasualty360, is a weekly show delivering insight and analysis from top industry experts and P/C pros. Hosted by Patti Harman, Editor-in-Chief, PC360 Group.
Healthy Business Cybersecurity Starts with a Check-Up
Roger Spears of Schneider Downs discusses how businesses can evaluate their cybersecurity practices and limit their vulnerability to online threats.
10/23/2024 • 14 minutes, 31 seconds
Cyber Insurance in 2024: Prices Down, Coverages Expand
In 2024, cyber insurance prices are down and coverage options have expanded as carriers become ever more savvy regarding cybersecurity measures. Here, we look at how far the cyber insurance market has come over the last two years, with insights from Flow Specialty's midyear Cyber Insurance State of the Market Market Report, as compared to this archival interview with a HSB cyber expert.
10/16/2024 • 17 minutes, 20 seconds
Curbing Critter Car Claims
Ken Huening, CEO of CoverSeal, discusses rodent-related vehicle claims and how drivers can proactively protect their rides from the climate change-driven increase in these incidents.
10/9/2024 • 17 minutes, 59 seconds
With Great Influence Comes Great Responsibility
Influencer. It’s a word and an idea that a decade ago seemed like a fad. But thanks to the cross pollination of niche communities on the internet and digital-marketing smarts, today’s social-media celebrities are hotter than ever. Such "influencers" have built an industry that’s worth millions and hold sway over significant segments of humanity. With all of that influence comes murky and often misunderstood risk, liability and insurance concerns. On this episode of Insurance Speak, Katie Pope, vice president of Executive Lines at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers, illuminates the growing legal and liability concerns surrounding social-media influencers.
10/2/2024 • 13 minutes, 20 seconds
The Role of Insurance in Combatting Workplace Violence
Kathleen Bonczyk, founder of the Workplace Violence Prevention Institute, discusses the role insurers can play in reducing workplace violence.
Surplus lines insurers in 2023 reported another year of improved underwriting and operating results, with most performance metrics outpacing the broader P&C industry, according to the annual wholesale insurance market report card compiled by AM Best and the WSIA Education Foundation. The report's authors say this indicates just how essential wholesale insurance options have become. "The wholesale and specialty channel is there to provide solutions when the standard market either cannot or will not take on the risk," WSIA President and CEO Brady Kelly said on this week's episode of Insurance Speak. Kelly sat down for an interview in the run-up to his organization's 2024 Annual Marketplace, an event in which thousands of insurance professionals converge in San Diego to fortify business relationships and forge new ones.
9/18/2024 • 9 minutes, 23 seconds
Cyber insurance in 2024: ‘It’s the Cost of Doing Business’
If there’s one subject that concurrently fascinates and exasperates insurance professionals, it’s cyber risk. At the same time that society becomes ever more reliant on digital tools and transactions, bad actors seem to lurk behind every virtual corner constantly finding new ways to scam and steal. Since joining the specialty insurer CFC early in 2024 as the organization’s head of Proactive Cyber, Jason Hart has made it his mission to simplify conversations around cybersecurity and cyber insurance. On this episode of Insurance Speak, Hart shares his unique perspective on the cyber risk landscape and the insurance response to this evolving threat.
9/11/2024 • 11 minutes, 22 seconds
Balancing Digital Services and Human Touch
Jen Martinez of VIU by HUB discusses how insurers can integrate digital tools into customer service while still maintaining human relationships.
9/4/2024 • 13 minutes, 36 seconds
Balancing Digital Services and Human Touch
Jen Martinez of VIU by HUB discusses how insurers can integrate digital tools into customer service while still maintaining human relationships.
9/4/2024 • 0
Does Every Insurance lawsuit Constitute Legal System Abuse?
Three themes have dominated big-picture insurance conversations in 2024. The first is inflation and its impact on policy pricing. The second is extreme weather, as the increased frequency and severity of natural catastrophes strain the insurance-claims system along with carriers and reinsurers. And the third is litigation and its companion, “social inflation,” or the impression that insurers are bad corporate actors with deep pockets and must correct societal wrongs via exorbitant legal settlements. On this episode of Insurance Speak, Robert Gordon, senior vice president of the policy, research and international division of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), weighs in on these and other issues impacting insurance affordability and availability
8/28/2024 • 17 minutes, 35 seconds
The Future of Independent Brokers
For this episode, we revisit a conversation with Bryan Davis of VIU by HUB about what’s on the horizon for independent brokers and how they serve their customers.
8/21/2024 • 13 minutes, 42 seconds
How Agents and Brokers Can Best Serve SMBs in 2024
The risk landscape for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) markedly changed over the last five years as enterprises first adjusted to the shutdowns and distanced interactions dictated by the COVID pandemic, and then as lasting societal shifts (like the rise of remote workers) settled into daily life in the time since the pandemic. The insurtech firm Bold Penguin set out to better understand these business changes and what they mean to insurance professionals and organizations, in order to better direct and advise its industry partners. In this episode, Bold Penguin Vice President of Carrier Operations Nicole Farley talks about the growing commercial-insurance opportunities for agents and brokers along with other insights from the company’s new report, “The Evolving Risks of Small Businesses.”
8/7/2024 • 11 minutes, 59 seconds
Safeguarding Your Boat from Severe Weather
This week, we revisit a conversation with Todd Shasha of Travelers about how boat owners can protect their vessels from catastrophic weather events.
7/24/2024 • 12 minutes, 53 seconds
The Role of Risk Management During the 2024 Summer Olympics
As the world’s premiere athletic event, the Olympic Games tend to be a joyous and celebratory affair. However, the sheer scope and scale of the games leaves them open to the unexpected, and the history of the Olympics is not without violence. This episode of Insurance Speak features Chloe Gordge, head of Marke's terrorism portfolio in London. Gordge talks about the unique challenges of curbing political violence in Paris during the upcoming Olympic games.
7/17/2024 • 14 minutes, 4 seconds
Cyber Risk Management for Car Dealerships
Andy Moss and John Ellison of Reed Smith discuss insurance and cyber risk management practices for car dealerships in the wake of the CDK Global cyber attack.
7/10/2024 • 19 minutes, 44 seconds
What's the Next Big Pollution Liability Exposure?
