Issues & Answers: Innovation in E&S

Eric Werkheiser, VP of professional liability and specialty programs at Nationwide E&S and Specialty, said when it comes to specialty insurance, the company will stay open-minded and explore opportunities as they come. 

Mark McGhiey, senior associate vice president of risk management & client services for Nationwide Insurance, discusses how rising driver anxiety, staffing shortages and underused safety tech are fueling distracted driving risks, and what commercial insurers can do in response.

Adrian Jones, head of underwriting and specialty retail at Acrisure, offers this advice to executives about social media in part two of a two-part interview: Don’t let anybody else do it. He also suggests a regular cadence of posts, since it improves familiarity and that leads to trust, which generates business.

Adrian Jones, head of underwriting and specialty retail at Acrisure, discusses the strategic importance of “being blessed” with data to help insurers improve their performance on multiple fronts, ranging from customer management to improving efficiency in part one of a two part interview.

AM Best Senior Industry Research Analyst Christopher Graham highlights a new Best’s Market Segment Report that finds market uncertainty, evolving technology and tariffs among the factors affecting the directors and officers segment.

Steve Doire, strategic platform and client adviser, Clearwater Analytics, discusses how insurers are shifting to outsourced management and private markets to boost returns, manage risk and meet growing regulatory demands.

Rahul Khanna, global head of marine risk consulting, Allianz Commercial, discusses the sharp drop in vessel losses, the rise of shadow fleets and how geopolitical instability is reshaping maritime risk and global supply chains.

Tim Nunziata, senior vice president of E&O and cyber at Nationwide Insurance, said that when it comes to cyber, each industry has a nuancedthreat landscape that can’t be painted with this broad brush. It’s important for clients and risk managers to find tailored solutions to meet their company’s needs, he said.

Chris Williams, employment practices liability product manager, Travelers Insurance, discusses how rising mental health awareness is increasing workplace discrimination claims and emphasizes the need for employers to update policies, train staff, and consult legal counsel to keep pace.

AM Best Senior Financial Analyst Josie Novak discusses a new Best's Special Report on Florida's property insurance market, which posted its first underwriting profit in nearly a decade.