the connecticut independent agent - 02-01-13
DESCRIPTION
February edition of monthly magazineTRANSCRIPT
The Connecticut Independent Agent
February 2013
The Connecticut Independent Agent
This Issue’s Features Technical Bulletin Workers’ Compensation Payroll Limitation Rules 03
NFIP - Agent Kits 04 Future Flood Insurance Rate Maps on FEMA Website 04 Month In Review Insurance Department Bulletins 05 Commissioner Leonardi Named to Key International Regulatory Post 05
Frequently Referenced Statutes 06
Cyber Liability / Privacy & Security Insurance 07
Commercials on Hold 07
IIAC Member Benefits Ovation Payroll 08 WAHVE (Work at Home Vintage Employees) 08 - 09
Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange 12
Agents’ Express Leasing Program - InsurBanc 12
RLI Stand Alone Personal Umbrella 12
Swiss Re 12
IIAC Annual Programs Registration & Sponsor Information 13
In Every Issue February and March Continuing Education Courses 10
Events 14
Big “I” Advantage Programs 15
About Us 20
Associate Member Index Associate Members - Insurance Brokers & Services 16
Associate Members - Insurance Companies 18
“The Connecticut Independent Agent
is the official publication of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut
30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield, CT 06109 Phone: (860) 563-1950 Fax: (860) 257-9981
www.iiact.org
Warren C. Ruppar President
Tracy Hearn Office Manager / Event Planner
Education Director
Laura Szatkowski E&O Program Administrator
Rosemary Mullaly
Lawyers’ Liability Program RLI
This publication is intended to provide accurate and authoritative information on the subject matter covered. It is dis-tributed with the understanding that nei-ther IIAC, nor any contributing author, publisher or contributor is rendering le-gal, accounting or any other professional service and assume no liability whatso-ever in connection with its use. Further, the electronic links to our associate mem-bership found in this publication are pro-vided as a courtesy to our readers and do not necessarily indicate an endorsement by IIAC. News items will be accepted / printed at the discretion of the IIAC. No paid advertisements are accepted in this publication. Please contact Warren Ruppar for further information.
IIAC Staff
Independent Agents Services Staff
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 3
Technical INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF CONNECTICUT
January 2013
Workers Compensation Effective January 1, 2013
Effective 01-01-2013, the maximum wage for an active officer included on a workers’ compensation policy for businesses that operate in the State of Connecticut, has increased to $1,900 per week. Last year’s maximum was $1,600 per week, per active officer. The minimum payroll for an active officer has increased to $1,150 from last year’s $950 per week. This is a 21% increase. The amount to include for either covered partners or sole proprietors has been increased to $60,900 from the 2012 amount of $60,700.
PAYROLL LIMITATION RULES - STATE OF CONNECTICUT
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION - EFFECTIVE 01-01-13
INDIVIDUALS Not covered unless they opt in. Fixed Amount is $60,900.
PARTNERS Automatic coverage, if one opts out all must opt out. Fixed amount is $60,900, per partner, per year.
CORPORATE OFFICERS Automatic coverage, may elect exclusion. Maximum salary $98,800 per year. Minimum wage is $59,800 per year.
LLC’S SINGLE MEMBER Treated for coverage, like an individual. Treated for premium, like a Corporate Officer.
LLC’S MULTI MEMBER Treated like an officer, automatic coverage, may elect exclusion.
GENERAL LIABILITY - EFFECTIVE 01-01-13
INDIVIDUALS Included at fixed amount of $10,400
PARTNERS Included at fixed amount of $10,400 per partner.
CORPORATIONS Included at actual wage subject to a maximum of $15,600 per year, minimum of $5,200 per year.
LLC’S MANAGERS Treated like Corporate Officers.
LLC’S MEMBERS Treated like Partners.