Insurance brokers who operate in the environmental liability space, and companies with potential pollution exposures, tend to be up-to-date on the research and risks linked to "forever chemicals," or the cancer \-causing compound per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or PFASs). These chemicals remain popular in American manufacturing. While litigation history is still being written about PFAS, environmental insurance brokers can look to the contaminant for clues as to how future pollution liability claims may play out. What new pollutants are they concerned about? One that comes to mind for Emily Bourdeau, vice president of the environmental practice within NFP's Specialty division, is 6PPD-quinone. Used to strengthen tires, this chemical was recently found to be toxic after it breaks down from wear-and-tear and ends up in public waterways.
7/3/2024 • 13 minutes, 21 seconds
Are Businesses Prepared for California's New Workplace Violence Law?
Lucy Straker and Jim Rizzo of Beazley break down the risk management and insurance implications of California’s Senate Bill 553.
6/19/2024 • 19 minutes, 23 seconds
Florida Insurance Agency Owner Questions Efficacy of New Tax Law
Within the U.S. property and casualty insurance sector, Florida stands out as one of the first states to recently experience skyrocketing claim costs, shrinking coverage availability, and a crisis in premium affordability. The Sunshine State also has been deeply impacted by nuclear verdicts as well as insurance fraud. Making matters worse: Severe weather is a relatively common occurrence there. In this episode of "Insurance Speak," NSI Insurance Group CEO Oscar Seikaly shares his unique perspective on Florida's recent legislative efforts aimed at shoring up its volatile insurance market.
6/12/2024 • 14 minutes, 24 seconds
What Do Video Gaming Addiction Suits Mean For Insurers?
David Cummings, partner in the Insurance Recovery Group at Reed Smith, joins us to discuss how a recent influx of gaming addiction lawsuits may impact the insurance industry.
6/5/2024 • 16 minutes, 10 seconds
When Workplace Romance Becomes an Insurance Concern
Office romance can be dicey. The prospect of coworkers dating is so rife with liability concerns, that some companies simply forbid it. Nonetheless, on-the-job romances are increasing in 2024, according to the workplace consultancy SHRM. On this episode of Insurance Speak, Chris Williams, the employment practices liability product manager at Travelers, shares potential scenarios in which close interpersonal interactions become a legal and liability minefield.
5/22/2024 • 12 minutes, 6 seconds
The Emerging Risk in the Hospitality Industry
John Fitzgerald, Lynne Weeks and Dan Curran of Amwins join us to discuss risk in the hospitality industry as peak season approaches.
5/15/2024 • 17 minutes, 46 seconds
Meet the RIMS 2024 Risk Manager of the Year
Just ahead of RISKWORLD 2024, the annual risk management convention happening this year in San Diego, RIMS, the risk management society, announced the winner of its annual Risk Manager of the Year Award. Calls went out in the fall for this long-standing honor, which aims to raise the profile of the risk management profession as well as the outstanding programs that honorees have implemented within their organizations. This year's winner is Steve Robles, the recently retired assistant CEO for Los Angeles County. On this episode of Insurance Speak, Robles talks about the massive responsibility of managing risk for one of the largest counties in the U.S., along with what kept him up at night as a risk manager, and what he found most rewarding about the job.
5/8/2024 • 18 minutes, 31 seconds
MGAs and AI: The Case for More Optimism Than Caution
Managing general agents and underwriters occupy a distinct space in the insurance world due to their broad policy oversight and administrative responsibility. Many MGAs must lean on limited resources while delivering an entire insurance experience, from underwriting to claims resolution. This is where technology solutions such as AI-powered automation can have a far-reaching impact. On this episode of Insurance Speak, Michael Parcelli, senior vice president and head of the MGA business at Xceedance, discusses the ability of AI to drive efficiency and profitable growth at MGAs.
4/24/2024 • 15 minutes, 4 seconds
Helping Homeowners Batten Down Their Policies for Hurricane Season
Meg O’Toole Herman, agency owner with Goosehead Insurance, shares her advice for helping insureds prepare their homeowners' policies for a potentially active hurricane season.
4/18/2024 • 19 minutes, 11 seconds
On the Road to Excellence: Workers' Comp Insights From the WCI
Andrew Sabolic of the WCI discusses the organization’s work and what makes an excellent workplace safety program.
4/3/2024 • 13 minutes, 21 seconds
Affinity vs. Embedded Insurance and Today’s Consumers
Individuals and groups with shared occupations or preoccupations often have similar insurance and risk-management needs. That’s where affinity insurance marketing and sales come in, explains Ann Dieleman, executive director at the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA). Dieleman elaborated on the topic during this episode of “Insurance Speak.” In it, she talks about why affinity insurance programs remain crucial, and where they fit with the growing push for digital transformation.
3/27/2024 • 13 minutes, 11 seconds
Dialing In on What Robocall Laws Mean for Insurers
Mark McKinney, Vice President of Market Intelligence at Gryphon.ai, joins us to discuss how insurers may need to adjust their practices in light of new robocall regulations.
3/13/2024 • 9 minutes, 47 seconds
The Insurance Societal Legal System Abuse
The recent uptick in “nuclear verdicts” or “runaway verdicts” reflects the growing power of the plaintiff’s bar to influence juries and secure record-setting wins – a phenomenon due in part to social inflation, or the stereotype that large corporations are bad actors with deep pockets. The trend has far-reaching implications for the insurance industry, which often must shoulder the cost of such lawsuits along with the verdicts and settlements they produce, as well as the average consumer, who can count mounting lawsuit expenses as one of the reasons that insurance rates are inching ever higher. And of course, insurance carriers must defend against their fair share of lawsuits. In this episode of "Insurance Speak," James Whittle with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association dives into the impact of what the organization has dubbed "legal system abuse."
3/6/2024 • 17 minutes, 16 seconds
The Current Situation: Insurance Trends in Renewable Energy
Sara Kane, EVP, power and renewables practice leader at CAC Specialty, delves into insurance and risk trends in power and renewable energy in 2024.
