Podcast
Falcon Forward
Hosted by Peter Brecht · EN
Falcon Forward follows a modern property and casualty insurance brokerage as they grow, with a passion for rugby, cars, and tech. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe in San Diego, California.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When Carriers Say No: How Great Brokers Turn Claim Denials Around
5d ago00:21:06Tap to summarizeWhen carriers say no, that’s when great brokers go to work. In this episode of Falcon Forward, Peter and Mike break down how to turn claim denials around, advocate for your clients, and navigate the gray areas in insurance policies.We start with a listener question: “Can investments be insured?” That opens the door to a broader conversation about pure vs. speculative risk, AIG and the 2008 financial crisis, and why some of the most complex “insurance-like” products nearly broke the system. From there, we move into the real battleground for brokers: denied claims, ambiguous policy language, and the process of pushing carriers to honor their promises.Whether you’re a newer broker learning claims for the first time, or a seasoned producer looking to sharpen your advocacy game, this episode gives you practical, real-world tactics to use when the answer comes back “no.”TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro, Falcon Forward update01:00 – Academy group, oil & gas learning, listener questions03:00 – Can investments be insured? Pure vs speculative risk06:00 – AIG, credit default swaps, and the 2008 crisis09:00 – Why “investment insurance” can go wrong11:00 – Pivot to claims: when carriers say no13:00 – Unrealistic expectations vs real coverage15:00 – Broker’s role when a claim is denied17:00 – Getting denial letters in writing and reading the policy19:00 – Ambiguous language, advocacy, and involving attorneys21:00 – How persistence (and kids!) make you a better client advocate22:00 – Closing thoughts and what’s coming nextShow website: https://falconwest.comFalcon Forward is hosted by Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe and focuses on the intersection of personal and commercial insurance, small business growth, and professional career development. We provide deep dives into the insurance industry to help business owners manage risk and build sustainable enterprises.
Transcribe →Private Equity, Lawsuits, and Your Insurance Bill
1w ago00:26:37Tap to summarizePrivate equity, third-party litigation funding, uninsured drivers, and distracted driving are all putting pressure on insurance costs. In this episode of Falcon Forward, Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe explain why premiums keep rising and what consumers should understand about the forces behind their insurance bill.They cover North Carolina’s move to cut third-party litigation funding, how outside money can change the economics of lawsuits, why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage matters, and how Belgium handles traffic tickets, distracted driving, and auto insurance differently from the United States.Timestamps:00:00 Fourth of July, family updates, and setting the table01:11 Why insurance markets are still under pressure01:37 Third-party litigation funding enters the spotlight02:06 North Carolina’s 45-to-1 vote against litigation funding02:53 How private equity can fund lawsuits03:18 Why lawsuits can feel like a lottery ticket05:13 How contingency cases usually filter weak claims06:43 What happens when outside money changes the math07:22 Why insurance companies may settle more claims08:00 How litigation funding clogs the court system09:18 Will this actually lower insurance rates?10:33 Why the impact may take three to five years11:03 Could California, Colorado, and Illinois follow?12:28 The uninsured driver problem is getting worse14:24 What uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage actually does15:22 Why injury claims can change a family’s financial future16:34 Belgium versus the United States on auto insurance18:13 Why Belgian tickets may not affect insurance rates20:16 Distracted driving, seat belts, and changing driver behavior23:52 Why phone use is pushing road risk back up24:11 Belgium’s strict penalty for holding a phone while driving25:21 Could that kind of law work in the United States?26:07 World Cup, rugby, and wrapping up before the FourthFalcon Forward is a Falcon West Insurance Brokers podcast covering insurance, risk, business, and the real-world issues affecting clients, carriers, and consumers. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe.
