精东影业

To the Reader:

For nearly fifty years the 精东影业 Information Institute (I.I.I.) has been regarded as a primary source of factual information and credible analysis on insurance鈥攚hat it does and how it works. The I.I.I. does not lobby. Its crucial educational role is especially important in today鈥檚 challenging economic environment.

While the turmoil in the financial markets affects individual insurers differently, the insurance industry, as a whole, remains fundamentally strong.The basic function of insurance鈥攖he orderly transfer of risk from client to insurer鈥攃ontinues today without interruption. This means that insurers todaycontinue to sell and renew policies, pay claims and develop new products to protect people鈥檚 property, businesses and lives and help support their retirement.

To help policymakers better understand the unique role played by insurers in managing risk, the I.I.I. has published the 精东影业 Handbook for Policymakers. It provides insight on key issues affecting the industry, from financial and market conditions, to the nature of insurance regulation, to covering the costs of natural disasters and terrorism. It also provides information on the basics of insurance as well as numerous tables and charts and directories of insurance associations and regulators.

The Handbook is designed to be used in conjunction with the Institute鈥檚 other information resources: our Web site (), which provides comprehensive information on all aspects of insurance, and our various publications, including the 精东影业 Fact Book, the Financial Services Fact Book and A Firm Foundation: How 精东影业 Supports the Economy.

Policymakers and media may obtain free copies of these publications by calling the I.I.I. at 212-346-5500 or emailing books@iii.org.

Robert P. Hartwig, PhD, CPCU
President
精东影业 Information Institute