2/28/2024 • 10 minutes, 21 seconds
How Runaway Verdicts Contribute to Inflation
How serious are runaway (or nuclear) verdicts? Consider this summation from a 2022 article on the topic: "What happens when you mix major damages, a large corporation, a denial (or half acceptance) of fault, and an angry jury that wants to send a strong message? In the courtroom, the result just might be a colossal verdict.” The trend toward colossal or runaway/nuclear verdicts, or multi-million or even billion-dollar decisions against insurers, is one phenomenon that gave rise to the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum, an event happening Feb. 26-28, 2024, at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas. Longtime insurance defense attorney Jeff Vernis is one of the litigation experts who will lend his wisdom to the event program. His workshop will be titled, “How to Roadblock Runaway Verdicts: Tactics to Mitigate Your Risks in Court.” In this episode of Insurance Speak, Vernis shares what he knows about the development of runaway verdicts and how they impact the economy at large.
The history of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) reaches back nearly eight decades to a time when independent producers first began to recognize the value of peer-to-peer networking, education and support. Similarly, the insurance industry publications that gave birth to PropertyCasualty360.com boast more than a century of providing actionable insights for P&C insurance industry professionals. Each year since 2017, these two hallmark insurance-industry operations have come together to field the Independent Insurance Agent Survey, an annual look at the challenges and needs of today's producers. Here, PIA National CEO Mike Becker talks about how this annual research partnership ultimately fosters valuable resources for insurance professionals. Here's a link to the 2024 Independent Insurance Agent Survey... https://alm.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abMKaeBepPF5NOK
2/7/2024 • 9 minutes, 11 seconds
The Growing Demand for Complex Claims Specialization
When it comes to complex claims, an array of factors can contribute to their intricacy including: numerous stakeholders, the involvement of several insurers or reinsurers, and the possibility of litigation. Claim complexity often arrives when determining liability and how or where coverage will apply. Understanding these issues can reduce mistakes and help insurers be more proactive. In this episode of "Insurance Speak," we talk with Ruben Pinto, director of large loss casualty at Allstate. Pinto is scheduled to give a keynote address during the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum happening Feb. 26-28, 2024 at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas. Here, he provides a sneak peek at his upcoming speech.
1/31/2024 • 15 minutes, 22 seconds
The Power of Data and the ‘Enlightened’ Agency
Jason Keck, founder and CEO of Broker Buddha, joins us for a discussion on modernizing agency practices and effectively using data.
1/24/2024 • 15 minutes, 39 seconds
Weather Trends Insurance Pros (and Clients) Should Monitor in 2024
CoreLogic is a global property information, analytics and data-solutions firm, recently compiled a review of the most impactful storms, wildfires and natural disasters of the past year. During 2023, catastrophes such as severe hail across the central and southeastern U.S., hurricanes Idalia and Hilary, which battered the Florida Gulf and California Coasts, and devastating wildfires on Maui all caused widespread destruction and loss. Add to that severe thunderstorms, which are also called severe convective storms, to round out the year’s most damaging weather events. In this episode, CoreLogic Catastrophe Response Director Jon Schneyer talks about recent weather trends in order to pinpoint the environmental and climate trends that insurance pros and risk managers should monitor during the year to come.
1/10/2024 • 22 minutes, 5 seconds
How Agents, Brokers Can Best Respond to High-Net-Worth Clients
Private Risk Management Association Executive Director Diane Delaney talks about pressing issues facing these clients and their insurance advisors.
12/20/2023 • 14 minutes, 22 seconds
The Connection Between Mental Health Care and Workers' Comp
The impact of work-related stresses can be cumulative. CorVel's Karen Thomas advocates for proactive solutions.
12/6/2023 • 11 minutes, 58 seconds
Performing a Business Cybersecurity Check-Up
Roger Spears, Cybersecurity Project Manager for Schneider Downs, discusses how businesses can perform a check-up of their cybersecurity practices and limit their vulnerability to online threats.
11/29/2023 • 14 minutes, 31 seconds
The Current State of Professional Liability Insurance
Insurance is a complex business. When it comes to professional liability coverages, the public at large has at least a basic familiarity with medical malpractice insurance. Most people have doctors, and it grabs headlines when a doctor or health care facility makes a mistake. But in fact, there are many different types of professions other than medicine that benefit from liability insurance, which is also known as errors and omissions insurance. Most any professional whose counsel or service could lead to potentially negative outcomes for customers, should carry some degree of professional liability insurance. In this episode, Argo Pro President Mary Henderson talks about about the state of the professional liability insurance market — one of the few areas within the P&C sector that's not experiencing a hardening.
11/15/2023 • 13 minutes, 33 seconds
Strengthening Your Insurance Sales Team
Casey Cunningham, founder & CEO of Xinnix, explains how insurers can drive their sales teams toward greatness, even in a tough market.
11/8/2023 • 21 minutes, 27 seconds
Natural Disasters and the Business of Adult Beverages
In this interview, Heidi Moore, an insurance agent with Country Financial and host of the "Wine Crush Podcast," discusses common claims that arise from wine, beer and cider businesses. She also shares advice for both insureds and insurance professionals for navigating the adult beverage business, its risks and applicable coverages.
11/1/2023 • 17 minutes, 28 seconds
P&C Insurance’s Role in the White House’s Climate Framework
Charlie Sidoti, executive director of InnSure, joins us to discuss the integral role property & casualty insurance has to play in the National Climate Resilience Framework.
10/24/2023 • 19 minutes, 24 seconds
The Insurance Response to Growing Geopolitical Risk
Business leaders in the U.S. and the U.K. are increasingly insecure about their organizations’ ability to respond to geopolitical risks such as war or inflation, according to a 2022 survey. What are some of their top geopolitical concerns? The ongoing war in Ukraine, NATO relations, cyberattacks, U.S.-China relations, climate risk, and energy insecurity are among the issues that continue to have widespread economic implications. And here is some more sobering news for insurance and risk advisors: Mass shootings in the U.S. have become “downright commonplace,” according to one of the country’s major news outlets. The U.S. saw 690 mass shootings in 2021; 647 of them in 2022; and 476 active shooter events as of Aug. 29, 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. This is the environment in which Andrew Umphress was recently appointed head of terrorism for North America at Markel. There, he will help an already seasoned global underwriting team as well as the firm’s clients assess and navigate risks in the evolving war, terrorism, and political violence landscape. Umphress recently appeared on the Insurance Speak podcast to talk about the evolving geopolitical landscape and how it touches the insurance world.
