Book excerpt: An Overview for Those Interested In the Insurance Industry. A.M. Best Company publishes Understanding the Insurance Industry to provide an explanation of how the insurance industry operates, generates revenue and provides opportunities for people of a wide range of talents and interests. It's designed to provide readers with an overview of the insurance industry, particularly how it operates in the United States. It's also designed to be an easy-to-follow introduction to the insurance industry for students, new employees, prospects and those who would like to learn more about one of the world's most interesting and important financial service industries. We've designed this book in six sections: the overview, property/casualty sector (also known as nonlife insurance), life, health, reinsurance and alternative risk transfer, and the function of A.M. Best in the industry.