Expert Commentary

Latest Articles

Additional Insured Issues

Modern Additional Insured Endorsements DO NOT Require Vicarious Liability

Gregory Podolak | September 13, 2024

A New Jersey federal court declares a national consensus on the "caused, in whole or in part, by" language. Gregory Podolak relates the case and its takeaways.

Design and Professional Liability

Design Professional Review of Submittals under the AIA Documents

Kenneth Slavens | September 13, 2024

The design professional's review of shop drawings is a limited but crucial step in achieving a complete and safe project. Ken Slavens explains why.

Property Insurance

Inflation and Its Impact on the Property Insurance Market

Kurt Huie | August 30, 2024

The market continues to show signs of normalization, with premium increases expected to return to pre-COVID-19 levels. Kurt Huie provides an update.

Catastrophe Risk Management

Public-Private Partnerships and Wildfire Recovery

John E Putnam | August 30, 2024

Collaborating on the insurance and noninsurance issues involved in the aftermath of a wildfire can help neighborhoods survive and endure. John Putnam explains.

Wrap-Up Programs

Insurance Requirement Exceptions

Tim Walsh | August 30, 2024

Tim Walsh explores who has the risk of waiving or altering the insurance requirements in owner-controlled insurance programs.

Construction Liability Insurance

Are All EIFS Contractors Created Equal?

Ann Hickman | August 16, 2024

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) remain a contentious issue, and there is an ongoing debate in the industry whether EIFS liability exposures can be underwritten or should simply remain excluded. IRMI Vice President Ann Hickman provides some insights into how an underwriter or an insurance representative may evaluate the risks faced by a contractor from EIFS.

Construction Liability Insurance

Construction Defect Trend Produces Coverage-Restricting Endorsements

Ann Hickman | August 16, 2024

Insurers are making significant changes to their policies in response to rising construction defect claims. IRMI Vice President Ann Hickman takes a look at these changes, including those affecting known loss, exterior insulation and finish systems, mold, earth movement, residential construction, additional insureds, and others.

Design and Professional Liability

Ambiguity Does Not Doom a Limitation of Liability Clause

Kenneth Slavens | August 9, 2024

The limitation of liability clause is not subject to the same strict review as an exculpatory clause. Ken Slavens relates the case and lessons learned.