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 4
FEMA and the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut recently teamed up to send “Agent Kits” to the IIAC Mem-bership. Below are links for the materials that were issued in the kit:
Myths & Facts about the NFIP
Top 10 Facts Every Agent Needs to Know about the NFIP
Answers to Questions about the NFIP
The Benefits of Flood Insurance Versus Disaster Assistance
Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage:
How You Can Benefit
Mold and Mildew
NFIP Summary of Coverage
Insurance Agents Lowest Floor Guide
NFIP Public Awareness Materials Order Form
Flood Insurance Claims handbook
NFIP - Agent Kits
FEMA’s Map Service Center website has a section to view future flood insurance rate maps (FIRM). Once on the page, pick the applicable state, county and town. When you hit submit, a list of panel numbers that you can click on and view will appear. For coastal towns, revised panels will be effective on the following dates: Middlesex County: 02/06/13 Fairfield County: 07/08/13 New Haven County: 07/08/13 New London County: 08/05/13 Please note: Middlesex County maps are currently loaded on the page. Fairfield, New Haven, and New London Coun-ties are anticipated to be loaded by the end of March. Helpful Tip: The above link only provides the list of panels. If you are looking for a specific address, first go to the main map service center webpage (https://msc.fema.gov). On the left side of the screen is a box for “Product Search by . . .” Entering the address and clicking on “Search by Street Address” will provide you with the panel number for the address which was entered.
If you need additional assistance with or have questions regarding the flood maps, please contact one of the people listed below: State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Diane Ifkovic: 860-424-3537 Carla Feroni: 860-424-3390 FEMA Map Service Center: 877-336-2627
Future Flood Insurance Rate Maps On FEMA’s Map Service Center Website
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 5
Released on January 8, 2013: BULLETIN HC-89-13 Annual Filing Requirements Pursuant to Section 38a-591b(e) of the Connecticut General Statutes
Released on January 23, 2013: Title Insurance BULLETIN T-5 Connecticut’s Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Accounts (IOLTA) / Interest on Trust Account (IOTA) Programs
For more information, please visit the CID website.
Insurance Commissioner Leonardi Named To Key International Regulatory Posts
Released on January 28, 2013
Assumes Chairmanship of NAIC International Committee, Joins Executive Committee of International Assoc. of Insurance Supervisors
Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas B. Leonardi has been named chairman of the International Committee of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The committee’s mission is to strengthen the global regulatory sys-tem through close cooperation with international regulators and support the U.S. federal government in insurance trade is-sues. “I am extremely honored to accept this chairmanship and look forward to working with my fellow regulators. Global regula-tion ultimately hits home here in Connecticut and throughout the nation,” Commissioner Leonardi said. “It is essential that the U.S. insurance industry operate on a level playing field and that foreign-based carriers that do business here are finan-cially stable enterprises. The end result is a robust, competitive market that provides greater consumer choice and a strong insurance sector that helps drive our economy.” Commissioner Leonardi also recently earned a seat on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS). Already a member of the IAIS’ Financial Stability Committee (FSC) and the only U.S. regulator on that committee, the Commissioner has been a leading voice among U.S. insurance regulators for greater oversight of large inter-nationally active insurance groups. In June 2012, the IAIS accepted Connecticut’s invitation to hold its FSC meeting in Hart-ford. In February 2012, Connecticut became the first U.S. insurance regulator to join the IAIS’ Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, a framework that establishes a formal basis for global cooperation and information exchange among insur-ance regulators. The Commissioner was also named chairman of the NAIC’s newly created Financial Stability Task Force. He continues to serve as vice chairman of the NAIC’s Accreditation Committee and is a member of the NAIC Executive Committee. Connecti-cut has representation on five of seven NAIC standing committees: Life, Property & Casualty, Financial Condition, Accredita-tion and International.
