Best's Review 2001: Vol 101-102 Index

13 Pages·2001·3.9 MB·English

2001 Index of Articles _
Index to 2001
Best’s Review Articles
Accounting
Keep Them Accountable. OPINION: Some Big Five auditors
use indemnification agreements to duck liability on mutual client
engagements—in contrast to SEC rules for public companies.
June, p. 53.
Agent Issues
All in the Family. Independent agents have owned their in-
surance agencies for decades, but their children are finding it dif-
ficult—if not impossible—to keep the businesses in the family.
June, p. 37.
«BCS Holdings Builds a Network of Mom-and-Pop Shops. Annuities
June, p. 40. Variations on a Theme. Insurers are embellishing variable
On the Fast Track. More agents are getting wired to the annuities with new packaging and benefits to make them more
Internet to comply with the requirements of carriers. Sep- competitive. August, p.97.
tember, p. 40. Border Crossing. There is a growing market for offshore annu-
Under Pressure. Smal! independent agents could be forced out ities for foreign workers in the United States, but domestic laws
of business by accelerated market hardening. December, p. 37. and terrorism could slow the growth. November, p. 107.
Annuity Reserves, Top Life Groups—2000. Rank is based on
Alternative Markets total annuity reserves. November, p. 108.
Pickup Trucks and Captives. A captive insurance company Individual Annuities, Top Writers—2000. Rank is based on
can be used in different ways to transfer risk. March, p. 35. individual annuity net premiums written. November, p. 112.
eSafe Harbors. March, p. 32. Group Annuities, Top Writers—2000. Rank is based on group
eCaptive-Forming Considerations. March, p. 30. annuity net premiums written. November, p. 112.
Brazil’s Health-Care Conundrum. Through a series of govern-
ment moves and societal changes, Brazil’s health-care system is Asset Management
being redesigned. May, p. 100. Weathering the Storm. Insurers’ investment portfolios are
Slicing the Alternative Pie. While Vermont anticipates the designed to withstand market downturns and keep their compa-
licensing of its 500th captive, new domiciles are vying for a share nies in business. Though asset managers are feeling some strain,
of the alternative-market business. September, p. 55. they are mostly achieving those goals. October, p. 35.
In Case of Emergency. Contingent capital, a line of credit eAsset DistributionT,o p Property/Casualty Insurers—2000.
accessible when a trigger event occurs, is gaining popularity as a October, p. 36.
hedge against disaster. September, p. 59. e Asset DistributionT,o p Life Insurers—2000. October, p. 38.
eCatastrophe Bonds Getting Warmer Reception. Septem- e The Real-Estate Challenge. October, p. 40.
ber, p. 60.
«Insurers Seek New Weather-Risk Strategies. September, p. 62. Auto
«Companies Need an Integrated Risk Program. September, Mixed Bag. Gas-electric hybrid cars are here, and insurers are
p. 64. taking a wait-and-see attitude about how they will affect the
industry. April, p.73.
Making a Dent in Auto Insurance Fraud. Computer tech-
nology drives auto insurers’ efforts to stall fraud rings. Octo-
ber, p. 605.
eHow Auto Fraud Rings Work. October, p. 70.
eCaught on Tape: Onboard Camera Records Staged Crash.
October, p.72.
T|Lleeae )l ter On Hold. While public outcry and scientific studies indicate
that cell phones are distracting drivers, insurers haven’t changed
90 BEST’S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002
2001 Index of Articles _
Index to 2001
Best’s Review Articles
Accounting
Keep Them Accountable. OPINION: Some Big Five auditors
use indemnification agreements to duck liability on mutual client
engagements—in contrast to SEC rules for public companies.
June, p. 53.
Agent Issues
All in the Family. Independent agents have owned their in-
surance agencies for decades, but their children are finding it dif-
ficult—if not impossible—to keep the businesses in the family.
June, p. 37.
«BCS Holdings Builds a Network of Mom-and-Pop Shops. Annuities
June, p. 40. Variations on a Theme. Insurers are embellishing variable
On the Fast Track. More agents are getting wired to the annuities with new packaging and benefits to make them more
Internet to comply with the requirements of carriers. Sep- competitive. August, p.97.
tember, p. 40. Border Crossing. There is a growing market for offshore annu-
Under Pressure. Smal! independent agents could be forced out ities for foreign workers in the United States, but domestic laws
of business by accelerated market hardening. December, p. 37. and terrorism could slow the growth. November, p. 107.
Annuity Reserves, Top Life Groups—2000. Rank is based on
Alternative Markets total annuity reserves. November, p. 108.
Pickup Trucks and Captives. A captive insurance company Individual Annuities, Top Writers—2000. Rank is based on
can be used in different ways to transfer risk. March, p. 35. individual annuity net premiums written. November, p. 112.
eSafe Harbors. March, p. 32. Group Annuities, Top Writers—2000. Rank is based on group
eCaptive-Forming Considerations. March, p. 30. annuity net premiums written. November, p. 112.
Brazil’s Health-Care Conundrum. Through a series of govern-
ment moves and societal changes, Brazil’s health-care system is Asset Management
being redesigned. May, p. 100. Weathering the Storm. Insurers’ investment portfolios are
Slicing the Alternative Pie. While Vermont anticipates the designed to withstand market downturns and keep their compa-
licensing of its 500th captive, new domiciles are vying for a share nies in business. Though asset managers are feeling some strain,
of the alternative-market business. September, p. 55. they are mostly achieving those goals. October, p. 35.
