We only hear half of what we listen to. Perhaps that’s why most people instinctively use tautology when they write or speak. Tautology is the use of different words to say the same thing or repeating the same thing twice, often in the same sentence. Most people don’t even know they’re doing it. Tautology clutters otherwise simple communication. It doesn’t diminish clarity, but it should be avoided in formal writing and speaking. Insurance and subrogation professionals communicate for a living and should be aware of one of the most common mistakes made in professional and interpersonal communication.

Even non-standard auto insurers enjoy getting checks in the mail. The effective subrogation of Med Pay, PIP, UM/UIM, and collision claims by non-standard auto insurers means money coming into a segment of the insurance industry that historically has been better at paying it out. The reasons this segment has been somewhat subrogation-challenged are many but is emphasized by the fact that the non-standard auto insurance market is highly-specialized, geographically-segregated, and transaction heavy. It’s time for non-standard auto carriers to aggressively step up their subrogation game and pursue those responsible for causing losses and claims so they can return those claim dollars to the carriers that paid them and insureds who desperately need them.

We are just as guilty as everyone else. Words matter, and in our industry, they are our tools. Therefore, using the right words would seem to be a priority. This article will set the record straight on whether subrogable is or isn’t a word and addresses a handful of insurance terms that are most often misused and misinterpreted as well.

Work Comp Third-Party Settlement Not Subject to Aitken Reduction. On August 2, 2018, the Arizona Supreme Court overruled the Court of Appeals with regard to settlement situations. No longer is an employee able to settle without notice to the workers’ comp carrier and quickly seek a court determination of the employer’s percentage of fault.

Gary L. Wickert will be presenting a MWL webinar on “The Complete Guide to Selecting, Hiring, and Using the Right Expert in Subrogation Cases” on September 25, 2018 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (CDT). MWL webinars are free to attend and are open to all who want to attend. To learn more about this webinar or to register for it, click HERE.