MONTH IN REVIEW Connecticut Insurance Department Bulletins
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 6
Frequently Referenced Statutes / Regulations
To read a statute or regulation, click on the number. When the “Statutes Text Search” appears, type the number into the “Section Number” box and hit “search.” Sec. 38a-702. Producer Licensing Sec. 36a-757. (Formerly Sec. 36-9u) Mortgage insurance requirements limited. Sec. 38a-309. (Formerly Sec. 38-100) Binders for temporary insurance. Written binder as evidence of insurance on mort-gaged property. Sec. 38a-324. (Formerly Sec. 38-185x) Cancellation of commercial risk insurance policies. Sec. 38a-707. Service Fees to Be Charged by Insurance Producers and Surplus Lines Brokers Sec. 38a-708. (Formerly Sec. 38-76a). Company to furnish facts relative to termination of agent’s appointment. False state-ment sole grounds for cause of action by agent. Sec. 38a-709. Formerly Sec. 38-76b). Termination of producer’s appointment and contract. Sec. 38a-710. (Formerly Sec. 38-76d). Insurers prohibited from cancelling or amending contract of independent producer solely because of adverse underwriting experience. Sec. 38a-713. (Formerly Sec. 38-89). Signing or countersigning insurance policies in blank. Penalties. Sec. 38a-714. (Formerly Sec. 38-90). Personal liability of agent or broker acting on behalf of insurance company no licensed to do business in this state. Sec. 38a-715. (Formerly Sec. 38-90a). Payment by insured to producer as payment to company.
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 7
Cyber Liability / Privacy & Security Insurance
Oh, how we laughed and laughed. My siblings and I cracked up watching the slapstick scene starring Richard Pryor as computer genius Gus Gorman in Superman III, using the technique known as salami slicing to steal $85,000 from his employer, Webster Industries. I do believe that is the first exposure I had to the concept of cyber theft!
While we can't help with protection from the nefarious villains of silly superhero movie sequels, we can offer you access to privacy and security insurance for your clients through Big "I" Markets. If a company has the private data of any individu-als, they have exposure and are a candidate for privacy & security insurance. Through our partnership with A.J. Wayne & Associates, you can access the broadest products available at extremely competitive rates.
A.J. Wayne & Associates can entertain all types Cyber Liability/Privacy & Security Insurance including, but not limited to, the following:
Retailers (online & offline)
Restaurants
Healthcare providers
Professional services companies
Technology companies
Distributors
Manufacturers
Financial institutions or other financial companies
Need some help understanding Cyber Liability lingo? Check out this glossary of online terms found on the Big "I" Virtual Risk Consultant, powered by Rough Notes. Click here to learn more about VRC.
For more information or to submit a quote, log in to www.bigimarkets.com.
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 8
IIAC is pleased to announce a new membership benefit called WAHVE - “Work at Home Vintage Employees.” WAHVE provides a unique remote staffing service for your agency by utilizing experienced and qualified insurance professionals. WAHVE allows you to meet your staffing needs by en-hancing your current agency staff or by maintaining pro-ductivity in your agency if an employee is on maternity or other extended leave. WAHVE is truly a member service for all agencies.
Business Process Outsource Services for Retail Agencies
Back Office Process Support for Commercial and Personal Lines Policy Checking Preparation of New and Renewal Business Applications Quoting and Proposal Preparation Loss Run Ordering & Analysis Certificates & Evidence of Insurance Change Requests & Endorsements CSR/Account Manager Assistance Sales Support for New Business Submissions Renewal Business Binding Marketing Support Premium Audits Carrier Document Retrieval & Distribution
Claims Processing Analysis Adjusting
Full Service Staffing Live Commercial Lines Customer Service Representative Live Personal Lines Customer Service Representative Live Sales & Marketing Assistant Live Claims Representative Special Institutional Knowledge Experts Mentors and Trainers
Accounting Premium Accounting Accounts Receivable
Employee Benefits Health Insurance quoting, proposal preparation and
servicing Life, LTC and LTD quoting and proposal preparation
www.wahve.com
IIAC MEMBER BENEFITS
Stop referring business to your competitors!
Ovation Payroll
Large national payroll companies are competing for your clients. Protect your book of business while at the same time line your pockets with referral fees.
Ovation Payroll, IIAC’s endorsed provider for payroll services, will not compete against you!