In Case of Emergency. Contingent capital, a line of credit eAsset DistributionT,o p Property/Casualty Insurers—2000.
accessible when a trigger event occurs, is gaining popularity as a October, p. 36.
hedge against disaster. September, p. 59. e Asset DistributionT,o p Life Insurers—2000. October, p. 38.
eCatastrophe Bonds Getting Warmer Reception. Septem- e The Real-Estate Challenge. October, p. 40.
ber, p. 60.
«Insurers Seek New Weather-Risk Strategies. September, p. 62. Auto
«Companies Need an Integrated Risk Program. September, Mixed Bag. Gas-electric hybrid cars are here, and insurers are
p. 64. taking a wait-and-see attitude about how they will affect the
industry. April, p.73.
Making a Dent in Auto Insurance Fraud. Computer tech-
nology drives auto insurers’ efforts to stall fraud rings. Octo-
ber, p. 605.
eHow Auto Fraud Rings Work. October, p. 70.
eCaught on Tape: Onboard Camera Records Staged Crash.
October, p.72.
T|Lleeae )l ter On Hold. While public outcry and scientific studies indicate
that cell phones are distracting drivers, insurers haven’t changed
90 BEST’S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002
their strategies to limit this risk factor are some of the issues providing new
when writing private-passenger auto poli- challenges for risk managers. These and
cies. October, p. 87 other topics will be the focus of the
¢Multitasking Drive Time. October, p. annual RIMS conference in Atlanta this
89. month. April, p. 25.
«New Laws Create New Risks. April, p.
Banking 20.
Take It to the Bank. An effective bank ¢ TreacheTorrtos. uApsri l, p. 29.
marketing strategy for insurers integrates eRIMS’ Age of Change Likely to Contin-
product design, sales and underwriting in ue Under New Leader. April, p. 30.
a seamless process. September, p. 41. A New Model for Managing Risk. A re-
cently published book presents a risk-
Captives management framework—the Insurative
Best’s Captive Directory. 2001 Edition Model—that brings together the insur-
Update. May, p. 87. July, p. 61. September, p. 56. November, p. 73. ance and capital markets. April, p. 43.
Revenge of the Bricks. Bricks-and-mortar insurers are using
Catastrophe Coverage technology to cement customer relationships, while saving
Twisting in the Wind. Tornadoes present one of the biggest money and time. May, p. 27.
challenges to modeling for homeowners coverage. May, p. 65. eCybering Into Claims Status. May, p. 28.
«Big Tornado Losses Loom. May, p. 68. «Insurers Install Self-Service Online. May, p. 29.
Reinsuring Unnatural Risks. Man-made catastrophes include «Keeping Up With the Competition. May, p. 30.
airplane crashes, falling satellites and sinking oil rigs, but e-com- ¢Tinkering in “Fourth Channel’ Pays Off for Minnesota Life.
merce may pose the greatest risks. June, p.55. May, p. 31.
Northridge Redux. A new California law has reopened the eOne Face. May, p. 32.
book on Northridge earthquake claims. September, p. 79. eAIG Insureds File and Track Workers’ Comp Claims Online.
Earthquake, Top Writers— 2000. September, p. 82. May, p. 34
Power Play. From pushing an acquisition to pressuring a com-
Catastrophe Reinsurance pany to meet earnings expectations, equity analysts’ ideas carry a
eAn Attorney's Perspective: Beware of Punitive Damages. lot of clout.And insurers listen—because investors do. June, p. 20.
June, p. 56. ¢Colin W. Devine. Adds Value Through Tough Calls. June, p. 24.
eCaitlin Long. Blazing Her Own Trail. June, p. 25.
Commercial ¢ Todd Bault. New Kid on the Block. June, p. 26.
Aiming for the Middle. Some commercial insurers are taking a eAlice Schroeder. Looking for a Needle in the Haystack.
new look at the middle market because prices are firming, there June, p. 28.
are more midsize companies and insurers are seeking to diversify eEric N. Berg.Always on the Run. June, p. 29.
their risks. May, p. 80. e Vanessa Wilson. Every Day Is an Adventure. June, p. 30.
Answering the Call. As the risks to emergency vehicles eSelected Equity Analysts. More than 100 equity analysts are
change, insurers are defining the exposures and practicing loss assigned to cover 10 of the largest publicly traded insurance
prevention. July, p.87. companies. June, p. 32 and 33.
Fair and Fewer Disclosures. Regulation Fair Disclosure has
Corporate Changes forced companies to share financial information with more than
Corporate Changes. An increased number of property/casual- just a few select analysts. But critics say companies are now
ty insurers faced state actions in 2000. June, p. 63. more guarded in what they say. June, p. 34.
Corporate Changes. Life/health insurers are changing their Leaders of the Pack. Net premiums written for the top 200
names to build brand. June, p. 92. life/health and property/casualty insurers reflect a changing mar-
ketplace. July, p. 27.
Cover Feature The New Breed of CEO. Insurance companies are recruiting
Golden Opportunities. Insurance industry leaders look back executives from banking, retail, investment and other industries,
on 2000 and try to predict what’s in store for 2001.The consen- who often bring a new way of thinking about the business.
sus: Prices will continue to firm, claims costs will cut into prof- August, p. 25. '
its, and the Internet will play a bigger role. January, p. 24. State vs. Federal: The Debate Heats Up.August, p. 30.
Window Shopping. Online aggregators created a new busi- Banking on Sales. Banks and insurers have been both partners
ness model, but sales have been slow to develop. February, p. 22. and competitors for many years. Now, nearly two years after the
Courting Captives. Several states are setting up captive in- passage of a law that broke down financial-services barriers, they
surance domiciles to lure new and old business away from are still experimenting to find the right products and relation-
longtime leaders, like Vermont and Hawaii. March, p. 26. ships. September, p. 27.
