IA Magazine

Going Places: Meet Young Agent Kingston Hall

Independent agent Kingston Hall's role model is "my mom," she says. "She's taught me the value of relationships and being authentic."

Posted: Jul 19, 2021

Integrated Specialty Coverages Launches New Vacant Property Program

The vacant property program targets both properties and vacant land, including residential and commercial buildings, as well as buildings under renovation.

Posted: Jul 18, 2021

How Agents Can Help Contractors Mitigate the Risks of Potential Exposures

A large problem for contractors is that many are still unaware of the professional services and pollution risks associated with their construction work. Independent agents can help clients cover such risks.

Posted: Jul 18, 2021

How Digital Can Help You Win with Clients

Four independent agents share how their agencies use digital to connect with clients, expand their reach and scale their business.

Posted: Jul 18, 2021

3 Ways to Create a Better Builders Risk Buying Experience

As the construction industry recovers, now is the time for agents to work with clients to understand their needs and share expertise to acquire the right coverage. Here are three tips to ensure clients get the coverage they need.

Posted: Jul 18, 2021

Does an Agency Need Consent Before Texting a Prospect or Client?

Our agency just got an office texting line. Do we need to ask for consent before texting with a prospect or client? Is a verbal response acceptable or is there a formal way we need to document proof of consent prior to texting?

Posted: Jul 15, 2021

Going Places: Meet Young Agent Frank Mercurio

With multiple generations in the workplace, "collaborating has never been more important than in the times we're in," says Frank Mercurio, independent agent. "We need to learn better ways to provide good service to our customers."

Posted: Jul 14, 2021

Concern over Data Compromise Wanes Despite High Risk

As more people access the internet and share their data, the need for cyber risk mitigation is profound. Yet only 12% of Americans have purchased a personal cyber insurance policy in the past year, accodring to a Chubb survey.

Posted: Jul 14, 2021

Agents Looking to Up Their Digital Game in the Post-Pandemic Marketplace

Agents who invested in digitization were better equipped to navigate the pandemic, according to Nationwide survey. Yet the agent-client relationship remains vital.

Posted: Jul 14, 2021

Biden Executive Order Takes Aim at Noncompete Agreements

The Executive Order includes 72 initiatives by over a dozen federal agencies to tackle what President Biden deems are some of the most pressing competition problems across the U.S. economy.

Posted: Jul 14, 2021

How to Get More ROI from Your Meetings

Would you want to sit through a four hour meeting or training? Getting to the point doesn't mean rushing through the material. It means trimming the fat and emotionally engaging with other human beings.

Posted: Jul 13, 2021

Fast Forward: Catch Up with Young Agent Kim Mathews

"I learned I have to be smarter about who I’m bringing on, how they fit into the agency long term, and how they will benefit the culture," says Kim Mathews, independent agency owner, on how she's grown as a leader. "Are they the people who are willin...

Posted: Jul 12, 2021

How COVID-19 Impacted the Builders Risk Market

The construction industry battled direct and collateral effects from COVID-19 as many builders risk policies did not provide the coverage to the extent needed.

Posted: Jul 11, 2021

Proximity Launches Offering to Provide Insurance for Coworking and Flex Spaces

Proximity Protect provides coverage and underwriting support for coworking and flex space operations.

Posted: Jul 11, 2021

5 Ways to Effectively Use Digital in Your Agency

How can you more strategically use digital tools in your agency? Four independent agents share their tips for unlocking the power of digital.

Posted: Jul 11, 2021

SPACs Create Complexities in D&O Market

While D&O rates are expected to increase through 2021 the trends are definitely encouraging, unless you're going public through an initial public offering (IPO) or a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

Posted: Jul 11, 2021

Liberty Mutual to Acquire State Auto

In an announcement made today, Liberty Mutual announced it has agreed to buy State Auto, a super-regional insurance company based in Ohio.

Posted: Jul 11, 2021

TrustedChoice.com Adds 5 Companies to Platform

The new companies added to the platform are Builder's and Tradesmen's Insurance; Coterie; Life Assurance Company of America; PersonalUmbrella.com; and Prime Insurance Company.

Posted: Jul 07, 2021

Personal, Commercial Lines Composite Rates Moderate in Second Quarter

​While the composite rates for both commercial and personal lines decreased overall at second quarter 2021, all segments experienced rate increases.

Posted: Jul 07, 2021

House Passes Transportation Bill with Big ‘I’ Supported Safety Provision

If enacted, the legislation would spend $547 billion over 5 years on surface transportation and include the Big "I" supported “Hot Cars Act” which requires all new cars to be equipped with a driver alert detection system.

Posted: Jul 07, 2021

3 Ways to Make Your Brand More Authentic

More than ever, insurance needs to embrace brand authenticity to win the trust and loyalty of customers across all demographics. Here are three ways to make your brand more authentic.

Posted: Jul 06, 2021

Going Places: Meet Young Agent Patience Noah

The industry's biggest challenge is "the mystery that comes with insurance," says Patience Noah, independent agent. "We need to help younger generations become interested, because let's be honest, we need to prepare the next generation."

Posted: Jul 05, 2021

Fast Forward: Catch Up with Young Agent Matthew Washburn

Leaning into technology "was a saving grace during the pandemic," says Matthew Washburn, independent agent. "I don't even know how we could have managed without that preparation."

Posted: Jul 05, 2021

Does a Sauna and Float Therapy Studio Need Professional Liability Coverage?

The agent submitted an application for professional liability, but was told by the underwriter that saunas and float tanks are operations hazards and therefore do not have professional liability exposure.

Posted: Jul 01, 2021

Going Places: 5 Young Agents on How They’re Taking the Industry and Running with It

Learn what these millennials and Gen Zers have to say about where the industry is headed—and how they fit into it.

Posted: Jul 01, 2021