10/11/2023 • 15 minutes, 37 seconds
Insurance and the 2023 Hollywood Labor Strikes
The economic impact has been severe from concurrent labor strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. While the former announced a tentative agreement recently, actors continue to strike. In this episode of the Insurance Speak podcast, insurance executive Bill Johnson, who once produced major motion pictures, discusses common film and television production risks, coverages and claims.
10/4/2023 • 14 minutes, 39 seconds
What’s Ahead for Independent Brokers?
Bryan Davis, EVP and head of VIU by HUB, explains what’s on the horizon for independent brokers, and how they can best serve their customers in the modern market.
9/20/2023 • 13 minutes, 42 seconds
Integrating Empathy and Efficiency to Foster Customer Loyalty
In this episode of Insurance Speak, Rahul Kumar, Vice President and General Manager of Financial Services at Talkdesk, joins us to discuss how insurers can create and nurture loyalty by enhancing the customer experience.
9/6/2023 • 16 minutes, 7 seconds
Protecting Boats in Extreme Weather
Todd Shasha, Assistant Vice President of Personal Insurance at Travelers, explains how boat owners can safeguard their vessels from increasingly catastrophic weather events.
8/23/2023 • 12 minutes, 53 seconds
A Look at the Risks and Successes of Generative AI
Andrew Schwartz and Keith Raymond of Celent co-authored a new study that examines many of the issues associated with the use of generative AI, and they share their insights in this podcast.
8/9/2023 • 36 minutes, 58 seconds
Stay Awake: Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep Disorders and Shift Work
Independent risk manager Jeff Marshall details an emerging risk for occupations involving changing shifts: Shift work sleep disorder and its impact on brain function.
8/2/2023 • 40 minutes, 34 seconds
Examining Risks and Opportunities in the Insurance Industry
Bruce Eisler, Chief Executive Officer U.S. and Chief Underwriting Officer for Aspen Insurance shares insights on what he’s seeing in the industry, the factors insurers should be watching and the opportunities ahead.
7/19/2023 • 20 minutes, 13 seconds
Navigating the Insurance Struggles of Affluent Clients
In this episode of Insurance Speak, we’re joined by Katherine Frattarola, executive vice president and leader of HUB’s Private Client practice, to delve into the unique insurance struggles high- and ultra-high-net-worth families face when trying to properly protect their assets.
7/12/2023 • 15 minutes, 1 second
Who Commits Insurance Fraud and Why
In our 100th Episode, Matthew Smith from the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud outlines a new study that examines how bad actors commit fraud and then justify their actions.
7/5/2023 • 31 minutes, 41 seconds
The Insurance Implications of Titan Submersible Implosion
Insurance claims consultant Chris Tidball addresses some of the possible litigation and insurance issues surrounding this undersea disaster.
6/28/2023 • 11 minutes, 49 seconds
Preventing Social Engineering Fraud
Tracey Santor, Assistant Vice President and Product Manager for financial institution bonds at Travelers, details some of the activities involved in social engineering attacks
6/21/2023 • 17 minutes, 36 seconds
The Role of Collaboration in the Insurance Industry
Bryan Falchuk, Managing Partner, Insurance Evolution Partners, discusses the importance of partnership between legacy insurers and insurtechs based on research from his latest book.
6/14/2023 • 27 minutes, 39 seconds
Personalizing the Insurance Experience
Jess Keeney, chief product & technology officer for Duck Creek, discusses how technology is changing the customer experience for policyholders.
6/7/2023 • 15 minutes, 3 seconds
Disaster Mitigation Through Biodiversity
Eloisa Lewis and Shawn Magill of New Climate Culture discuss the ways in which agricultural operations and communities at large can improve their disaster resilience through biodiversity and permaculture initiatives.
5/31/2023 • 41 minutes, 19 seconds
Cargo Heist Threats and How to Prevent Them
Scott Cornell, transportation lead and crime & theft specialist at Travelers, joins us to discuss strategic cargo theft and how to prevent these supply chain-interrupting crimes.
5/17/2023 • 19 minutes, 54 seconds
Protecting the Mental Health of Insurance Responders
Mark Debus, clinical manager of behavioral health at Sedgwick, discusses the impact of trauma response and compassion fatigue for insurance first responders.
5/10/2023 • 29 minutes, 16 seconds
Insurers: The Missing Link in Workplace Violence Prevention?
In this episode of Insurance Speak, we’re joined by Kathleen Bonczyk, founder and executive director of the Workplace Violence Prevention Institute, to discuss how companies can mitigate employee violence and the part insurance companies could play in stopping these incidents.
5/3/2023 • 22 minutes, 30 seconds
Examining the Risks and Rewards of ChatGPT for the Insurance Industry
Artificial intelligence has the ability to sort through and synthesize vast amounts of data, but with that benefit come increased risks for users and their insurers. Andrew Schwartz, an analyst with Celent, and Etay Maor, senior director of security strategy for Cato Networks, take a deep dive into the pros and cons of this new large language model.
4/26/2023 • 25 minutes, 58 seconds
A Conversation with Michael Pritt and Dr. Laura McGuire
Live from the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum in Las Vegas, Brittney Meredith-Miller is joined by Michael Pritt, Senior Claim Analyst with Pure Insurance, and Dr. Laura McGuire, CEO of The National Center for Equity & Agency to discuss the importance of trauma-informed care in claims handling and within agencies themselves.
4/19/2023 • 13 minutes, 32 seconds
A Conversation with Bob Tyson
Live from the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum in Las Vegas, Patti Harman is joined by Bob Tyson, the Strategic Managing Partner for Tyson & Mendes Tyson addressed some of the factors behind an increase in the number of high-value jury awards. The conversation was a follow-up to his keynote presentation at the conference..
4/12/2023 • 9 minutes, 46 seconds
A Conversation with Peter Crosa and Timothy Dowden
Live from the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum in Las Vegas, Brittney Meredith-Miller is joined by Peter Crosa, Executive General Adjuster at Peter J. Crosa and Co., LLC, and Timothy Dowden, Senior Vice President of J.S. Held to discuss how insurers can more effectively mitigate and address severe weather claims.