Overexposure. Technology, globalization and labor concerns Profitable Partnerships for Mass Mutual. September, p. 30.
BEST’S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002 91
eInsurBanc Is Banking on Relationships. September, p. 32. Policies. December, p. 93.
eStoneham Savings Bank Shops for Insurance Agencies. Sep- eReinsurance Adjustments, M&A Activity Distort Noncan-
tember, p. 34. celable Disability Premiums. December, p. 94.
elf You Can't Build "Em, Buy “Em. September, p. 30. «Coverage for Mental Disabilities Debated. December, p.
The Cost of Terror. The terrorist attacks in the United States 90.
have changed the landscape for insurers, reinsurers and those
who depend on them. October, p. 16. Environmental Coverage
¢ Move Took ISO Out of Harm’s Way. October, p. 18. Dissecting A&E Survival Ratios. Both the uncertainty in, and
eLife Insurers Could Be Hit Hard by Trade Center Deaths. the absolute value of, the survival ratio when it is applied to
October, p. 20. asbestos and environmental liabilities can vary widely from com-
eSkyjackings Could Lead to Harder Aviation Market. October, pany to company. September, p. 93.
eReinsurers Expect Massive—but Manageable—Losses From Fraud
Attacks. October, p. 24. Fighting Fraud Anew. The insurance industry has been focus-
e Workers’ Comp Costs Could Reach $6 Billion. October, p. 26. ing on preventing fraud for a long time, but it’s still difficult to
Mold—A Growing Problem. Toxic mold is eating away at get consumers fired up. May, p. 88.
homes and homeowners insurers’ profits. November, p. 20. Making a Case. Persuading law-enforcement officials to prose-
¢ Texas: In the Eye of the Storm. November, p. 28. cute suspected insurance fraud requires the right organization
¢ Dissecting Toxic Mold. November, p. 30. and presentation of evidence. October, p. 45.
eCourt Case Puts Mold on the Map. November, p. 34.
Searching for Guidance. The development of standards will Health
assist risk managers, underwriters, brokers, claim adjusters and A Bitter Pill, HMOs look for ways to cut prescription drug
attorneys in addressing mold problems that they encounter. costs so they can stay in Medicare. January, p. 84.
November, p. 37. eHMOs look for ways to cut prescription drug costs so they
¢ Mold Information on the Web. November, p. 39. can stay in Medicare. January, p. 85.
Managing Managed Care. As health providers struggle for
Demutualization profitability, health plans can no longer rely on capitation as the
The Second Wave. The possibility of increased capitaliza- primary strategy to keep a lid on costs. The new challenge is to
tion and higher return on equity is luring more mutual insur- put more ‘managed’ into managed care. February, p.81.
ance companies into the demutualization tide. April, p. 47 eHigher Premiums Are Only One Part of Health Plans’ Revival.
Meeting Life Today. Robert Benmosche, chairman and February, p. 84.
CEO of MetLife Inc., looks for new flexibility for the compa- The Art of Medical Underwriting. Rating employee groups is
ny and a push beyond what’s thought possible. September, hardly a science. More often than not, underwriters must choose
p. 104. from a limited number of informational tools available to them.
The Company He Keeps. As chairman, president and CEO March, p. 103.
of one of the world’s largest companies, Sy Sternberg focuses Rx for Seniors. Congress is focusing on several proposals that
one eye on the near term and the other 30 years ahead. Sep- could provide prescription-drug coverage to millions of
tember, p. 105. Medicare beneficiarieJusn.e , p. 79.
eA Few More Suggestions. June, p. 80.
Directors and Officers Liability eConsider the Possibilities. June, p. 81.
Falling Markets, Rising Risks. D&O insurers are trying to Ripping Away the Scarlet C. More states and insurance carri-
protect themselves through price firming and more conserva- ers are making cancer insurance available. July, p. 111.
tive underwriting. But legal claims and the amount of damages eHow Critical-Illness Insurance Works. July, p. 112.
awarded by courts keep rising. May, p. 55. What Lies Beneath. Medical testing is an important step in
eAdvice From the Plaintiffs Bar. May, p. 62. the underwriting process to determine the actual risk a prospec-
tive insured presents. August, p. 109.
Disability Coverage The Sky’s the Limit. Pending federal legislation may cause sales
A Failure to Communicate. of medical savings accounts to
What employees and employers soar. October, p. 109.
don’t know about disability Coverage for All. Health ana-
income insurance is hurting the lysts and scholars propose ways
market. December, p. 91. that Congress can help solve
eMany Working Women Lack the problem of uninsured
Disability Income Protection. Americans. October, p. 113.
December, p. 92. e10 Proposals for Insuring
¢Terror Attacks May Spark the Uninsured. October, p. 116.
Increase in Sales of Disability «Studies Examine the
92 BEST’S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002
Affordability of Health Insurance October, p. 118. quarter. February, p. 57.