IIAC Member Advantages: Insulate your book of business
Reduce administrative work with real-time communi-cation of hires and terminations
Receive referrals back from Ovation
Your agency maintains ownership of expirations on cli-ents referred to Ovation
Gain a competitive advantage by offering Ovation’s full suite of payroll and HR services to your prospects and clients
Your clients benefit too: Seamless integration between payroll and workers
compensation insurance premium collection
Quarterly state and federal tax filing and payments in-cluded
Free HR Support Center– Ovation’s online resource for all things HR
Direct deposit or Visa payroll cards included with basic service
Ovation Includes:
Direct Deposit
HR Support
Employee Pay Cards
New Hire Reporting
iPhone & Android App for EPP
Background Checks . . . . And More!
In Business, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Getting to know Ovation has its benefits - IIAC Members receive a 10% discount off standard rates. For more infor-mation on this new IIAC Member Benefit, please contact:
Cathy Cellini - 855-467-5100 - [email protected]
www.ovationpayroll.com
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 9
How WAHVE Works
Below is a brief description of how WAHVE works but you should also visit our website at www.wahve.com.
What is WAHVE?
WAHVE is a unique, cost-saving remote contract staffing solution which supplements your firm’s staffing needs by using the in-dustries knowledgeable and technologically savvy retirees who would cost twice as much if you hired someone with expertise.
WAHVE provides contract remote staff for back office process services or to fill a position on a dedicated full-time, part-time or project/consulting basis, helping you improve your profitability.
The costs for wahves vary depending on the type and level of work you require. For process and customer service work, the hourly rate is $25 and $30/hr. For a full-time person, the hourly rate equates to $41,825 - $50,190 annually. For higher level and expert work, the hourly rate is negotiated based on the expertise needed and/or the project. There are no additional charges, no employee benefits or office overhead to pay.
Wahves cost 50% less than regular experienced staff, which drives down the cost of process work and staff.
WAHVE is a less costly and more effective alternative to the carrier service centers and keeps you in control.
What Can Wahves Do?
Our wahves can do all types of process work to support an Acct. Mgr, CSR, Underwriter and/or Producer – such as preparation of applications and submissions, rating/quoting, binding, policy issuance, renewals, proposals, policy checking, certificate issuance, loss runs requests, loss runs analysis , auditing – or they can fill a CSR, AE, Underwriter, Claims, Marketer, Risk Manager, etc. po-sition.
Some wahves are experts in their field, providing needed institutional knowledge on a project, consulting or mentoring basis.
How We Qualify candidates:
We have an extensive database of qualified insurance people who are in what we call “phased retirement.” They have retired from their firms but would like to work remotely from home full-or part-time or on a project/consulting basis.
They have 25+ years insurance experience. Many of our wahves have multiple designations, degrees and licenses and are eager to work remotely from home or do project/consulting work so that they can stay engaged and supplement their retirement in-come.
We have an extensive qualification process with on-line, timed insurance coverage, errors and omissions and management sys-tems tests, reference and background checks.
What Is the Process for Hiring a Wahve?
Based on your needs, we match you with qualified wahves.
You can interview them and decide which one(s) you like.
We then outsource them to you on a dedicated basis.
WAHVE bills you an hourly fee.
Each of our wahves has the latest systems and programs and dual monitors if required for the work.
Wahves work in a totally remote secure environment within your management system and are trained in your workflow. All their work is tracked in your management system.
Why WAHVE is a Better Choice than Off-Shoring:
You save a considerable sum on start up costs, productivity and supervision and wahves can do higher level work and complete the full process.
Wahves only need a few days of training and they are ready to work as part of your team.
Wahves work the hours you chose and you can speak to them just as you would a regular employee.
You don’t need to worry about language, cultural differences, double checking the work or time difference.
By hiring wahves, you save on salary, benefits, overhead and turnover while increasing profitability. It is really an easy process from start to finish. It takes a few weeks to set everything up between the interviews, selection of the wahve(s), synching the tech-nology between you and your wahve, and then training your wahve on your workflow.
