IA Magazine

How the Supreme Court’s Title VII Ruling has Affected EPLI

While the ruling doesn't bring much change to the 22 states that already had protections in place around gender identity and sexual orientation, the other 28 states should expect to see some claims brought that weren’t previously filed.

Posted: Jun 06, 2021

Why Property-Casualty Agencies Should Consider Cross-Selling Opportunities in Life-Health

Opportunities across the property-casualty and life-health divide can be found in both commercial and personal lines. Here's why and how you can

Posted: Jun 03, 2021

Allstate to Acquire SafeAuto, Progressive Finalize Protective Deal

The acquisition will allow SafeAuto to grow its platform in the non-standard space. Additionally, Progressive finalized the acquisition of transportation insurer Protective Insurance Corp. ahead of schedule.

Posted: Jun 02, 2021

FEMA Announces New Risk Rating 2.0 Webinars for Agents

The National Flood Insurance Program will be hosting a number of Risk Rating 2.0 - Equity in Action webinars designed for insurance agents throughout June and July.

Posted: Jun 02, 2021

President Biden Includes Retroactive Tax Increase in Budget Proposal

Importantly for Big “I" members, the budget includes proposals to increase the corporate tax rate, capital gains tax and an end to the "stepped-up basis" allowing the tax free passing of investments to heirs at the time of death.

Posted: Jun 02, 2021

FEMA Releases New Guidance on Risk Rating 2.0

The new information provides localized rate analysis at the zip code level for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as flood mitigation actions for policyholders.

Posted: Jun 02, 2021

Lumber Prices Up 42% YOY as Construction Costs Continue to Rise

The construction industry has seen significant disruptions over the course of the pandemic including a continued increase in costs of construction materials.

Posted: Jun 01, 2021

Does a Workcation Create Workers Comp Issues?

Until the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of office workers were required to regularly be present in a central office location. COVID-19 nixed this requirement, creating several unexpected workers compensation issues.

Posted: May 31, 2021

Spring Clean: How Long Should You Retain Documents in Your AMS?

Differences between federal and state record retention rules as well as those included in carrier contracts may lead to uncertainty.

Posted: May 27, 2021

Big ‘I’ Joins Coalition Opposing President Biden’s Tax Increases

The coalition intends to spread the message that the tax increases proposed in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan would stall economic recovery rather than fuel it.

Posted: May 26, 2021

Accelerate 2021: Vertafore Reveals Products and Recognizes Big ‘I’

Vertafore® kicked off Accelerate, powered by NetVU, with its strategy and vision for the future of InsurTech. In addition to several product reveals, Vertafore recognized the contributions of the independent agent channel over the past year.

Posted: May 25, 2021

Capital Gains Tax Increases Will Accelerate M&A Activity in 2021

The proposal by the Biden administration may cause agency owners interested in selling their business in the next three to five years to accelerate their timeline to 2021.

Posted: May 25, 2021

5 Ways Agents Can Compete Against Direct Carriers

Direct carriers are a strong competitive force, slashing prices and selling customers on price alone, now more than ever. Here are five ways agents can step up to the challenge and grow their agencies.

Posted: May 25, 2021

Growing Through Account Rounding: Why Is It So Hard?

Existing client growth is challenging. Here's how agencies can better serve their clients and grow revenues.

Posted: May 24, 2021

3 Ways to Effectively Manage Public Entity Risks

Independent agents can play an important role in assisting clients mitigate the increasing costs of insurance for public entities. Here are three ways agents can add value.

Posted: May 23, 2021

4 Things Agents Need to Know About the Sizzling Construction Market

Current low interest rates and a significant inventory shortfall have combined to make the housing and constructions markets hot. For agents, it's a great time to sell builders risk to commercial and personal lines clients. Here are four tips.

Posted: May 23, 2021

‘Above-Normal’ 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Expected

Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring.

Posted: May 23, 2021

From the Front Line: RV

"We find it to be beneficial to develop relationships with RV dealers, so they can provide our contact information to their clients," says independent agent, David Keslar. "We know it is important for the dealers to have a trusted partner for insuran...

Posted: May 23, 2021

CNA Paid Cybercriminals $40-Million Ransom

The company, one of the largest commercial property-casualty insurance companies in the U.S., made the payment approximately two weeks after the attack. The payment is bigger than any previously disclosed payment to hackers.

Posted: May 23, 2021

Do Commercial Umbrella Aggregate Limits Apply to an Underlying Policy Without an Aggregate?

If an insured has a $1-million, combined single limit (CSL) on an auto policy and they exhaust the auto CSL and the umbrella limits, would the limit for the umbrella be reset for any other loss?

Posted: May 20, 2021

2021 Auto Insurance Trends Report Recaps a Bumpy Year

The evolving impact of the pandemic on the personal auto maket is still unknown, but understanding these trends and evaluating their projections can help insurers make better business decisions, according to LexisNexis.

Posted: May 19, 2021

Senate Banking Committee Holds Hearing on NFIP Reauthorization

The Big “I” submitted a statement noting the importance of enacting a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. Additionally, the Big “I” submitted comments on nine of 24 proposed interagency questions and answers regarding p...

Posted: May 19, 2021

Big ‘I’ Advocates Against Harmful Tax Increases on Small Businesses

The Big “I” joined small business organizations in sending a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and the U.S. House Ways and Means committee showing support for the continuation of stepped-up basis.

Posted: May 19, 2021

5 Ways to Improve Your Social Media Skills

The effective use of social media provides agents with opportunities to directly connect with clients and develop customer relationships, regardless of geographic proximity.

Posted: May 18, 2021

Student of the Industry: Do Your Carriers Offer Policy Dividends?

If you're using an insurer that pays dividends—or competing against an insurer that does—you should know their impact.

Posted: May 17, 2021