Rethinking the Rules. This year, Congress will consider several
Homeowners pieces of legislation that would change how the insurance indus-
A Rising Market. Tropical Storm Allison, which caused $2.5 try does business. March, p. 51.
billion in insured property losses, may have been a turning point Code of Ethics. More insurers are hiring ethics officers to set
for the flood insurance market. November, p. 75. and implement corporate mores. March, p. 47
eSignificant Flood Events 1995-2000T.h e Federal Emergency Choosing Partners. Some insurers are using strategic alliances
Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program is the as a quick and profitable alternative to mergers and acquisitions.
primary insurer for flood coverage in the United States.FEMA March, p. 39.
defines a significant event as one with 1,500 or more paid losses ¢ Travelers/Winterthur International Still in Step. March, p. 40.
or occasionally one added for other reasons. November, p. 78. Dusting Off the Welcome Mat. Asia is poised to become a
«Homeowners Multiple Peril Reinsurance, Top Users— major insurance magnet over the next decade as regulations are
2000. Rank is based on total ceded homeowners premiums. relaxed. April, p. 53.
November, p.82. East Meets West. To succeed in Asian markets, life and health
*eHomeowners Multiple Peril, Top Writers—2000. Homeown- reinsurers must add business consulting and broader risk-man-
ers coverage is designed to protect an agement solutions to their traditional
owner or renter of a dwelling. It typical- roles. Expertise from U.S. markets can
ly combines property coverage for the help.April, p. 59.
dwelling structure, personal property Power of the People. The Internet
coverage for the contents and personal has become an electronic soapbox for
liability coverage. November, p. 82. unhappy policyholders to voice com-
eHomeowners Multiple Peril, Top plaints. Some insurers are monitoring
Writers by State—2000. Rank based the Web and reacting. April, p. 63.
on direct premiums written. Novem- Strength in Numbers. Independent
ber, p. 84. agents are banding together in recogni-
tion that there is greater strength—and
industry Strategies profitability—in numbers. May, p. 39.
2000: The Year in Review. Reform eA Line-by-Line Look at Indepen-
regulation, online sales and the first signs of a firming dents. May, p. 42.
property/casualty market offer a glimpse of where the insurance Hitting the Hot Buttons. Brand identity and the baby boomer
industry is headed in 2001. January, p. 29. market are the target areas for growth within the insurance
People to Watch in 2001. Company executives, agents, state industry. July, p. 37.
insurance commissioners, a union leader and even one person Life After Unicover. Workers’ comp insurers still need life
out of work make up this year’s list of people likely to have an reinsurers to spread the risk. July, p. 57.
impact in the industry in the year ahead. January, p. 41. The War for Independents. Independent reinsurance brokers
World Target Practice. U.S. and European insurers are pursu- are touting their personal service in the battle for market share
ing expansions in the emerging markets of Latin America, Asia against the industry's behemoths. August, p. 35.
and Central and Eastern Europe. February, p. 44. Ups and Downs. The leading property/casualty and life writ-
Declaration of Independents. Proper structuring of contracts ers stayed on top but lost market share.August, p. 47
with independent agents can reduce insurers’ potential liability. Holding Down the Fort. Recent court rulings have shown life
February, p. 55. insurers that they can win so-called “vanishing-premium” Cases.
Talk Turns to Action in London. Underwriters who have long September, p. 50.
forecast an end to the soft market are taking steps to make their Reality Check. Insurers are making sure the stunts on televi-
predictions come true. February, p. 34. sion shows such as “Survivor” and “Fear Factor” are as risk free as
eLloyd’s Evolution. February, p. 30. possible. October, p. 28.
eU.S. Offers Guidance for British Pension Boom. February, p. 38. Investing in Cities. American Skyline Insurance Co. believes it
1999 Top U.K. General Insurers. The top 50 U.K. insurers has the formula for making a profit—and a difference—in the
wrote more than 27 billion pounds in premiums in 1999. Feb- urban market. October, p. 49.
ruary, p. 42. eAmerican Skyline’s Legacy Is No Legacy System. October, p. 52
A New Generation in the Cross Hairs. Some insurers already The Meter Is Running. Opinion: Litigation management. a crit-
have begun targeting members of Generation Y—the first wired ical tool for insurers, is being subjected to legal challenges. Poli-
generation—as future policyholders. February, p. 49. cyholders will pay the price if insurers don’t fight for the right to
eGuardian Life Teaches Young Women About Financial Mat- manage legal costs. October. p. 55.
ters. February, p. 52. Focus on Customers. Insurers must re-evaluate—and often
Conversion Countdown. The adoption of a reorganization revamp—their corporate visions to focus on what their cus-
plan brings Prudentia! Insurance Company of America one step tomers need. November, p. 49.
closer to demutualization. Stock could be on sale by the fourth Stealth Solution. Conseco Inc’s new management has addressed
BEST'S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002 95
the insurer's high-visibility problems by pleting requirements against the appeal of
chopping jobs, selling assets and restructur- a lower premium. February, p. 88.
ing debt. Now the company has quietly Batter Up. Mega-contracts for profes-
launched an ambitious program to improve sional baseball players are straining disabili-
customer service and lower operational ty coverage capacity. February, p.91.
costs. November, p. 53. Long-Term Scare. The vast majority of
¢ Translating Six Sigma Methodology long-term-care policyholders have never
November, p. 56. filed a claim. Insurers are hoping they'll be
«Conseco Moves Full Speed Ahead ready when the claims start pouring in.
With Six Sigma. November, p. 58. March, p. 82..
Opening Doors. The sale of voluntary eFew Claims Made on Connecticut Part-
dental and vision plans to employees is paving the way for sales nership’s LTC Policies. March, p. 84.
of other insurance products. November, p. 64. eCoordinating Care Can Control Claims. March, p. 86.
e The Internet’s Role in Work-Site Marketing November, p. 66. 1999 Top Group Long-Term-Care Insurance Writers. Rank
eThe Value of Voluntary Dental and Vision Products Novem- based on 1999 net premiums written. March, p.88.
ber, p. 68. 1999 Top Individual Long-Term-Care Insurance Writers.
