Identifying the insurance needs of a small business

One of the single most common problems with commercial insurance is,  most small business owners understand that insurance is a necessity, but they struggle to understand what form of insurance is right for them. The need to make sure they have all of the coverage for their particular business, which can be very challenging, and no one wants to end up paying for more than they require. Often, it is advised that small business owners seek professional advice from trustworthy sources, such as an accountant, or an insurance broker or agent that specializes…

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FEMA seeks to partially privatize National Flood Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has had a troubled history. The program is meant to provide affordable home insurance coverage to those that live in areas prone to flooding either from hurricanes or other storms. Thousands take advantage of the program, but it has suffered shortfalls in funding, putting NFIP $18 billion in debt. Congress has been debating solutions to this problem. Legislators have until September 30th to figure it out or the program will be abolished. FEMA administrator Craig Fugate may have a plan that could offset NFIP’s…

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Worldwide disasters push commercial insurance rates higher

In the past 16 months, natural disasters all over the world have cost the insurance industry more than $100 billion. The financial impact of these catastrophes is compounded by the worldwide recession which severely impaired the industry as a whole. Insurers are struggling to reassert themselves in the world as the economy improves, and the only way to do so is by offsetting the cost of natural disasters with higher insurance premiums. Some commercial companies have already begun the process, raising rates on commercial insurance for the first time in…

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State Farm receives A.M. Best top ratings scores

 State Farm General Insurance Company’s financial strength rating (FSR) and issuer credit rating (ICR) have been revised by A.M. Best Co., upgrading them from their previous “A-“ (Excellent) to a current “A” (Excellent), in both cases.   State Farm Group and State Farm Life Group and their members have also received an FSR and ICR of “A++” (Superior) by Best.  State Farm Fire and Casualty Company in Dallas, State Farm Indemnity Group, and State Farm International Life Insurance Company, Ltd, also had had their FSR and ICR affirmed by Best. All…

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This year’s hurricane predictions are a big concern for insurance industry

Risk Management Solutions, a world leader in catastrophic risk modeling, has released a new study regarding hurricanes that has sent ripples of concern throughout the insurance industry. Hurricane season is here and it is expected that several major hurricanes will form in the Atlantic Ocean on their way to Florida. The study suggests that if even one of these hurricanes makes landfall and forces its way to the interior of the state, the damage would be unprecedented. This has caused many insurers in Florida to speculate how the report could…

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