Call 646-807-4372, ext. 506, for more information.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4 Property
& Casualty Pre-Licensing
Day 6 8:30 - 4:30
5 6 7 Property
& Casualty Pre-Licensing
Day 7 8:30 - 4:30
8 9
10 11 12 13 14 Property
& Casualty Pre-Licensing
Day 8 8:30 - 4:30
15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27
FLOOD INSURANCE 8:30 - 11:10
28
February 2013
A COMPLETE ANNUAL CALENDAR CAN BE OBTAINED ON THE “EDUCATION” PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE
CONNECTICUT CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
All resident agents are subject to continuing education for every line of authority.
The Connecticut Insurance Department has an extensive website (www.ct.gov/cid) offering information on licensing, forms, statutes, regu-lations (proposed and finalized) Please take advantage of this web site for valuable information.
Individual transcript information can be obtained by accessing www.sircon.com. Once on the website, select “For Individual Agents” from the “Products and Services” menu. Under “Quick Start for Agents” (at the top of the page) select “Look Up Education Courses / Credits.” This will bring you to an “Inquiries” page. Select “Continuing Education Transcript Inquiry.” Select “Connecticut” from the drop-down menu. Enter your license number and last name and click “submit.” You will now be able to view and print your transcript. Please note that transcripts are only accessible using producer license numbers. Social Security numbers are no longer usable.
Flood Insurance Course Requirement Newly licensed agents are required to complete a flood program course during their first compliance period.
A COMPLETE CALENDAR CAN BE OBTAINED ON THE “EDUCATION” PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4 5 ACSR #2
Personal Automobile 8:30 - 4:30
6 7 AAI 82A
Commercial Liability
8:30 - 4:30
8 9
10 11 12 ACSR #9
Commercial Lines
8:30 - 3:30
13 14 ACSR #5 Professional Dev.
& Acc’t. Mgmt. 8:30 - 3:30
15 16
17 18 19 20 ACSR #6
Commercial Property
8:30 - 3:30
21 22 23
24 25 26 AAI 81B
Personal Lines
8:30 - 4:30
27 28 29 30
31
March 2013
A COMPLETE ANNUAL CALENDAR CAN BE OBTAINED ON THE “EDUCATION” PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE
CONNECTICUT CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
All resident agents are subject to continuing education for every line of authority.
The Connecticut Insurance Department has an extensive website (www.ct.gov/cid) offering information on licensing, forms, statutes, regu-lations (proposed and finalized) Please take advantage of this web site for valuable information.
Individual transcript information can be obtained by accessing www.sircon.com. Once on the website, select “For Individual Agents” from the “Products and Services” menu. Under “Quick Start for Agents” (at the top of the page) select “Look Up Education Courses / Credits.” This will bring you to an “Inquiries” page. Select “Continuing Education Transcript Inquiry.” Select “Connecticut” from the drop-down menu. Enter your license number and last name and click “submit.” You will now be able to view and print your transcript. Please note that transcripts are only accessible using producer license numbers. Social Security numbers are no longer usable.
Flood Insurance Course Requirement Newly licensed agents are required to complete a flood program course during their first compliance period.
A COMPLETE CALENDAR CAN BE OBTAINED ON THE “EDUCATION” PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 12
This year RLI has been working hard to provide you with
the tools you need to place coverage with them. They
have added Uninsured Motorist coverage, The PUP ACCESS
system to monitor your RLI business, the PUP Special rating
tier that allows placement of your more difficult to place
prospects and as always, they will write coverage over
households with no personal automobiles.
Another improvement is RLI’s new easy to use website,
www.rlipersonalumbrella.com. Please add it to your fa-
vorites list! This is something many of you asked for and
RLI has delivered a site that is simple and easy to get a
quote quickly.
FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Rose Mullaly, RLI Adminstrator
Independent Agents Services
(860) 563-6510
Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange
The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange has a website which provides information about Connecticut's health re-form implementation and allows visitors to view the latest news and updates. You can also sign up to receive updates by email as well as the exchange’s eNewsletter.