Insuring Against Demutualization. Mutual insurers should Rasik based on 1999 net premiums written. March, p. 89.
take steps to prevent policyholders from forcing a demutualiza- Unlocking the Senior Market. Understanding the financial.
tion that could threaten the company’s long-term strategy and health, emotional and lifestyle concerns of older Americans is
survival. November, p: 70. key to long-term-care sales. March, p. 91.
Beating the Clock. Increasingly, an insurer's ability to Focus on the Future. Lincoln National is fortifying its niche by
understand and report financial results in real time will be the building up its arsenal of wealth-accumulation and asset-man-
yardstick by which its overall performance is measured. agement products and services. March, p.95.
December, p. 41. Ready and Able. Hartford Life uses a team of athletes with
Few and Far Between. Top insurance executives with tech- disabilities to promote its group disability insurance plans,
nology expertise are hard to come by in an industry struggling which are focused on helping employees return to work.
to break free of its legacy systems. December, p. 45. March, p. 98.
eAgent Recruiting Efforts Pay Off for Insurers December, p. 46. 1999 Top Group Disability Writers. Rank based on 1999 net
premiums written. March, p. 100.
inland Marine Survival Kit. With a myriad of applications for preserving
Built to Suit. Bianket installation floater policies often have assets, survivorship life policies will survive—even if the estate
limits and premiums unrelated to the risks. August, p. 61. tax is repealed. April, p. 89.
Inland Marine, Top Writers—2000. December, p.58. ¢More Investors Opt for Flexible Products. April, p.92.
Inland Marine, Top Writers by State—2000. December, p. 60. ¢ Wealthy Americans Speak Out Against Repeal. April, p. 94
Defining Moment. Economic and social changes have been so
international extensive that life insurance companies might be more produc-
London’s Fog. As London market reinsurers met to consider tive and profitable if senior management believed that the indus-
the evolution of their sector, it became clear that while change is try no longer exists. April, p.97.
relentless, only certain elements are controllable, and only the fit eLife Products Can Serve a Higher Purpose. April, p. 98.
will survive. July, p. 79. Another Market-Conduct Maelstrom Brewing. Using qualified-
plan dollars to buy life insurance and annuities is likely to create
Life Insurance regulator and consumer backlash, once producers’ true motiva-
Q&A: Underscoring Change. Allstate adopts a new name as it tion is exposed. April, p. 104.
expands its life insurance operations to include savings and Here We Go Again. A growing controversy about how small-
investment products. January, p.81. face-amount policies are sold and priced may pose the next pub-
In Search of Policies Past. A new California law requires lic-relations challenge for life insurance. April, p. 110.
insurers to divulge policies they wrote to insure slaves. Tax Avoidance Is Big Business. Life insurers balk at the possi-
Activists are requesting reparations for the insureds’ descen- bility of an estate-tax repeal, which would cut into sales of policies
dants. January, p. 86.
Redefining the Life Business. Life insurance companies are
transforming into financial-services businessesTh.e y are offering
new products and services and changing how they train the peo-
ple who distribute them. January, p. 75.
*Big Decisions Loom on Distributions. January, p. 76.
Freedom of Choice. [ndividual life insurance applicants are
more likely to purchase a policy if they can choose from a vari-
ety of underwriting requirements, weighing the burden of com-
94 BEST'S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002
sible discriminatory sales practices, insurers are searching their
archives for burial-policy history. September, p. 123.
Holding On to Life. Lower lapse ratios show that policyholders
are keeping their life insurance policies longer. November, p. 114.
Ordinary Life Average Policy Size and Lapse Ratios, Top
Writers—2000. November, p. 114.
Sale ofa Lifetime. Term life writers are cutting rates and raising
commissions in the battic for market share. November, p. 117.
Changing the Rules. Underwriting guidelines for corporate-
owned and bank-owned life insurance are being stretched so
designed for wealth protection. April, p. 113. brokers and direct writers can serve small and midsize employ-
Universal Truths. Insurers with lower lapse ratios, lower ers. November, p. 124.
expenses and higher investment yields generally provide univer- Life’s Dissolution. If the economy goes south, variable uni-
sal life policies with higher surrender values. May, p. 105. versal life policyholders will have to infuse more money into
A New Era in the Old World. Insurers in Europe need look their policies or see them lapse. It is time for insurers to help
no farther than their own back yards for the next emerging clients preserve their policies by reassessing funding arrange-
market—the private pensions that are beginning to supple- ments. December, p. 85.
ment strained government retirement systems. June, p. 84. eLower Premiums vs. Chance of Success. December, p. 87.
The Future at Stake. U.K. insurers are vying for positions in *Low-Load Liquidity Works for Some. December, p. 88.
the new stakeholder pension market, where competition
promises to be fierce and margins are paper-thin. June, p. 87. Loss Management
Playing Catch-Up. Germany is taking its first tentative steps Harnessing the Elusive Risk Factor. Enterprise risk manage-
toward expanding private pensions to take pressure off a ment focuses on overall risk exposure of a company to deter-
strained, state-run system. June, p. 90. mine the capital needed to support it. June, p. 75.
