Inside the Contractors Market

If you find placing contractors insurance these days almost as daunting as building the house, condo, apartment or other facility itself, you are not alone. A restrictive market, high minimum premiums and tighter underwriting conditions are just a few ways to describe the contractors market in California, Texas and a number of other states. Jim ...

Features

Editor's Note: Contractors in Need of Relief

Leaders Bullish On Tort Reform, But Not Asbestos Cap

S&P: Commercial Lines Outlook Still Negative

Couple Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud

NICB Says Port, Border Areas Special Targets for Vehicle Theft

IBA West Gets Down to Business Amidst Sun and Sand

Minority and Women Agents Look to Tap Emerging Markets

New AIG Construction Specialty to Focus on Builder & Contractors

AAI Urges NCOIL to Take Initiative on Market Conduct Reform

IICF Celebrates 10 Years of Charitable Giving

Born to be Wild or Something Like It

Weiss Ratings Drops a Bomb on the Med-Mal Debate

Parting Shots: The American Dream in California is Just That-A Dream

Departments

Fraud Roundup

• Couple Involved in Fraud Scam Sentenced
• Fraud Bust Leads to Five Arrests
• Insurance Fraud Arrest
• Workers' Compensation Fraud Arrest
• CDI Fraud Arrest

Newsbriefs

• CONNING RESEARCH SAYS P/C OUTLOOK NOT AS BRIGHT AS RISING PREMIUM RATES SUGGEST:
• NAMIC TELLS WASHINGTON LEGAL FOUNDATION THAT REGULATION BEST LEFT TO STATES:
• STATE FARM HOMEOWNER RATES INCREASE IN NEV:
• SAFECO ESTIMATES STORM LOSSES:

Ratings

• Majestic Insurance Co. Affirmed
• Liberty Mutual Maintains 'A'
• Baldwin & Lyons Sub Upgraded
• Endurance Specialty Gets Upgrade