When certain types of insurance become unavailable, what is one of the historical examples mentioned?

The historical example of products liability and directors and officers coverage becoming unavailable in the 1980s highlights a significant event in the insurance industry. During this period, the insurance market experienced what is known as a "hard market," characterized by increased premiums and a reduced appetite from insurers to underwrite certain types of risks. This shift was largely driven by significant losses in the manufacturing sector and high-profile lawsuits that raised concerns over liability risks.

The tightening of the market led to insurers pulling back on offering coverage for products liability and directors and officers liability, as the potential for financial loss became more pronounced. This scenario serves as a cautionary tale in the insurance industry, illustrating how external factors and claims experience can significantly impact the availability of insurance products. Understanding this example helps in grasping the cyclical nature of insurance markets and the factors that drive changes in coverage availability, which is crucial for those studying insurance accounting and market behaviors.