Life (and Annuities) in the Fast Lane. Lincoln National need- Gun Makers May Be Bulletproof. Recent decisions in New
ed a comprehensive plan to revitalize its sagging business.Sev- York and Louisiana indicate that the gun manufacturing industry
eral bold initiatives later, it is focused on serving the fastest- may not be held liable for criminal acts committed with guns.
growing segment of the population that seeks financial July, p. 93.
services. July, p. 96. Getting Centered on Service. Independent adjusters are
eStrategy Paved Way to ProfitabilitJyul.y , p. 98. changing the way they do business by putting carriers at the
eHartford Headquarters a Boon for Lincoin. July, p. 100. core of their activities. August, p. 74.
eLincoln Re: Beyond ReinsurancJeu.ly , p. 102. The Virtues of Value at Risk. Using a single measure of risk
eAnnuities: Lincoln’s Product Engine for Growth. July, p. 104. across all domains of activity can show companies what they
«Distribution,Adviser Services Key to Sales Strategy. July, p. 1006. would face in a worst-case scenario. September, p. 100.
«Delaware Investments Retools for Better Performance. Conning Finds Gap in Training in Insurer Claims Depart-
July,p . 108. ments. September, p. 102.
Making Sense of Split-Dollar Plans. A new tax directive is Seeing Is Believing. Insureds may have an easier time show-
causing life insurers to look for alternatives to split-dollar plans. ing they have sustained a direct physical loss when mold is visi-
July, p. 113. ble and deemed harmful. December, p. 80.
Checking in the Risk. Mortality risk management has become
excess baggage for life insurers, so they are increasingly letting Market Conduct
reinsurers handle it.August, p. 77 Higher Profile. Compliance officers
eElectronic Underwriting Promotes have experienced elevated status within
Consistency. August, p. 78. their companies since the emergence of
eReaching Out to Clients in Nontra- the Insurance Marketplace Standards
ditional Markets. August, p. 82. Association. October, p. 59.
Top Life Reinsurers in the United
States. August, p. 84. Marketing
Natural Selection. With seminal Making Prospecting Calls Count.
changes afoot in technology, insurer September, p. 97.
marketing, employee turnover and
lifestyles, workplace benefits may look a Political insight
lot different even five years from now. Banks Must Prepare Consumers.
August, p. 87. Regulators must outline rules for selling insurance through
Package Deal. The life-settkements business is maturing as bank branches. And, an all-inclusive ergonomics lawsuit will
securitization and valuation models emerge.August, p. 103. be heard in Washington, D.C. January, p. 14.
Righting Past Wrongs. Amid lawsuits and concerns about pos- Bankers Want Federal Insurance Chief. Banks seek uniform
BEST’S REVIEW ¢ JANUARY 2002 95
regulation; new budget expands Medicare coverage of telemedi-
cine; insurers embrace financial-services committee chairman.
February, p. 12.
Insurers Fear Cost of Patients’ Rights. Revised legislation
creates opportunities for lawsuits, industry representatives
say; insurers balk at being auto safety watchdogs. March, p. 12.
Ergonomics Rules Voted Out. Payments to Medicare+Choice
HMOs have increased, the medical privacy debate persists and
tax deductions are considered for people who buy long-term-
care insurance. April, p. 12.
House OKs Estate Tax Repeal. Senate is next to consider
gradual elimination of death tax; Medicare overhaul is in
committee; bill calls for new ergonomics rule in two years. Leveraging Umbrellas. Benchmarks are emerging that can
May, p. 12. help companies determine whether they are getting the most
Agents Press Lawmakers on Issues. Independent agents from their umbrella programs. February, p. 65.
descend on Capitol Hill to make pitch; bill would close tax Something Different, Something New. Property/casualty
advantage; life insurers happy pension reform is moving ahead. insurers need an established process for developing innovative
June, p. 10. products. February, p. 69
Costs Separate Dueling Bills. Congressional Budget Office Treasure Hunt. Regardless of whether insurers pursue salvage
says the Republican version of patients’ rights is cheaper; and subrogation, recovery often depends more on the character-
House bill clarifies liability in Superfund cleanups. July, p. 12. istics of the company than on its management. February, p. 73.
Bush Balks on Patients’ Rights. Senate passes legislation that Give Injured Workers a Reason to Return. Employers can bet-
president says encourages litigation against health insurers; thrift ter manage workers’ comp cases by ensuring that they have
director reluctantly makes way for successor. August, p. 12. someone to oversee the return-to-work process. February, p. 80.
House Passes Bush-Favored Patients’ Rights Bill. The House No News Is Good News. TV magazine shows give class-action
decides consumers should be able to sue their health mainte- lawyers a platform to promote their business—sometimes at
nance organizations; receive financial advice at work. Septem- insurers’ expense. February, p. 76.
ber, p. 12. Getting a Grasp on E-Commerce Risks. Limited claims history
China Reaches WTO Deal. Insurers are eager to expand into makes it difficult to underwrite new e-commerce risks and to
China; congressional votes move Vietnam closer to opening its anticipate the claims they will produce. March, p. 57.
market. October, p. 12. «Survey: Businesses Unprepared for E-Commerce Perils.
U.S. Closes In on Terror Pool. The insurance industry is March, p. 58.
encouraged by the White House plan for a federally backed rein- ¢Policy Parade. March, p. 60.
surance pool; economic-stimulus proposal includes insurers. Keeping Faith. Over-aggressive defense of first-party claims
November, p. 10. and bad-faith lawsuits can backfire on insurers, leading to ver-
China to Join WTO on Dec. 11. House bill would give SEC dicts in favor of the plaintiffs. March, p. 65.
more control in national emergencies; legislation would link anti- The Big Get Bigger. Lloyd’s gears up for a hard market.
fraud databases; Senate considers equal coverage for mental March, p. 65.
health care. December, p. 12. 2001 Top Lloyd’s Managing Agents by Capacity. March, p. 68.
