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How to Draft and Interpret Insurance Policies, by Kenneth Wollner, JD. The book, a definitive work on contract language and format, provides policyholders, underwriters, intermediaries, claim examiners, and consultants with tools they can put to immediate use for any type of policy.

It also is a handy reference for professionals who recognize the need to enhance their abilities in the competitive insurance market. From discussions of contract interpretation principles to techniques of customizing coverage, Wollner's book is designed to take insurance professionals to the next level.

According to Wollner, "The use of stock coverage forms, standardized throughout the insurance industry, has decreased. Buyers now can select from among differently worded policies offered by competing insurance companies. Risk managers are demanding policies be adjusted to match specific exposure and risk financing arrangements. These, as well as other developments in the insurance industry, emphasize the usefulness of contract drafting and interpretation skills."

The book uses more than 300 insurance contract provisions and court decisions to illustrate concepts and explain drafting techniques. It also contains practical tips for handling common problems, lists of drafting conventions and several surveys, one of which is the insurability of punitive damages.

Wollner devotes a section to methods of minimizing ambiguity in insurance policy text. Other sections concentrate on statutory and administrative law; public policy; promises, conditions, warranties and representations; multiple causation; insuring agreements and exclusions; and endorsements.

As Managing Director of Globe Midwest Risk Management, a Southfield, Michigan‑based independent consulting firm, Wollner advises risk managers, insurance companies, brokers and attorneys. He has 30 years experience in drafting and interpreting insurance policies. A former underwriter and insurance company executive, Wollner periodically has served as an expert witness in coverage litigation in numerous state and federal courts.

How to Draft and Interpret Insurance Policies is available for $185 from the publisher, Casualty Risk Publishing, P.O. Box 252392, West Boomfield, MI  48325-2392, (800) 862‑9792. ISBN: 0-9674845-0-2.