Articles by Andrea Wells

Four percent of U.S. adults nodded off or fell asleep at least once while driving in the previous month. You’ve been there. The midnight call from an important client that just experienced a devastating loss. Or the sick child who …

The workers’ compensation market is seeing encouraging signs. Premiums grew for the second consecutive year, the combined ratio declined and claim frequency continued to improve at a pace slightly greater than its long-term historic rate of decline. In 2012, the …

The incoming president of the American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) is no newcomer to insurance. He has some 40 years of experience under his belt. Frank Mastowsi founded his family-run managing general agency — named after his children …

Doctors do it. Kindergarteners do it. Should insurers do it? Despite the prevalence of apologies in our society — think Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, Mel Gibson and Bill Clinton — the idea of offering an apology as a result of …

The road to becoming a successful independent insurance agent is not always easy. The economy and often volatile property/casualty insurance market cycle are just two of the potholes agents must maneuver. Young agents in particular face the added burden — …

Guns are big business. Just ask some insurance brokers. According to a report on InsuranceJournal.com, proposals to change state and federal gun laws is having an unintended effect on the gun insurance market – unprecedented growth. Experts in this segment …

Agents appear to be winning the race in home insurance — at least when it comes to claims. Home insurance claimants who file through agents show greater satisfaction levels — 50 points higher — than those who file claims directly. …

The road to becoming a successful independent insurance agent is not always easy. The economy and often volatile property/casualty insurance market cycle are just two of the potholes agents must maneuver. Young agents in particular face the added burden – …

Many believe there is still opportunity for independent insurance agents and their carriers to grab personal lines market share. But to do so they must find a way to compete against the giant direct response and captive carriers that are …

Independent agents should soon be getting some help with their personal lines sales— better late than never. The delayed Consumer Agent Portal — backed by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Inc. (IIABA) and six investor insurance companies …