Hostage Situation. Kidnappings for ransom are on the rise,
Privacy Issues and insurers are selling more policies to protect executives who
The Push for Privacy. With the first compliance deadline set travel to high-risk countries. March, p. 70.
for July 1, privacy laws as well as regulations that are already in eExecutive Kidnappings Happen in the United States, Too.
effect will have significant impact on the insurance industry. March, p. 73.
June, p.99. Falling Down on Efficiency. Agents and brokers often aren't
well-versed in technological advancements that can improve
Property/Casualty business processes, saving time and money. March, p. 77
Seeking a Rising Tide. After more than a decade of treacher- Steering Clear of Court. Perhaps it’s time for first-party direct
ous results, marine insurers are facing a sink-or-swim reality. Janu- insurance contracts to include alternative dispute resolution
ary, p. 40. clauses. March, p. 79.
Money to Burn. Overcapitalization and deregulation chal- Behind the Times. Today’s fast-changing e-commerce risks
lenge property/casualty insurers. January, p. 50. require insurers to re-evaluate products and the ways in which
Fair Share. Many insurance company executives are using exposures are assessed. March, p. 80.
finite quota-share reinsurance as an alternative source of capital. Sleepless in Seattle. Property/casualty insurers are still count-
January, p. 58. ing their losses from an earthquake that shook the Pacific North-
Special Orders. Some reinsurers are expanding into the capi- west on Feb. 28. The price tag could reach $1 billion when the
tal-markets arena to bolster their business. February, p. 59. dust finally settles. April, p. 76.
96 BEST'S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002
2001 Index of Articles
Selling in a Tight Market. The alternative market offers innov- ber, p. 82.
ative options for agents and brokers, who face challenges in find- Auto Liability, Top Writers By State—2000. October, p. 83.
ing products and services for cost-conscious clients. April, p. 82. Auto Physical Damage, Top Writers By State—2000. October.
Venting on the Internet. Insurers need to be aware that the p. 84.
law doesn’t strictly prohibit individuals’ use of their brand name Risks in the Rail Yard. Railroads that are facing environ-
on the Internet. April, p. 84. mental claims have begun to pursue their insurers. October,
Going It Alone Online. Listing insurance products on Internet p. 100.
portals may do more harm than good. April, p. 86. Doing Their Homework. Successful underwriters know that
Captivating Growth. The number of captive insurance the winner in any negotiation is the one who is most prepared.
companies is increasing worldwide, fueled, in part, by firming October, p. 102.
prices. May, p. 85. Minding the Store. New and redesigned insurance policies
State Farm: Behind the Veil. As the No. 1 personal lines insur- are helping companies protect their intellectual assets.
er continues to lose market share, analysts and observers ques- November, p. 93.
tion its strategy to cut rates. July, p. 63. Sudden Impact. Inland marine writers are facing dimin-
eState Farm Continues Clash Over Crash-Parts Lawsuit. ished reinsurance capacity and higher rates following the ter-
July, p. 64. rorist attacks. December, p. 54.
eState Farm:A Great Place to Work. July, p. 66. Ocean Marine, Top Writers—2000. December, p. 59.
e The ‘Big Dog’ AwakensJu.ly , p. 67. Fire & Allied, Top Writers—2000. December, p. 59.
eLoyal State Farm Agents Fight for IndependencJeu.ly , p. 68. Ocean Marine, Top Writers by State—2000. December, p. 61.
When the Lights Go Out. Power outages are leading to Fire & Allied, Top Writers by State—2000. December, p. 62.
mounting claims for insurers. July, p. 73. Extended Family. Agents who combine personal lines and
eCause and Effect. July, p. 74. commercial coverages can expand their business to give afflu-
Ready for a Change. William R. Berkley says his namesake ent clients and their family offices the protection both need.
company is prepared to thrive in the upcoming period of price December, p. 65.
firming and consolidation. August, p. 55. Cost Comparison. Increases in the cost of physician services,
A Downward Spiral. Medical malpractice insurance is losing its hospital room rates, legal costs and auto-body repair expenses
place as a top performing line of business in the property/casualty continued to outpace the general rate of inflation, keeping the
industry. August, p. 65. price indexes for most of property/casualty’s major lines above
¢The Future of Med Mal. August, p. 66. the consumer price index in 2000. December, p. 69.
Medical Malpractice: Top Writers by Line—2000. August, p. 68. eU.S. Claim Cost Indexes, Annual Percentage Increases.
High-Tech Fidelity. Fidelity writers are rolling out coverage December, p. 69.
for the new risks of e-commerce. September, p. 69. ¢ Yearly Increase in Costs by Line. December, p. 70.
eCumis Provides Fidelity Insurance for Most Credit Unions. eAverage Annual Increases—U.S. Claim Cost Indexes. Decem-
September, p. 74. ber, p. 70.
Fidelity, Top Writers—2000. September, p. 76. eDecennial Cost Increases. December, p. 70.
Surety, Top Writers—2000. September, p. 76. Staying in the Race. Policy retention affects insurers’ prod-
Asbestos: A Moving Target. Asbestos losses and expenses uct development, operations, pricing and profitability.
that U.S. insurers will incur are much more than predicted a December, p. 73.
few years ago due to social, legal and eLoss Ratios for Various Risk Classes.
economic changes. September, p. 85. December, p. 74.
Farmers, Progressive to Limit Sales of
Homeowners Policies in Texas. Septem- Reinsurance
ber, p. 98. Top U.S. Reinsurers by Line—2000.
Making a Dent In Auto Insurance. Commercial Multi Peril, Homeowners
Computer technology drives auto Multi Peril, Medical Malpractice, Work-
insurers’ efforts to stall fraud rings. ers’ Compensation, Total Liability, Total
October, p. 65. Auto. August, p. 41, 42.
