IA Magazine

House Passes Legislation Exempting Agents from New Federal Reporting Requirements

The Big “I" was successful in securing a full exemption for independent insurance agents and brokers from the “National Defense Authorization Act." The Act, passed earlier this week by the House, would have created a burdensome new federal reporting...

Posted: Dec 09, 2020

House Passes One Week Government Funding Extension

Earlier this week, the House passed legislation to extend government funding until Dec. 18 giving Congress time to act on federal funding through 2021 and possibly additional COVID-19 relief. As talks continue, the Big “I" continues to advocate for s...

Posted: Dec 09, 2020

House Passes One-Week Government Funding Extension

The legislation extends government funding until Dec. 18, giving Congress time to act on federal funding through 2021 and possibly additional COVID-19 relief. The Big “I" continues to advocate for small business support.

Posted: Dec 09, 2020

Drivers Give the Green Light to Usage-Based Auto Insurance

A new Agent Authority survey released this week by Nationwide found that more auto insurance customers are ready to give usage-based insurance a try, giving agents an opportunity to grow their business and enhance relationships.

Posted: Dec 08, 2020

5 Considerations for 2020 Year-End Tax Planning

As we approach year-end, agents should take into consideration the year that was and the numerous coronavirus-related tax changes that may have an impact on their 2020 tax filings.

Posted: Dec 08, 2020

Agent for the Future Award Winners Show How Agencies are Evolving

On Tuesday, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance announced the winners of the 2020 Agent for the Future Award, which included several Big “I" members. The award celebrates agencies that are leading the way into the future.

Posted: Dec 08, 2020

3 Ways to Supercharge Your Marketing Funnel

Through online marketing funnels agencies can measure how they are being perceived, what types of people they are reaching, why they became clients and how their clients want to interact with them. Here are three steps to supercharge this framwork.

Posted: Dec 07, 2020

Hark the Herald Agents Sing: 3 Ways to Reduce Holiday Workers Comp Risk

Added demand, heavier workloads, new seasonal employees and COVID-19 present workers compensation exposures this holiday season. Here are three tips agents can share with clients to keep the season merry and bright.

Posted: Dec 06, 2020

Challenging Times for E&S Lines Property Market

In line with many other segments, the environment for excess & surplus lines property market continues to be challenging. It's important for agents to manage client expectations and deliver the tough message upfront.

Posted: Dec 06, 2020

Navigating Workers Compensation in Today’s Workplace

COVID-19 brings additional workplace safety concerns across all industries. Successful agents will partner with reputable carriers with strong underwriting, risk control and claims expertise to help businesses improve workplace safety.

Posted: Dec 06, 2020

Big ‘I’ Urges Congress to Expedite Action on PPP

This week, the Big “I" joined organizations in sending two letters to congressional leaders regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. The letters urge Congress to expedite action on the PPP and to expand loans to cover small businesses structured as...

Posted: Dec 02, 2020

The Case for an Industry Bank

For independent agents, using a local bank or an industry bank for its banking needs is something to consider. Here are some reasons in favor of choosing an industry bank.

Posted: Dec 02, 2020

How the Pandemic Turned Homeowners Insurance Upside Down

From the droves of homeowners heading to the suburbs to a spike in purchases of home workout equipment, entertainment systems and outdoor grills, Americans live differently now—which means their homeowners insurance coverage must change too.

Posted: Dec 02, 2020

Why You Should Look at the CEO Before Taking a Job

When considering a job offer and your future within an organization, it's worth bearing in mind the culture fostered by the person at the helm. Here are eight negative CEO traits to watch for before accepting.

Posted: Dec 01, 2020

Insurance Needs Are Evolving—Can Your Marketing Technology Keep Up?

Agents and brokers must continue to react to the changing trends in the insurance sector to thrive. Here are three strategies to use digital marketing to connect with consumers.

Posted: Nov 30, 2020

Cyber Insurance: A Business Continuity Necessity

Cybersecurity risks have increased as more employees work from home during the pandemic. While many traditional insurance policies exclude losses resulting from a cyber incident, the right cyber insurance policy will help mitigate losses arising from...

Posted: Nov 29, 2020

Why Online Shopping Isn’t the Only Risk Facing Clients on Cyber Monday

Independent agents can prescribe the right cyber liability coverage for homeowners who are online more than ever these days. With the cost of a cyberattack claim averaging around $4,000, it pays for homeowners to be prepared.

Posted: Nov 29, 2020

National E&S Launches COVID-19 Cleaning GL, CPL Coverage

National E&S Insurance Brokerage and Capitol Specialty offers comprehensive general liability and contractors pollution liability coverage for businesses entering into the COVID-19 cleaning business.

Posted: Nov 29, 2020

Building Your Book of Advocates

Producers need to leverage their relationships to build advocates who can help them create new customers. Here's the three types of advocates and how to build them.

Posted: Nov 23, 2020

Share These Safety Tips with Your Customers

Before the excitement of the holidays begins, share these auto and home safety tips for you to share with your customers to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday season.

Posted: Nov 22, 2020

Storm in the Port: COVID-19 Forced the Marine Cargo Market to Change Course

The coronavirus pandemic presented the marine cargo insurance industry with significant challenges and as developments surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations move from discovery to distribution, the market will find itself dealing with additional challeng...

Posted: Nov 22, 2020

AmTrust Exec Launches New Commercial Crime Product

AmTrust Exec introduces a commercial crime product designed to provide coverage for a range of medium- and large-sized businesses.

Posted: Nov 22, 2020

3 Ways to Future-Proof Homeowners Insurance

Agents are in a great position to help foster positive consumer interactions and value-added transactions to the homeowners insurance market. Here are three factors that can help.

Posted: Nov 22, 2020

4 Tips for Insuring Commercial Marine Clients

While the pandemic is a tragedy of immense proportions, it is leading to innovation even in the oldest form of insurance in the world. Here are four ways commercial marine agents are serving their clients.

Posted: Nov 22, 2020

Who is Authorized to Sign Certificates of Insurance?

Must the person signing a certificate of insurance be licensed in all the states where the insured has exposure? Or must the signatory be someone with internal agency authorization?

Posted: Nov 19, 2020