IA Magazine

New NAIC Model Would Create New Standard of Care and Other Duties for Agents

The model proposes a broad range of new obligations for insurance agents and includes a handful of provisions that are particularly concerning. Big “I” members and state associations are urged to monitor any developments closely and weigh in as neces...

Posted: Feb 26, 2020

The Biggest Challenges Affecting Small Business Owners

The Agency Challenges Research Report asked agents how much of an impact they believe various industry trends will have on their agency in the next 10 years. Here are the top answers.

Posted: Feb 25, 2020

Stop ‘Just Checking In,’ Plan How to Follow Up

“Just checking in…” is one of the most ineffective statements in a salesperson’s vocabulary. To avoid losing control of the sale and a prospect’s attention, plan for more meaningful follow-up by incorporating a rather simple sales strategy.

Posted: Feb 24, 2020

A&E Market Challenges: New Building Methods, Climate Change and Staff Shortages

The last decade in architects & engineers insurance has been highly competitive, but escalating challenges are leading to a hardening of the market in the large account space, which may eventually trickle down.

Posted: Feb 23, 2020

From the Front Lines: Architects & Engineers

Independent agent Stefanie Fuller says technology is one big challenge in the architects & engineers insurance industry: "As design firms continue to evolve, it can be difficult to find insurance solutions to address their needs."

Posted: Feb 23, 2020

Travelers Offers Wildfire Defense Services

The endorsement provides an added layer of wildfire protection by giving customers access to loss prevention services, such as taping vents, applying fire retardants and setting up sprinklers.

Posted: Feb 23, 2020

Upside Potential: How to Win with Affluent Accounts

Looking to round out a strong first quarter as we head into a new decade? Consider the win-win relationship represented by affluent accounts.

Posted: Feb 23, 2020

Condo Problems: Who Pays for Repairs to a Skylight?

An insured’s condo has damage to the roof and skylight. The condo association is saying they're responsible for the roof but the unit owner is responsible for the skylight. Isn’t the skylight part of the roof and therefore the association's responsib...

Posted: Feb 20, 2020

Senate Bill Introduced Imposing Cuts to FCIP

The legislation would significantly weaken the FCIP and the critical safety net the program offers. The Big “I”, along with its coalition partners, will continue to advocate for a strong and robust FCIP.

Posted: Feb 19, 2020

Student of the Industry: Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Which Is the Most Transparent Industry of All?

The insurance industry's transparency makes gathering information as straightforward as pulling the rate filings. What can you learn from this information?

Posted: Feb 18, 2020

3 Ways to Launch Your Agency’s Digital Marketing Strategy

As the digital marketplace evolves, the path to identifying and nurturing leads will also change. Here are three ways to get your agency started with digital marketing.

Posted: Feb 17, 2020

Is Building Damage Covered from Nearby Implosion?

A nearby crane implosion caused roof leakage in an insured’s commercial building. Is there coverage for the damaged property?

Posted: Feb 13, 2020

FY2021 Budget Calls for Deep Cuts to Crop Insurance Program

The Big “I” opposes these cuts to the FCIP and—along with its crop insurance coalition partners—issued a statement opposing these dangerous reductions.

Posted: Feb 12, 2020

Big ‘I’ Chairman Represents Agents During Capitol Hill Visits

Big “I” Chairman Jon Jensen was in Washington, D.C. last week to meet with members of Congress and set the groundwork for the 2020 Big “I” Legislative Conference, to take place May 13-15.

Posted: Feb 12, 2020

House Committee Marks Up Legislation on Surprise Medical Billing

The Big "I" will continue dialogue with Congress to improve any language in a surprise medical billing package that would require disclosure of direct and indirect compensation for agents.

Posted: Feb 12, 2020

Focus on 5: The Biggest Issues in Workers Comp

The annual Focus on 5 survey reveals the top unknowns in the workers comp industry. Here's how leaders are taking proactive steps to answer these questions and keep their organizations ahead of the game.

Posted: Feb 11, 2020

3 Strategies to Stay Current with Industry Regulatory Changes

How do agencies keep up with the fluctuating laws and regulations governing the industry across multiple jurisdictions? These three strategies can help you remain compliant.

Posted: Feb 10, 2020

A Real Win-Win: Independent Agents and Affluent Accounts

Not only does offering a holistic coverage solution to these customers create customized protection; it is also an opportunity to grow your business with products tailored for the affluent account—like Safeco Premier Home.

Posted: Feb 09, 2020

Why Personalizing Personal Auto Makes You A Better Agent

In a complicated market, switching auto insurance providers can land drivers in hot water. For independent agents, the solution to protecting prospects and clients relies on a combination of education and personalization.

Posted: Feb 09, 2020

From the Front Lines: Personal Auto

In the personal auto insurance industry, "just like any business looking to find new clients and bring in new business, we continue to change and adapt our approach based on how consumers are connecting to the services they need," says agent Kriss Pe...

Posted: Feb 09, 2020

Why Agencies Should Focus on Cash Flow

Smart agency owners recognize that cash flow is a better determinant of value than revenue. When analyzing cash flow, there are two important considerations that every owner should pay attention to.

Posted: Feb 04, 2020

4 Ways to Cure Account Manager Burnout

Account managers are often inundated by tedious, disparate tasks under time crunches and with little margin for error. Here are four ways to reverse the burnout trend.

Posted: Feb 03, 2020

No Smoke Without Fire: Cannabis, Confusion and Insurance

Loosening marijuana regulations are giving seed to immense growth in the cannabis market. But in insurance, the fledgling business is creating a haze of confusion.

Posted: Feb 03, 2020

Why You Should Always Offer UM/UIM Coverage

As many as 13% of all U.S. drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. Protect your customers and yourself by offering uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Posted: Feb 03, 2020

Declaration of Independents: Tom Goss

When Tom Goss joined his brother’s agency in 1999, he brought a rich corporate leadership background and experience as athletic director of the University of Michigan. By 2000, Goss LLC was the first minority-certified insurance agency in Michigan.

Posted: Feb 03, 2020