4/5/2023 • 11 minutes, 43 seconds
Parametric Insurance: Expanding the Toolbox for Covering Risk
Alex Kaplan, executive vice president for alternative risk at Amwins Group, discusses how parametric insurance differs from traditional insurance and the benefits it provides to policyholders.
3/27/2023 • 17 minutes, 5 seconds
A Conversation with Tracey Thompson
Live from the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum in Las Vegas, Brittney Meredith-Miller is joined by Tracey Thompson, Deputy Executive Director of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud to discuss strategies for identifying and preventing fraud.
3/22/2023 • 10 minutes, 9 seconds
The Value of Advocacy in Effective Workers’ Comp Programs
Lumen Technologies’ Tara Acton shares the secrets behind their award-winning program
3/8/2023 • 17 minutes, 35 seconds
A Conversation with Rich Wickliffe
Live from the Complex Claims & Litigation Foruhm in Las Vegas, Patti Harman is joined by Rich Wickcliffe, the Complex Claims Manager for Frontline Insurance. Rich discusses strange claims he's Investigated in a recap of his closing keynote presentation.
2/28/2023 • 7 minutes, 53 seconds
A Conversation with Hank Watkins
Live from the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum in Las Vegas, Patti Harman is joined by Hank Watkins, the Regional Director & President of Americas for Lloyd's. Hank recaps his opening keynote examining the complexities of emerging risk.
2/28/2023 • 10 minutes, 57 seconds
A Preview from the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum
Hosts Patti Harman and Brittney Meredith-Miller are live from the showroom floor of the Complex Claims & Litigation Forum in Las Vegas with a preview of all the guests joining them from the conference.
2/27/2023 • 1 minute, 59 seconds
Cyber Risks for Insurers: There’s a Target on Your Back
Tom Eggleston, international claims leader in the UK and Europe for Resilience, discusses the cyber vulnerabilities and issues insurers should focus on for themselves and their policyholders.
2/22/2023 • 28 minutes, 27 seconds
The Future of Insurance Marketing
An increasing volume of insurance claims has pushed insurers toward new technologies in order to keep up, but one area where we often neglect to discuss insurtech is marketing. This week, Ifty Kerzner, co-founder and president of insurance marketing operating system Kissterra, joins us to discuss how insurers can tap into new tech resources and streamline data to boost customer acquisition and satisfaction.
2/15/2023 • 22 minutes, 45 seconds
Banking and Cannabis: Best Buds or Up in Smoke?
Green Check Verified SVP Peter Su addresses the financial factors affecting cannabis-touching entities.
2/7/2023 • 34 minutes, 20 seconds
'Old' Isn't a Dirty Word, but 'Ageism' Is
Despite laws that make it illegal to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on their age, it still happens far too often. The AARP reports two out of three workers between 45 and 74 have witnessed or experienced ageism in the workplace. In this episode, workplace ageism expert Patti Temple Rocks joins us to discuss how to recognize and squash ageism in your organization, as well as how to utilize your more experienced professionals.
1/18/2023 • 26 minutes, 46 seconds
Focused on the Future: Insurance Predictions for 2023
CEO of NEXT Insurance discusses his 2023 predictions for the insurance industry and how NEXT's business model differs from other competitors in the space.
1/11/2023 • 14 minutes, 49 seconds
Hurricane Impacts and Florida’s Construction Market
Supply chain issues from the pandemic and two major hurricanes just weeks apart have affected the rebuilding efforts across much of Florida
12/14/2022 • 11 minutes, 19 seconds
Wildfire Risk Has Evolved. How Can Underwriting Keep Up?
Pathpoint CRO and President Ralph Blust shares his expertise on how the increase in destructive wildfires has shifted the market, and why it’s driving insureds to the E&S space.
11/30/2022 • 15 minutes, 3 seconds
Insurance Focuses on Protecting Small Businesses
Small businesses face numerous challenges to success and Pie Insurance CEO and co-founder John Swigart share how they’re using tech-enabled insurance to serve this unique market.
11/16/2022 • 18 minutes, 41 seconds
The New Era of Digital Risks for Small Businesses
Coalition’s Patrick Mitchell discusses some of the threats small business executives face and how technology is amplifying those risks.
10/12/2022 • 16 minutes, 20 seconds
Climate Change and the Growing Need for Environmental Impairment Liability Insurance
Steve Tagert, North American environmental practice leader for Allianz, discusses some of the evolving environmental risks carriers are facing.
9/28/2022 • 22 minutes, 7 seconds
Understanding the Finer Points of Art Appraisals
Cindy Charleston-Rosenberg of Art Appraisal discusses how appraisers determine the true value of collections and collectibles for insurance and other purposes.
9/14/2022 • 22 minutes, 17 seconds
InsurTech 2.0: What is the Future for the Insurance Industry?
Corvus Insurance CEO Madhu Tadikonda discusses the next generation of insurtech and the lessons learned from early tech entrepreneurs.
8/31/2022 • 19 minutes, 42 seconds
Can You Recognize Burnout in Your Teams?
The pandemic, the great resignation and work-from-home options are creating new stresses. Industry expert Cathy Ellwood helps managers identify the stressors and symptoms of burnout.
8/17/2022 • 25 minutes, 22 seconds
Creating a High Performance Workforce
One of the secrets to creating a successful enterprise is hiring the right people. Duck Creek's Courtney Townsend shares insights for creating a diverse and engaged workforce.
8/3/2022 • 12 minutes, 45 seconds
Understanding Inflation’s Effect on Commercial Property Risks and Valuations
QBE's Charles Greer highlights what factors risk managers need to consider and explains how inflation is affecting property valuations.
7/20/2022 • 11 minutes, 43 seconds
ALM Launches Small Business Adviser Resource
Editors from ALM's legal, financial and real estate publications discuss the creation of a new one-stop resource for business owners designed to help them find answers to many types of business questions.
7/6/2022 • 13 minutes, 27 seconds
The Internet of Things: How Sensors are Transforming the Risk Landscape
Chubb’s Hemant Sarma discusses how insurers are using technology to prevent and mitigate risk.
