IA Magazine

From the Front Lines: Commercial Umbrella

"If you write commercial insurance, you have to be involved in all aspects of it if you're going to do right by your client," says independent agent Fred Wittenbaum. "It's all part of tailoring the program to the best interest of the client."

Posted: Sep 13, 2020

Cracking the Code on Commercial Umbrellas

Umbrella policies and what they cover can be somewhat of an enigma. This article explains exactly what a commercial umbrella policy covers.

Posted: Sep 13, 2020

Commercial Umbrella Market Continues to Harden

The hardening of the commercial umbrella market has occurred rapidly over the past year, the impact of which could be felt for the next 18 months or more.

Posted: Sep 13, 2020

How Independent Agents Lead in Charity, Politics and Education

Getting tattoos, running for mayor and teaching in high schools are all part of a day's work for independent agents leading their communities.

Posted: Sep 13, 2020

COVID-19 Relief Negotiations Continue, Funding Deadline Looms

Today, Senate Republicans’ proposal to provide $500 billion in COVID-19 relief falls short in Senate vote.

Posted: Sep 09, 2020

4 Ways to Automatically Collect Client Reviews for Your Agency

Reviews are key to establishing your agency's online presence. Here are four ways to collect reviews on autopilot.

Posted: Sep 08, 2020

3 Ways Conversational AI Can Revolutionize How Agents Attract Customers

Conversational artificial intelligence enhances the customer experience and is key to agents remaining competitive in today's socially distanced world.

Posted: Sep 07, 2020

Wheels of Change: Does a Homeowners Policy Cover an E-Bike?

Would an e-bike, which is propelled by the user and the rider's power is "amplified" by the electric motor, find some coverage under the ISO HO-3 policy?

Posted: Sep 03, 2020

Data Doctor: Ransomware and Medical Facilities

Health care organizations are an attractive target for cyber threats because of the sensitive information they hold. The digital migration forced by the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated these risks.

Posted: Sep 02, 2020

4 Ways to Defuse Stressful Situations with Clients

Handling challenging client conversations comes with the territory when working as a customer service agent. Here are four strategies to create a better experience.

Posted: Sep 02, 2020

3 Insurance Cuss Words to Avoid

Certain terms and phrases within the insurance industry are misused, leading clients to believe they are getting something they are not.

Posted: Sep 01, 2020

Team Selling: Creating a Positive Experience for Your Prospects and Colleagues

To prevent buyer confusion, selling teams must come to the table with a unified goal in mind. Here are three ways to focus the team to create a successful experience.

Posted: Aug 31, 2020

CNA, Nationwide and Quadient Take on Results Driven Technology

Identify strategies companies are using to engage customers, drive innovation and maximize efficiencies during a free webinar to take place Thursday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. ET.

Posted: Aug 30, 2020

What’s a Dockominium and What Coverage Does it Need?

As warm weather months and fun on the lake continue, make sure your clients’ water-based condos or apartments are insured.

Posted: Aug 30, 2020

The Road Ahead: Commercial Auto Market to Continue to Firm

The RPS U.S. Transportation Market Outlook examines industry factors such as rates, trends, gaps in coverage and the impact of COVID-19 on the trucking industry.

Posted: Aug 30, 2020

Student of the Industry: Do Insurers Have Two Sets of Books? Is that Legal?

As insurers post their financial results and everyone is curious about the impact of COVID-19, it is important to consider differing accounting rules which can create big differences in results.

Posted: Aug 24, 2020

From the Front Lines: Classic Cars

"Selling classic car insurance is definitely a leg up," says independent agent Kelly Haynes, "because clients call us for their regular auto or homeowners, and they don’t realize their local agent can offer classic car insurance too."

Posted: Aug 23, 2020

4 Tips for Insuring the Modern Classic Car Collector

As new collector enthusiasts from Generation X and the millennial generation enter the market, agents have a great opportunity to work with an emerging segment.

Posted: Aug 23, 2020

Commercial Renovations: A Bright Spot in the Construction Industry

With foot traffic down and remodeling needed to accommodate social distancing, commercial renovations are on the rise.

Posted: Aug 23, 2020

Rollerblades and Parades: Spreading Joy and Withstanding the Pandemic

In a situation where everyone’s health is at risk, Big "I" member and independent agent Owen Thomas knew he had to combat the stress of the coronavirus pandemic with a positive twist.

Posted: Aug 17, 2020

Vertafore Acquired by Roper Technologies in $5.35 Billion Deal

Vertafore, an InsurTech company and leading provider of cloud-based software for the property-casualty market, announces it will be acquired by Roper Technologies, Inc.

Posted: Aug 16, 2020

Big ‘I’ Survey: Pandemic Continues to Impact Members

A Big "I" survey of association member agencies reveals the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on day-to-day operations.

Posted: Aug 16, 2020

Medicare for All Gaining Momentum as 2020 Election Approaches

Federal health care policy, including Medicare for All, continues to be debated in Congress.

Posted: Aug 12, 2020

President Trump Takes Executive Action on COVID-19 Relief

President Trump took executive action on Saturday in an attempt to provide temporary relief to millions of Americans facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus.

Posted: Aug 09, 2020

PPP Deadline Looms as Big ‘I’ Advocates for Agents and Their Clients

The deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is Aug. 8. Congress is continuing to work on another COVID-19 relief package that could extend the deadline, but a deal is far from certain.

Posted: Aug 05, 2020