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Most Clicked NAMIC dailyLead Stories


1. P/C insurers hurdle mounting damage claims caused by Chinese drywall

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 02, 2009

Property/casualty insurers are studying how they could address the increasing number of home damage claims caused by Chinese drywall, which federal investigators said has high concentration levels of sulfur and strontium. But a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows the chemical levels found in the building material do not pose safety risk as scientists could not establish a direct link between the chemicals and homeowners' health problems. Business Insurance (11/02) National Underwriter (free registration) (10/30) Business Insurance (10/30)


2. Wisconsin lawmakers seek to rescind new auto insurance standards

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 05, 2009

Insurance Journal (11/04)


3. Constructing green buildings poses new liability risk

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 02, 2009

Property/casualty insurers are refusing to cover a potential liability that may arise from constructing new buildings and other properties that do not comply with environmental efficiency standards. "There is certainly going to be litigation coming out soon around this issue, and insurance companies are waiting to see" the outcome before offering any coverage, an industry executive said. Business Insurance (11/02)


4. Report: P/C industry closed 2008 with adequate reserves

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 04, 2009

The property/casualty insurance industry's reserves were sufficient by the end of 2008, but several statistical factors suggest a possible future reserve deficiency, according to a report from Fitch Ratings. Unstable financial markets and a deepening economic crisis could adversely affect the industry, creating "tremendous challenges in estimating loss reserves going forward," the rating agency said. National Underwriter (free registration) (11/03)


5. Female leaders find "office mom" role pays off

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 02, 2009

More female leaders are turning away from the tough boss persona and embracing the "office mom" role, Laura Sinberg writes. Being emotionally supportive and nurturing can make employees more loyal and hard working, although this strategy only works for male leaders in "extreme" circumstances, she writes. Forbes (10/27)


6. How to compete with a BlackBerry -- and win

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 04, 2009

Meetings need to be more interactive with participants continually called on to get involved to stop them from using a cell phones, laptop or BlackBerry instead of paying attention, Michael Schrage writes. "You manage attention not by regulating devices but by managing expectations," he writes. HarvardBusiness.org (11/02)


7. P/C insurers face challenges ahead, analyst says

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 06, 2009

Despite its hefty earnings in the third quarter this year, the property/casualty insurance industry is facing a number of challenges ahead, according to an analyst with Barclays Capital. P/C insurers' premiums, policy volumes as well as underwriting gains have been on a decline in recent years, while their investment performance lags behind other financial services sectors despite steep recovery from the economic downturn. Forbes (11/05)


8. IIHS Chief: Research efforts help make roads safer

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 02, 2009

Since its inception 50 years ago, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has helped to significantly reduce traffic deaths, injuries and property damages -- an achievement not many people recognize, institute President Robert P. Hartwig said. Records show the number of highway fatalities was lower by 6% in 2008 compared with that in 1960, even as the number of licensed drivers, cars and miles driven last year were many times higher than in 1960. National Underwriter (free registration) (11/02)


9. Michigan senators drop auto insurance reform bill

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 02, 2009

The Michigan Senate voted against legislation aimed at prohibiting auto insurance providers from setting coverage rates based on the driver's residence. Opposing lawmakers said banning the practice would prompt insurers to increase rates in areas with low car theft incidence. But the practice leads to higher premiums for drivers with good records, said the senators who supported the bill. Insurance Journal (10/30)


10. 4 ways to be more productive without the multitasking mania

NAMIC dailyLead | Nov 05, 2009

You might believe multitasking means you get more done, but a Stanford University study shows it can hurt your productivity. To be more efficient, designate time for certain tasks, have a system to collect all incoming "to do" items in writing, have an "in" box on your desk and turn off distracting technology. Web Worker Daily (11/02)




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