6/22/2022 • 17 minutes, 39 seconds
Real Estate for Cannabis Entities – What are the Insurance Issues?
Industry expert Danielle Hernandez discusses zoning regulations, leasing and coverage exclusions for cannabis-touching businesses.
6/8/2022 • 15 minutes, 51 seconds
The Business of Claims: Past, Present and Future Risks
AXA XL’s Jim DiVirglio reflects on how the pandemic affected claims organizations and shares the trends he’s seeing for the insurance industry.
5/25/2022 • 24 minutes, 56 seconds
Today's Young Professionals Discuss the Future of Insurance
6 students from St. John’s University Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance & Actuarial Science share their insights on attracting the next generation to the insurance industry in this Insurance Speak podcast.
5/11/2022 • 32 minutes, 58 seconds
The Insurance Industry's View on Touchless Claims
Celent analyst Andrew Schwartz shares insights from the latest Celent/PropertyCasualty360.com survey on how the insurance industry's adoption of an automated claims process.
4/27/2022 • 9 minutes, 32 seconds
Anatomy of a Cyber Claim
Andrew Lipton, head of cyber claims at AmTrust Financial Services, outlines what a cyber attack looks like from a company’s perspective.
4/7/2022 • 17 minutes, 12 seconds
Diving Into the World of Insurance Fraud
Live from the America's Claims Executive Leadership Forum & Expo, host Patti Harman is joined by Matthew Smith, executive director of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. Smith walks insurance executives through the frauds that emerged during the pandemic.
3/30/2022 • 12 minutes, 44 seconds
Secrets to Successfully Managing Remote and Hybrid Teams
Live from the America's Claims Executive Leadership Forum & Expo, host Patti Harman is joined by Jodie Hopkins of Westfield Insurance. Hopkins discusses lessons learned from managing remote teams through the pandemic and why hybrid teams are here to stay.
3/29/2022 • 6 minutes, 12 seconds
Lessons Learned from the Pandemic and a Look Ahead at the Future of Insurance
Live from the America's Claims Executive Leadership Forum & Expo, host Patti Harman is joined by ACORD CEO and president Bill Pieroni. Pieroni shares insights from two years of dealing with the pandemic and what trends the insurance industry is likely to see going forward.
3/28/2022 • 13 minutes
Retaliation Claims on the Rise for Insurers and Employers
Travelers executive Chris Williams explains some of the factors related to this increase.
3/16/2022 • 11 minutes, 39 seconds
Hiring the Next Generation of insurance Professionals
Executives from Lumbermans Mutual Insurance Co, Zurich Insurance and The Jacobson Group discuss the challenges and solutions for attracting new talent in this edition of Insurance Speak.
3/2/2022 • 49 minutes, 21 seconds
Assessing Cannabis-Related Insurance Claims
Industry expert Chantal Roberts discusses the complexities of cannabis-related property and product claims.
2/2/2022 • 14 minutes, 32 seconds
What Risks Do Mid-Size Businesses Face Today?
In the latest installment of Insurance Speak, Tom Fitzgerald, president of QBE North America’s Specialty & Commercial insurance business discusses threats to middle-market companies.
1/19/2022 • 20 minutes, 10 seconds
Rewriting the Role of Insurance for the Future
Hippo Insurance's Rick McCathron discusses their business model and how the company is harnessing data and technology to help owners better protect their property.
1/5/2022 • 21 minutes
How are Environmental Risks Affecting the Insurance Industry?
Will Nichols, head of Verisk Maplecroft's global environmental and climate research team, and Bill Churney, president of AIR Worldwide, discuss the expanding risks identified in Verisk Maplecroft's recently released Environmental Risk Outlook.
12/15/2021 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
A Look at the 2022 Cyber Market
With cyberattacks at an all-time high, Tim Zeilman of HSB discusses the risks carriers and their clients should be watching in the coming year.
12/1/2021 • 17 minutes, 20 seconds
Managing the Risks of Cannabis-Touching Entities
Subject matter expert Jodi Green, an attorney in the insurance recovery and cannabis team of Miller Nash, discusses several risks insurers should anticipate when writing coverage for grow operations, manufacturers and dispensaries.
11/17/2021 • 22 minutes, 32 seconds
Over the Horizon: A Look at the Insurance Industry
P&C industry veteran Bryan Falchuk offers insights on the highlights and lowlights of 2021 for carriers and shares what he sees on the horizon.
11/3/2021 • 31 minutes, 9 seconds
Workers' Comp Claims & the Return From Afghanistan
Gallagher Bassett's Eric Richardson discusses how the retreat from Afghanistan resulted in an increase in workers' comp claims for civilians based in the war-torn country.
10/20/2021 • 17 minutes, 4 seconds
Recruiting for the Future: Why Diversity Matters
Leaders from Gallagher Bassett, PURE Insurance and Butler Snow discuss how they are prioritizing diversity and inclusion for their employees and the customers they serve.
10/6/2021 • 41 minutes, 6 seconds
In Their Own Words: A Chat with Insurance Industry Authors
Chris Tidball, Chantal Roberts, Michael Skiba and Rich Wickcliffe discuss their writing process and why sharing expertise is valuable to the industry.
9/22/2021 • 47 minutes, 37 seconds
COVID-19 and BI Loss Calculations
Numerous business interruption claims have been filed in the wake of the pandemic and Baker Tilly’s Simon Oddy breaks down what insurers need to know.
9/8/2021 • 14 minutes, 14 seconds
Who Needs Professional Liability Insurance?
Tom Bonji of Argo Pro explains the finer details of errors & omissions insurance and the liabilities it addresses.
9/1/2021 • 17 minutes, 53 seconds
Let's Talk About Cannabis: A Conversation with NCIA's Morgan Fox
A look at how the cannabis industry has grown over the last few years, the opportunities it presents for insurers and what federal legalization could look like.
8/11/2021 • 18 minutes, 41 seconds
Personal Cyber Risk: Working Smart in a Hybrid Environment
Chubb's Christie Alderman discusses the cyber risks involved with remote work and how to prevent some of these hazards when working from home.