Total Auto, Top Writers—2000. Octo- Back to Basics. Reinsurers at the
ber, p. 74. 45th Rendez-Vous de Septembre will
Private Passenger Auto, Top Writers—2000; Commercial focus on ways to make an underwriting profit, now that invest-
Auto, Top Writers— 2000. October, p. 76. ment profits are scarce. August, p. 43.
Auto Liability, Top Writers—2000; Auto Physical Damage, Reinsurers to the Rescue. Reinsurers may keep the de-
Top Writers—2000. October, p.77. clining health-provider capitation market alive...at least for a
Total Auto, Top Writers By State—2000. October, p. 78. while. September, p. 117.
Private-Passenger Auto, Top Writers By State—2000. October, ¢The Trials of Claims Turnaround. September, p. 120.
p. 80. Conference Silenced. The terrorist attack on the United
Total Commercial Auto, Top Writers By State—2000. Octo- States cut short the annual gathering of reinsurers in Monte
BEST'S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002 97
Carlo, which had begun with hopeful talk of a hardening allowed by the Financial Service Modernization Act of 1999.
market. October, p. 61. August,p . 1006.
eAmerican Capital Adds Banking to Insurance. October, p. 61. A Rewarding Strategy. Agents and brokers are controlling
«Pricing Is Key to Strong Market. October, p. 62. costs by shifting more compensation dollars away from annual
ePartnerRe Not StrivingT o Be No. 1. October, p. 62. increases and into incentives and bonuses. September, p. 96.
Agents Are Customers, Too. Customer-
Retirement Products value-management techniques can help
A Lifetime Contract. As defined-contri- insurers analyze and evaluate agents’ per-
bution pension plans grow and defined- formance. September, p. 127.
benefit plans fade, future retirees will need Cashing In on High-Tech Growth.
to create their own reliable incomes. Insur- Agents and brokers need to partner with
ers believe payout annuities should and will knowledgeable insurers to understand the
be part of retirement planning. May, p. 95. unique exposures facing the advanced-
technology industry. October, p. 96.
Risk Management Making Time for Face Time. Agents
Reading, ’Riting and Risk Management. must have more face-to-face meetings and
With school violence making headlines, make more personal calls to sell policies
risk managers are becoming a vital part of educational systems. today. Some use technology and new strategies to improve
Their roles include keeping schools safe, filing claims when dis- their sales efficiency. October, p. 105.
aster occurs and even administering health benefits for school A Different Approach. Conventional methods for determin-
employees. April, p. 35. ing how much life insurance a household needs don’t take into
eChallTiemens gAheiadn. Agpri l, p. 30. account what kind of lifestyle insureds want for themselves
eSpotlight: Denver Schools Focus on Prevention. April, p. 38. and their survivors. December, p. 100.
All Over the Map. Homeowners insurers are increasingly Getting Personal. Now is the time for independent agents to
drawn to the Hawaiian market to balance their exposure in seize the opportunity to grow their personal lines business
more catastrophe-prone regions of the mainland United States. June, p. 72.
October, p. 92. The Hardest Sell. Agency principals can maintain the bene-
Rethinking Retention. Rules of thumb for determining the fits of ownership if they steer clear of some common mistakes.
risk a company should retain may be outmoded and misleading. July, p. 90.
November, p. 103. The Slow Lane of Online Traffic. Insurers have a long way to
go to equal the success of other financial-services providers
Securitization doing business on the Internet. July, p. 117.
Underwriting Hollywood. As the motion picture industry Playing to Students’ Strengths. The industry should use com-
grows, so does the need for insurance.A new type of securitization puters to reach out to youngsters to foster sound financial habits
pools blockbusters with bombs to guarantee profits. May, p. 47. early and teach these future consumers how insurance works.
¢ Hollywood Insurance Can Flop,Too. May, p. 52. August, p. 70.
It’s All About Need. Life insurance sales happen by meet-
Self-Insurance ing a customer’s needs, not by introducing “hot products.”
A War of Words. The self-insured health insurance industry is October, p. 122.
facing its biggest challenge in Washington, but it has the presi- A Better Reputation. Because auto and homeowners insur-
dent of the United States on its side. June, p. 47. ers take time to explain their products and pricing, public opin-
eA Plan for a Self-Insured Health Plan June, p. 50. ion of this industry has turned more favorable in recent years.
November, p. 98.
Selling Getting Value From the Deal. Mergers among insurance com-
Strength in Numbers. Life insurance agents may have to band panies are more likely to succeed if their chief executive officers
together to survive the recent downturn in sales. February, p. 97. implement four overarching goals. November, p. 126.
Putting It All Together. Insurers that don’t participate in Working Behind the Scenes. Some insurers are benefitting
online account aggregation risk losing an attractive customer from advanced information technology that focuses on operations
segment. March, p. 104. without shutting down new sales opportunities. December, p. 76.
The Key to Customization. Insurers who can collect, analyze Getting Together to Offer More. Insurers need to partner
and act on customer-specific data have an edge in the e-business with other financial institutions to provide clients with the cus-
market. May, p. 111. tomized financial services they want. December, p. 106.
Expecting the Unexpected. Agents can translate a growing
need for individual income protection and long-term care into Surety
additional sales. August, p. 93. Keeping House. As the U.S. economy spirals downward,
Leveraging the Law. Insurers can move ahead of banks and surety writers are hoping the construction market remains
brokers in online selling by offering other financial products as strong to avoid huge losses. June, p. 59.
98 BEST’S REVIEW * JANUARY 2002