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...r compensation, because production fuels revenue. All else is expense. So it's...ons about profits solely on minimizing taxes, though, might not have the retai...

...on entrepreneurs feel compelled to fuel expansion by consummating the latest ...cy operating expense costs, effective tax rates, and other factors. When cond...

...rates open hostility, which can be fueled by the parent’s perception tha...

... circumstances' affecting the financial stability of the company and the quality of the insurance protection being provided. Monitoring the financial condition of carriers has clearly become an on-going legal responsibility. It is also emerging as a public relations issue for agents. Comparisons between the insurance industry and the S&L situation are frequent fodder for the press. And the recent failures of several Life insurance carriers have served to fuel the flames. Insureds are demanding that agents have adequate information on insurance companies. It is part of the package of professional services that they are expecting the independent agent to provide. Most of the E&O claims charging agents with lack of due diligence in selecting insurers that became insolvent have so far been settled out of court for small sums. But the number of cases is going up ... the ones that have to deliver the higher cost of insurance to the public. Insurance companies must participate in the guaranty funds, but the cost for the funding eventually can be traced back to the customer in all but a handful of states. Some states. Some states permit companies to recoup these assessments directly by increasing rates or surcharging policyholders. Others allow companies to credit the assessments against state premium taxes, which often go to support necessary community services, and the difference has to made up on other kinds of taxes. Because all agents are in this together, we see an enhanced role for agents associations in the area of company insolvency protection. State and local groups can and should establish formal watchdog' procedures. Some associations do this now, but many do so only on an informal ...