7/28/2021 • 14 minutes, 2 seconds
What’s Ahead for the Insurance Industry: A Conversation with Aspen CEO Bruce Eisler
Following a year of major changes, insurance carriers are adjusting their focus to adapt to some new realities.
7/14/2021 • 22 minutes, 8 seconds
What Do Today’s Auto Insurance Customers Want From Their Carriers
Auto insurers trying to compete just on price will find it takes more than just a reasonable coverage rate to keep policyholders.
6/30/2021 • 16 minutes, 47 seconds
Let’s Talk Classic Cars
American Modern’s Rick Drewery discusses insuring collector vehicles in this Insurance Speak podcast.
6/16/2021 • 18 minutes, 21 seconds
Making it Work: Creating Company Culture in a Virtual World
Germania Insurance’s Lance Ondrej addresses how to build successful remote & hybrid workforces in this Insurance Speak podcast.
6/2/2021 • 28 minutes, 46 seconds
Secrets to Successful Compensation Plans
Seth Preus of Mivation discusses how to create a good compensation plan, mistakes to avoid and offers ideas on how to pay commissions.
5/19/2021 • 20 minutes, 34 seconds
Talking Tech: Disrupting Insurance Coverage in New Ways
Cover Genius COO, Darcy Shapiro, discusses women in insurance leadership, how technology is changing the industry and opportunities for the future.
5/5/2021 • 19 minutes, 29 seconds
Employment Practices Liability Trends to Watch
Travelers' Chris Williams identifies four trends employers should be watching that could affect claims and premium increases.
4/21/2021 • 15 minutes, 25 seconds
What Your Company's HR Department Should Know About Reopening
Melissa Jones, EVP & chief human resources officer at CSAA, offers insights to help companies navigate a hybrid workforce and discusses some innovations for supporting remote workers.
4/14/2021 • 17 minutes, 52 seconds
Unlocking the Secrets in your Company's Data
Frank Giaoui, the founder of OptimalEx Solutions, discusses how insurers can effectively collect and curate their data for multiple uses.
3/31/2021 • 17 minutes, 32 seconds
On the Road Again? The Pandemic’s Impact on Auto Insurance
Susanna Gotsch, industry analyst at CCC Information Services, Inc. and Marc Fredman, CCC's chief strategy officer highlight auto insurance trends from the 2021 Crash Course report.
3/17/2021 • 24 minutes, 13 seconds
InsurTech for the 21st Century?
Coherent CEOs John Brisco and Todd Buchanan discuss the challenges and opportunities as insurers focus on InsurTech investments.
3/10/2021 • 18 minutes
Closing the Insurance Industry Talent Gap with Top New Talent
February is Insurance Careers Month, but students and staff in many leading RMI college programs are focused on churning out top-industry talent year-round. Gary Sullivan, assistant professor and program director for risk management, and Emily Shopene, highlight how colleges are preparing the next generation of insurance professionals and the role insurers can play in training and hiring students.
2/27/2021 • 18 minutes, 35 seconds
On the Horizon: Risks to watch in 2021
Rani Christie, regional head of distribution, sales and marketing for Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, highlights some of the risks insurers are watching based on the 2021 Allianz Risk Barometer.
2/10/2021 • 22 minutes, 45 seconds
Mapping the Future of Short and Simple Customer Journeys
Companies that, either due to desire to go fast or “just didn’t know better,” build a myriad of “peer-to-peer” connections with carriers. In this episode, Jim Dwane, CRO of bolt, explains to host Danielle Ling why he expects these situations to accelerate as more carriers adopt the model of “plug and play” technology, and discusses the future of short and simple customer journeys.
2/3/2021 • 13 minutes, 52 seconds
Back to Normal: The Workplace in a Post-COVID World
Moiré Morón, claims practice leader at QBE North America, shares some insights with host Patti Harman on the risks employers will need to manage when considering their policies on vaccines and other issues related to the coronavirus.
1/27/2021 • 17 minutes, 54 seconds
In the COVID-19 Era - Core Values are More Important Than Ever
Guests Peter van Aartrijk and Troy Korsgaden join host Danielle Ling to discuss the importance of creating, sharing and discussing core values and creating a customer-driven value proposition – especially in the pandemic age.
1/20/2021 • 20 minutes, 30 seconds
How Can Agents and Brokers Increase their Relevance in the New Insurance Distribution Ecosystem
Host Danielle Ling sits down with author and industry expert Troy Korsgaden to discuss client relationships and maintaining personal interactions as services become more digital. Korsgaden offers insight into how agents and brokers can increase their relevance in the new insurance distribution ecosystem.
1/13/2021 • 12 minutes, 45 seconds
Wildfires and Wine Don’t Mix
Host Patti Harmon is joined by Larry Chasin of PAK Programs who provides insights on the impact of an unusual wildfire season on California’s vineyards.
1/6/2021 • 25 minutes, 35 seconds
Secrets to Success for Independent Agencies
Tony Caldwell shares his insights on how to thrive in a virtual world
12/16/2020 • 21 minutes, 18 seconds
Agent Success in the Digital Age
Author Troy Korsgaden discusses the challenges agents are facing in an increasingly automated, digital world. Korsgaden identifies some common struggles agents are facing in the digital age and offers solutions to overcome them in order to successfully meet the evolving demands of today's insurance customers.
12/9/2020 • 13 minutes, 22 seconds
Bad Faith and BI Claims:
As business interruption cases make their way through the courts, well-known consumer attorney Brian Kabateck, shares his insights on what insurers should be watching.
12/2/2020 • 25 minutes, 31 seconds
The Future of Business Travel
The coronavirus has taken a particularly high toll on all segments of the travel and hospitality industries. Ben Howell, Chubb Deputy Head of Accident and Health, Asia Pacific, and John Thompson, Chubb’s Division President of International Accident & Health, join Host Patti Harman to discuss the different aspects of business travel and the role insurers can play in this new environment.
11/18/2020 • 30 minutes, 6 seconds
Gamification for Agencies
While WFH has presented many challenges, one of the most significant is the loss of “work visibility” for both managers and producers. By using many of the same motivational concepts that drive performance in sports, gamification presents an effective and entertaining way to elevate the metrics that matter most and focus the team on specific income-producing results. Seth Preus, CEO of Mivation, explains how effective gamification programs improve engagement, facilitate regular communication, and drive superior performance –regardless of where the team is working.