Transcribe →State Farm’s Commission Cuts: Why Independent Agents Still Win
3w ago00:13:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Falcon Forward, we unpack the recent State Farm commission cuts and contract changes that are causing major concern among the company’s 19,000 agents nationwide. As the largest personal auto and home insurer in the U.S., State Farm is slashing agent compensation, cutting key benefits, and leaning harder into AI-driven claims handling—a clear sign of where the insurance industry is headed.Join Mike Tanghe and Peter Brecht as they break down:What the new State Farm commission structure and contract terms mean for exclusive agents and their long-term earnings.How competitors like Progressive and Geico are pressuring legacy carriers to automate, cut costs, and commoditize personal auto insurance.Why these moves represent a broader “race to the bottom” in pricing—and what gets lost when advice and relationships are replaced by AI and call centers.The key differences between exclusive vs. independent agency models, and why Mike chose the independent route.The 3 types of insurance buyers—and why Falcon West focuses on clients who value guidance and long-term protection, not just the lowest premium.Whether you’re a State Farm agent weighing your options, an insurance professional watching these changes, or a consumer deciding between State Farm and an independent broker, this conversation will give you a clear, jargon-free look at what’s really happening behind the headlines.Timestamps00:00 – Falcon Forward podcast milestones and consistency.01:09 – How global events and insurance influence everything around us.02:23 – State Farm’s 100+ year legacy and exclusive agency model.03:26 – The competitive squeeze: State Farm vs. Progressive & Geico.04:46 – Inside State Farm’s compensation and commission cuts.07:43 – Exclusive vs. Independent agencies: Why Mike chose independence.10:43 – The 3 types of insurance buyers and State Farm’s pivot to AI claims.13:31 – Wrap-up and upcoming guest episodes.Connect With UsSubscribe to Falcon Forward for weekly insurance and risk-management insights tailored to business owners and families.Looking for independent, relationship-driven advice instead of a one-size-fits-all policy? Learn more about our approach at Falcon West Insurance Brokers.
Transcribe →How to Insure the World Cup: Rod Stewart, McDonald’s & Cold Feet
4w ago00:28:43Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Falcon Forward with Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe!What does a global soccer tournament have in common with a neighborhood corporate picnic? More than you think! In today's episode, we take a deep dive into Special Event Insurance, comparing the massive risk management behind the FIFA World Cup to the planning of our own upcoming first annual company potluck. Mike breaks down standard event liabilities, host liquor policies, and then things get wild as we explore some of the craziest real-world insurance scenarios and bizarre coverage options on the market.In this episode, we discuss:The Rod Stewart Controversy: A sudden laryngitis cancellation that left 14,000 fans in Chula Vista stranded—and the next-day private jet Instagram video that had underwriters scrambling for doctor's notes.The 1984 McDonald’s Olympic Blowout: How a "US Wins, You Win" happy meal promotion cost McDonald's millions when Russia boycotted, and why "Over-Redemption Insurance" exists.Insuring "Cold Feet": Can you really insure your wedding budget against a runaway bride or groom?Bizarre Policies: Drone aviation liability, Kidnap & Ransom (K&R) for international travel, and how underwriting changes depending on whether stadium fans are Miami Dolphins or Las Vegas Raiders fans.Grab a snack (perhaps some Old Bay Goldfish?) and join us for this entertaining crash course on insurance policies you didn't even know existed!---EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 - Storms, Ticks, and Old Bay Goldfish02:10 - Team Updates & Falcon West's 45th Annual Potluck03:06 - What Does It Take to Insure the FIFA World Cup?04:32 - Event Liability: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt?05:21 - The Host Liquor Liability Distinction06:37 - Medical Payments vs. Workers' Comp Claims07:20 - Event Cancellation: Managing Massive Financial Risk08:15 - Wedding Insurance Explained (Hurricanes & Trip Delays)09:58 - Can You Actually Insure Against Wedding "Cold Feet"?11:00 - Non-Appearance & Star Player Insurance11:54 - Rod Stewart’s Controversy: Laryngitis or Private Jets?13:35 - Physical Infrastructure & Off-Site Property15:40 - Kidnap & Ransom (K&R) Insurance17:03 - Terrorism Coverages (TRIA) in Global Mega-Events18:45 - Cyber Liability: Gate Scanners & Broadcast Outages20:50 - Underwriting Stadiums: Raiders vs. Dolphins Fans22:19 - Parametric Weather Coverage: Betting on the Storms23:37 - Drone Liability & Cyberbullying Protection24:13 - Trade Credit Insurance & Defaulting Vendors24:37 - McDonald’s 1984 Olympic Promo Disaster25:27 - Holiday Party Crisis Management & Employment Practices26:34 - Polymarket vs. Parametric Insurance Bets27:37 - Academy Property Training & Wrap-Up---Keep up with us! Visit our website at falconforward.com and let us know what crazy insurance coverages you've heard of in the comments. See you next week!
