Historically, a hard market is part of the cyclical nature of the insurance industry. At one time, these cycles occurred fairly consistently at about seven year intervals. However, the last significant hard market came in the mid-80s.

A hard market is characterized by increasing rates and/or reduced industry capacity, which leads to affordability and/or availability problems. In addition, both underwriting and claims adjusting usually become more stringent. In the current marketplace, these conditions are exacerbated by increased uncertainty about such loss exposures as terrorism, mold, etc., and by a reinsurance market significantly strained by the events of September 11.

A CORPORATE FOCUS ON RISK MANAGEMENT OR 'YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING UNTIL YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE AT' by Alan Bland, AIIC OSHA, WHMIS, CERCLA, ERISA? What do they all mean? If you a...

A QUICK AND EASY WEB MARKETING PLAN by Jack Fries Whether youre planning or upgrading your Web site, these proven principles can help. Web surfing is a fast-paced sport. ...

AGENCY BROCHURE ENCLOSED Dear (Customer Name): Thank you for letting us take the opportunity to review your insurance program. Before we meet, I thought I would share a little of our firm's backgro...

AGENCY OWNERSHIP CHANGES CALL FOR EXTRA CUSTOMER TLC by Emily Huling During times of transition, customers have special needs. Emily Huling warns that without proper new customer handlin...

AUTO DEALERS - 'CAR MODELS COME AND GO' Dear (Customer Name): Car models come and go. Each year brings in new models and new, improved options. But what about your insurance? Does your insurance p...

AUTO DEALERS - 'WE UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS' NO ONE KNOWS YOUR BUSINESS BETTER THAN YOU Dear (Customer Name): Every business is special. In the auto dealer business, you have your own t...

Avoid E&O Problems! by Patricia Berry Agents need to review their procedures for avoiding errors and omissions claims on a regular basis. Although coverage checklists provide a great...

BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY COULD YOU DO BUSINESS WITH JUST FOUR WALLS? Dear (Customer Name): Of course you couldn't. In order to do business you need equipment, furniture, fixtures, supplies - the...

Dear (Customer Name), I'm writing you today for two reasons: one, to thank you for being a valued customer of [Your Agency Name] and, two, to ask you for a favor...