The NAIC provided grants to research teams from the University of Pennsylavania, the University of South Carolina and Stewart Economics for a study of the causes and policy implications of the cycles and crises in property/casualty insurance. The results of this research are compiled here with additional explanation by the editors.

This book details key property and casualty concepts rarely discussed or found in print; rather they are often left to be "discovered" over time. These important concepts are now written down for all insurance practitioners to easily access. Examples of the topics and concepts found in this book include rules for reading ANY insurance policy; why losses are excluded; contractual risk transfer; legal liability theories; "COPE" details; and the proper explanation of coinsurance concepts. Also included is a rather extensive glossary of insurance and insurance-related terms. Readers will: 1) Gain a deeper understanding of insurance theories; 2) Be better prepared to explain insurance concepts to their clients; and 3) Develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the claims valuation process.