Transcribe →Jane Kim vs Ben Allen: Who Will Fix CA's Insurance Market
Jun 1200:33:11Tap to summarizeCalifornia’s home insurance market is in a historic crisis, but major changes may be on the horizon with the 2026 Insurance Commissioner election.In this episode, Peter Brecht and Mike break down the fallout from major insurance carriers pulling out of California, the upcoming 30% FAIR Plan rate increase, and where the leading candidates stand on fixing the market.We take a closer look at the sharply different platforms of former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim and State Senator Ben Allen. Mike also shares his blueprint for what it will actually take to restore a functioning insurance marketplace in California, from tort reform to building code updates.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why personal home insurance in California has become a battleground between carriers and the Department of InsuranceA breakdown of Jane Kim’s platform, including her push for a single-payer public insurance model and mandated crossover requirements for auto insurersA breakdown of Ben Allen’s platform, focusing on upgrading physical building codes and land use restrictionsWhy the California FAIR Plan’s approved 30% rate increase for October 2026 is a major issue for consumersThe missing pieces politicians are not addressing, including tort reform and depopulating the FAIR PlanTimestamps:00:00 – Podcast intro and recording on the road01:28 – The 2026 California Insurance Commissioner election and the 30% FAIR Plan increase05:11 – The personal home insurance crisis: why carriers left California11:45 – Candidate profile: Jane Kim’s public model and single-payer approach17:22 – Candidate profile: Ben Allen’s mitigation and building code solutions23:40 – Mike’s blueprint: tort reform, efficiency, and how to fix the market28:59 – The role of lobbyists, trade groups, and final thoughtsLearn more and connect:Show website: https://falconwest.comFalcon West LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconwestConnect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-tangheConnect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrechtFalcon Forward is hosted by Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe and focuses on the intersection of personal and commercial insurance, small business growth, and professional career development. The show delivers deep dives into the insurance industry to help business owners manage risk and build sustainable enterprises.If you are a California homeowner impacted by these changes, consider reaching out to local candidates, sharing your perspective, and making your voice heard at the ballot box.#CaliforniaInsurance #HomeownersInsurance #JaneKim #BenAllen #FAIRPlan #CaliforniaPolitics
Transcribe →Lower Premiums, Better Coverage The 2026 Q2 Market Update
Jun 200:32:47Tap to summarizeIn this Falcon Forward episode, Falcon West advisors Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe unpack a major shift in the commercial insurance landscape: the move from a long, punishing hard market into a buyer‑friendly soft market. They explain what a soft market really means for your business, why carriers are suddenly hungry for good risks, and how to turn this environment into lower premiums and materially better coverage instead of just a modest discount at renewal.You’ll hear how record carrier profits, easing inflation, and dropping reinsurance costs are opening up capacity—and how smart business owners can use that “free premium” to restore property limits, reduce deductibles, increase umbrella coverage, and bolt on critical lines like cyber and earthquake. Peter and Mike also walk through real‑world remarketing examples, what they’re seeing with E&S versus standard markets, and why clean accounts have more leverage than they’ve had in years.For brokers and account managers, they dig into the mindset and discipline required to grow in a soft market: building strong client narratives, doing real field underwriting, getting out in front of renewals 120 days in advance, and negotiating with underwriters for multi‑year deals instead of just taking a 10% decrease and moving on. You’ll hear practical tactics for moving accounts out of restrictive E&S placements, using competition between carriers thoughtfully, and turning a softer market into a long‑term relationship win rather than a one‑year price play.If you’ve been asking, “How do I use this soft market to actually improve my risk profile—not just shave a few dollars off the bill?” this episode will give you a clear playbook. Falcon West is here to help you reallocate premium dollars strategically so you can strengthen coverage, protect balance sheets, and position your company—and your book of business—for the full market cycle ahead.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome to Falcon Forward & Academy Group 6 kickoff1:18 – Personal updates: graduations, internships, and driver’s tests2:18 – Parallel parking, driver’s ed, and learning under pressure4:05 – 2026 Q2 Market Update: moving into a soft market5:07 – What is a soft market? Premiums, underwriting, and capacity6:29 – Broker reality check: income shifts and the need to grow7:16 – Why the market is softening: reinsurance, inflation, and carrier profits9:02 – Real‑world proof: full remarkets and more carrier options11:16 – Smart levers: deductibles, building values, and replacement cost13:37 – Upgrading your coverage: bumping umbrella limits14:25 – Cyber and earthquake insurance: no longer optional16:22 – Supply‑chain leverage: moving E&S accounts to standard markets18:30 – The power of the client narrative and field underwriting21:09 – Underwriter strategies: multi‑year deals and flawless applications24:00 – Proactive client communication: the 120‑day renewal strategy28:18 – Prospecting in a soft market: how to win new business31:31 – The “valuable grind”: why work ethic still wins#commercialinsurance #softmarket #insurance2026 #businessinsurance #riskmanagement #cyberinsurance #earthquakeinsurance #umbrellainsurance #EandS #standardmarkets #insurancebroker #middlemarket #CaliforniaBusiness #FalconForward #FalconWest
Transcribe →To Claim or Not to Claim: That Is the Question
May 2900:34:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Falcon Forward, Peter Brecht sits down with Mike Tanghe to unpack one of the toughest calls for policyholders and agents alike: should you turn that incident into an insurance claim, or handle it out of pocket?They walk through real-world scenarios like parking lot fender-benders, runaway shopping carts, and minor home damage, and talk about how factors like safety, claim severity, prior claim history, and household drivers (especially teens) affect the decision. You’ll hear practical, plain-English guidance on what to do right after an accident, what information to collect on scene, and how to think about the long-term impact of “small” claims on your premiums.Whether you’re a personal lines client trying to avoid surprises or an agent looking for language to help your customers decide, this conversation will give you a simple framework for answering the age-old question: to claim, or not to claim?If you found this helpful, follow Falcon Forward for more conversations on personal insurance, risk, and real-life “what do I do now?” moments.