11/12/2020 • 21 minutes, 13 seconds
Managing Today's Cybersecurity Risks
With more employees working remotely, the risks for companies have never been greater. Joshua Motta, the CEO and founder of Coalition joins host Patti Harman to discuss the rise of ransomware, who’s being targeted and how hackers are executing their attacks.
11/4/2020 • 25 minutes, 27 seconds
Lloyd's of London:
Meet the new U.S. head of claims for Lloyd's of London and the regional director and president of Lloyd's Americas to hear their thoughts with host Patti Harman on opportunities for the insurance industry and what they see in terms of emerging risks.
10/28/2020 • 15 minutes, 51 seconds
Build a Better Brand: 10 Key Factors for Success in Branding Your Insurance Business - Part 4
In the final episode of a four-part series, branding and marketing expert Peter van Aartrijk breaks down the greatest component in building a successful brand.
10/21/2020 • 22 minutes, 9 seconds
Insurance Speak: An inside look at the IICF
Melissa-Anne Duncan, executive director of the Western Division of IICF joins host Patti Harman to provide an overview of how the insurance industry is involved in the many communities it serves.
10/7/2020 • 11 minutes, 54 seconds
A Conversation with Sedgwick’s New President
Bob Peterson joins host Patti Harman to address the challenges and opportunities available in a rapidly changing insurance environment.
9/22/2020 • 17 minutes, 9 seconds
Reopening amid COVID-19
Companies are worried about keeping employees and customers safe as they reopen, and the liabilities they may face if someone becomes ill. Two experts share their recommendations with Patti Harman.
9/16/2020 • 17 minutes, 23 seconds
How Loyalty Drives Revenue
Insurance is all about relationships. From the sale of a policy, to the claims process, it is critical for insurers to deliver on what was sold to their insureds. Co-host Patti Harman interviews Tim Roberts, vice president of workers’ comp claims for Everest Insurance, and Grace Hanson, chief claims officer at Hiscox, on the importance of nurturing relationships with policyholders and the impact those efforts have on building customer loyalty.
9/2/2020 • 18 minutes, 1 second
Build a Better Brand: 10 Key Factors for Success in Branding Your Insurance Business - Part 3
In the third installment of this 4-part series, communications strategist and branding expert Peter Van Aartrijk outlines numbers two, three and four "Powers" of branding. With 10 in total, the "Powers" are essential factors to successful brand-building, drawn from Aartrijk's published work, The Powers, 10 Factors for Building an Exponentially More Powerful Brand, co-authored by Tony Wessling.
8/19/2020 • 15 minutes, 39 seconds
Preparing for the Deposition Hot Seat
Host Patti Harman is joined by guest Aaron Mutnick who discusses the two types of depositions that may involve insurers, explains the different types of witnesses that could be deposed and shares how an insurance professional can prepare for the deposition process
7/29/2020 • 21 minutes, 13 seconds
Build a Better Brand: 10 Key Factors for Success in Branding Your Insurance Business - Part 2
In the second installment of this 4-part series, communications strategist and branding expert Peter Van Aartrijk outlines the next five "Powers" of branding. With 10 in total, the "Powers" are essential factors to successful brand-building, drawn from Aartrijk's published work, The Powers, 10 Factors for Building an Exponentially More Powerful Brand, co-authored by Tony Wessling.
7/15/2020 • 23 minutes, 55 seconds
Claims Disrupted
David Vanalek and Ian Stewart discuss legalized marijuana, cybersecurity, the sharing economy and more in the latest podcast.
7/1/2020 • 30 minutes, 11 seconds
What Makes Fraudsters Tick?
Co-host Patti Harman and guest Michael Skiba, also known as Dr. Fraud, take us into the mind of a professional scammer, tackling the question, “What makes fraudsters tick?” An international expert on economic crime, Skiba is referred to as one of the top crime fighters in the world. Having worked 22 years in the insurance fraud industry for claims and special investigations, Skiba is now an international consultant, trainer, and speaker on fraud. In this episode, Skiba advises how to deter fraudsters and minimize losses to fraudulent claims, getting into the minds of career criminals to help insurers and adjusters recognize the red flags, and better catch and prosecute fraudsters.
6/17/2020 • 23 minutes, 49 seconds
10 Key Factors to Successfully Branding Your Insurance Organization
In the first installment of a 4-part series, communications strategist and branding expert Peter Van Aartrijk outlines the first of 10 essential factors to successful brand-building, drawn from his published work, The Powers, 10 Factors for Building an Exponentially More Powerful Brand, co-authored by Tony Wessling. In part one, Aartrijk discusses Power 10: “Preparing for the long-haul.”
6/3/2020 • 31 minutes, 49 seconds
Business interruption claims & COVID-19
Co-host Patti Harman is joined by Erik Josowitz, analyst at insurancequotes.com and Senior VP of Technology & Strategy at its parent company, AWL, to discuss business interruption insurance coverage for COVID-19. In the episode, Josowitz shares insights from policyholders whose businesses have been closed during the pandemic and identifies where he expects to see the greatest number of claims arise, and what impacts the coronavirus could have on insurance coverage and exclusions in the future.
5/20/2020 • 16 minutes, 54 seconds
Booming M&A in P&C:
Dave Tralka, president and CEO of InsurBanc, and Peter van Aartrijk, CEO of Aartrijk marketing agency, sat down with Insurance Speak for a discussion on the recent surge in merger and acquisition activity in the insurance industry and what this trend means for independent agency owners. As annual M&A deals only continue to set new records, agency owners need to know what they stand to gain and lose in selling their business. In this episode, Tralka and Aartrijk provide insight into M&A operations in 2020, and offer advice for owners in selling – or not selling – their agency.
5/6/2020 • 41 minutes, 58 seconds
Insights for Managing a Remote Insurance Workforce
Changing conditions surrounding the coronavirus are creating a large remote workforce around the globe. For some, working outside of the office is a familiar modus operandi, but for others, it is a new and unfamiliar path. As managers learn to navigate this different reality, a new podcast from the PC360 Insurance Speak series provides some practical insights for insurance professionals and others who are supervising remote staff.