loss

Cornerstone Essays

The definitive thoughts, frameworks, and analyses on modern risk.

PrivateRiskAdvisor Perhaps it is the result of growing up in a household that regarded “Murphy’s Law” as gospel —- but I am almost manic in expecting (and preparing for) the unexpected. While the “unexpected” does not occur to any of us with great frequency, when “it” does I am rarely caught off guard, or without […]

Perhaps 95% of the consumers and professional advisors I meet with attempt to focus their discussion simply on the insurance policies they own. Ours is a product focused culture, and our buying decisions are guided by products receiving 5 star reviews, Consumer’s Digest Best Buy recommendations, and / or finding a “good deal”. The power of […]

With alarming frequency, the media reports heart wrenching stories of insurance consumers who have had a significant property or liability loss, only to learn after the loss that the insurance policy they have purchased does not provide the proper coverage. While the reasons for an uncovered loss vary, I provide this one page overview that details […]

While having a fire and burglar alarm system can offer some peace of mind, most property owners are curious to know how technology can help them better protect their home — and their families while at home. While I am not an expert on home security, I am a good resource in directing homeowners to the […]

Recent news reports tell a story that insurance carriers know all too well: residential construction projects involve a number of risks that can create significant damage to your home. Determining who can be responsible after a loss can be very challenging. While it is important to have the right insurance coverage, it is just as critical to know the […]

It is alarming, but true: depending upon where your home is located, your local fire department may not have much of a chance of extinguishing a fire in your home. Having worked for many years as a residential appraiser with Chubb, my colleague, Melissa Apostle, provided The Robb Report with several great suggestions on how vacation […]

It is alarming how many people confuse the purchase price or appraised value of a residence with the cost to rebuild it. The common thinking: My house is worth X, the land is probably worth 30 – 40% of that, so I will insure it for 70% of X, since the property won’t burn. Realtors, mortgage lenders, and tax assessors confuse […]