Transcribe →20 Minutes a Day: The Secret to Becoming a Top Insurance Advisor
May 2000:30:43Tap to summarizeIs your insurance expertise atrophying? Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe discuss why the most successful people in the insurance industry treat their professional development like a daily workout routine.In this episode, the hosts break down the difference between being a salesperson and becoming a trusted advisor. They discuss the common pitfalls of cramming for license renewals and why a 20-minute daily study habit is the most effective way to build long-term confidence and value for your clients. You will also learn about new risks in the modern environment, specifically how government staffing shortages and permitting delays are making old business interruption formulas obsolete.Topics Discussed:Why water loss is the leading cause of home insurance claimsThe weightlifting analogy for property and casualty insuranceWhy stopping points are just as important as starting points in time blockingThe pros and cons of pursuing professional designations like ERISHow to use daily news and jury award reports to educate clientsWhy the one-year rule for business interruption is no longer realisticLinks and Resources: Falcon West Website: https://falconwest.com/Falcon West LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconwestConnect with Mike Tanghe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-tanghe/Connect with Peter Brecht: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/
Transcribe →The Truth About Workers Comp Experience Mods and Premiums
May 1400:33:22Tap to summarizeAre you effectively auditing your clients' unit stat cards, or are they overpaying due to reporting errors? In this episode of Falcon Forward, Mike Tanghe and Peter Brecht provide an expert-level breakdown of the Workers' Compensation experience modification factor for insurance producers and HR professionals.We move beyond the basics to discuss the "stories in the numbers," focusing on how to identify missing payroll years, entity reporting errors during M&A, and reserve inaccuracies before they are locked in for a three-year cycle. You will learn the specific levers available to brokers, including how subrogation against at-fault third parties can be used to force a mod recalculation and how to navigate the differing medical-only thresholds in states like California and Minnesota.Topics Discussed:The mechanics of the 1.0 baseline and actuarial experienceStrategic auditing of loss runs before the five-month valuation windowOwnership and entity rules that prevent "gaming" the systemNavigating state-specific indemnity vs. medical-only reportingThe technical process of filing corrected unit stat cards with the BureauDistinguishing between Bureau-set mods and carrier discretionary debitsLinks and Resources:Show website: https://falconwest.com/Falcon West LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconwestConnect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-tanghe/Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/
Transcribe →Why Your Subcontractor’s Insurance Might Fail You
May 800:33:56Tap to summarizeBuilding 30-million-dollar homes requires more than just expert craftsmanship; it requires a bulletproof legal and insurance strategy. This episode dives into the essential risk management tools every general contractor needs to keep their business safe from the unexpected.Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe discuss why relying on a subcontractor's basic insurance certificate is a dangerous gamble. They explain how to audit policies for exclusions and why specific legal language in your contracts is the only thing standing between your firm and a business-ending lawsuit.Topics Discussed:Why general contractors must have rock-solid written contracts for every sub.Essential coverage types including Cyber, Pollution, and Errors and Omissions.The role of Waivers of Subrogation in preventing insurance company infighting.How Per Project Aggregates protect your limits from being eroded by other jobs.Lessons from a multi-million dollar water damage claim and a catastrophic injury case.Strategies for reviewing Master Service Agreements and indemnity provisions.Links and Resources:Show website: https://falconwest.com/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@falconwestmediaConnect with Mike Tanghe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-tanghe/Connect with Peter Brecht: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/
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