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Management

John F Nixon

Asperta, Ltd. is a unique independent consulting practice coaching risk managers and brokers on critical issues with property insurance underwriting submission format, data quality, and valuation, including optimization for leading CAT models. Insureds with large, complex property schedules need to attract capacity at best available terms. We offer an objective and credible insiders’ perspective on…

Trends and Pressures on Today’s Claims Department

“By investigating a case aggressively at the outset, it was often possible to have a developed factual matter for analysis within 90 days, maybe as long as 6 months, depending on the cooperation of any third‑party claimant and other sources of information. By having that development, one could set accurate reserves earlier. The insurer would know where it stood, and actuaries could also have access to that data and reassess a particular book of business or a particular program to see how profitable it may be over time and make adjustments, rather than canceling a program as unprofitable, should development and accurate reserve setting take longer, such as years versus months.

Another important function was the interaction between claims handlers and underwriters. The two go hand in hand. Underwriters have a certain view of the world and ways they want to approach coverage, but it’s the claims people who must handle the result and keep up to date with the latest case law affecting liability and/or coverage. Such teamwork results in tighter and more successful programs including decisions as to whether or not policy language needs to be changed or the need to add additional exclusions based on developing appellate decisions that might create new perils. That level of communication was important, especially for innovative insurance companies. Where the intent is to cover something as communicated to the applicant, the claim department might not be aware of it, resulting in a claim denial.”

Michelle Villarreal

Michelle Villarreal began her claims career over 30 years ago, with Cigna Companies while attending St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. She is the President and CEO of Occupational Accident Risk, Inc, a Third Party Administrator specializing in Texas work injury programs. They have been in the Third Party Administration industry since 2006, offering services…

Public Adjusters-What You Should Know

As an agency owner I was unfamiliar with the role of a Public Adjuster, what they did and their purpose in the insurance equation. Upon selling my agencies, I was approached by a company to consider assisting them as a Public Adjuster. All of these years as an agent I was told to “steer clear”…

Ralph Korn, CPCU

I have over fifty years’ experience in insurance and risk management.  I am a graduate of Loyola University, Chicago.  My corporate experience includes Director of Insurance for Duplan Corporation, Risk Manager for E. & J. Gallo Winery and Vice President of Insurance for Greyhound Corporation.  In addition, I have over thirty-five years’ experience as an…

J. Eric Peterson, Jr.

I have been in the insurance industry for over 30 years, working as a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Broker, Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster and Litigation Manager for wholly owned, Captive Insurance companies.  I have also worked for the country’s top Third Party Administrative Companies. I currently hold Property and Casualty Insurance Broker…

Lezlee Liljenberg

Lezlee Liljenberg, entered the insurance business in 2004 as she started her first agency from ground zero, growing the business to over $6 million in revenue in less than 12 years. Ms. Liljenberg holds a BA in Journalism/Public Relations and a MA in Political Science/Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.  She is…

Adjuster Safety

This article discusses some of the physical risks adjusters face in fieldwork and the emotional risks they face in an increasingly stressful claims arena. It offers tips and solutions for both adjusters and those who manage a claims team.

Amy E. Johnson

Richard Faber

Richard Faber is a highly experienced insurance professional who possesses a wide array of skills and a distinctive combination of experience, ranging from marketing, and consulting to managing/underwriting a staggering array of  risks. His background and extensive experience work together to make Richard a much sought after authority in his field. Richard began his career…

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