Many agencies are now beginning the planning process for next year. Do your budget plans include upgrading office furniture or technology? Moving to a new office? Hiring new employees? InsurBanc’s Agents’ Express Leasing pro-gram can help your agency achieve its goals while providing the funds to outfit your agency with the latest equipment solutions. Click here to learn more about leasing.
Agents’ Express Leasing Program
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 13
The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut offer a variety of programs and events for companies and vendors who want to get involved with our membership by supporting their association and it’s programs through sponsorship of and attendance at events.
Associate Membership - Businesses other than independent property and casualty agencies are offered Associate Membership in our
organization. Associate Membership in our Connecticut chapter, Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut (IIAC), is available to those persons and firms who are directly engaged in the insurance industry or who have some other professional or business relation-ship with one of our members doing business under the American Agency System. Associate Members receive many benefits, but are not allowed voting privileges or use of the Big "I" / Trusted Choice trademark logo. Associate Members are recognized on our website’s Associ-ate Member directory, and in our monthly magazine “The Connecticut Independent Agent.” Associate Membership runs from January through December and is $300 per year.
Joining during the annual term is pro-rated for new applicants. RENEWAL _____ / NEW _____ FEE PAID: $__________ (please check one)
IIAC Mid-Year Convention is held every year and is a great opportunity for our members and company representatives to learn about the
current industry trends. Company contributions allow us to bring a quality program to our membership and are a great way for companies to show their support of The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut. November 14, 2013 – Aqua Turf, Plantsville
Exhibit Booth (fee includes 1 booth worker): _____ $325 Member or Associate Member or _____ $450 Non-Member _____ $ 70 Electrical _____ $ 50 each additional person in booth Exhibitor Fee includes booth with sign, listing in both the print and web version of the program book and a listing on our website.
Sponsor: _____ Platinum Plus ($1500) / _____ Platinum ($1000) / _____ Gold ($500) / _____ Silver ($250) Sponsor Fee includes an advertisement (size depends upon sponsorship) in our convention program book (given to each attendee and posted on our website) recognition in our web-based Connecticut Independent Agent Magazine, a sponsor listing on our web-site and during the convention business meeting and complimentary attendees (number depends upon sponsorship).
(Check all of the above items that apply) TOTAL FEE PAID FOR CONVENTION: $__________
IIAC Young Agents Committee Annual Sponsorship - The Young Agents are a vibrant organization committed to improving both the
insurance industry and the Connecticut community. Company sponsorships allow the Young Agents Committee to maintain a superior level of educational opportunities. Sponsors of the YAC receive several benefits including a listing on the IIAC website “Young Agents” page with a link to their website, an invitation to attend the “Meet the Sponsors” Social Hour at the Young Agents Spring Conference, and complimen-tary golf registration(s) to the Young Agents Annual Golf Outing. Sponsorship runs January - December.
Sponsor: _____ Promoter ($1000) / _____ Partner ($500) / _____ Contributor ($250) (Check the sponsorship above that applies) SPONSORSHIP LEVEL FOR YOUNG AGENTS: $__________
Annual Membership Meeting and Installation of Officers provides an opportunity for our members and company representatives to
meet and socialize at this special occasion which includes a reception and dinner. Meeting sponsors are recognized in our web-based Con-necticut Independent Agent Magazine, on our web-site as well as during the evening program. June 11, 2013 - Wethersfield Country Club.
Sponsor: _____ Platinum ($1000) / _____ Gold ($500) / _____ Silver ($250) (Check the sponsorship above that applies) SPONSORSHIP LEVEL FOR ANNUAL MEETING: $__________
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED FOR PROGRAMS SELECTED ABOVE: $_________
For complete details on each of the items listed above, please visit our website at www.iiact.org or contact Tracy Hearn at (860) 563-1950 or [email protected]
Company Name & Type of Business: _______________________________________________________Date: _________
Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (Include city, state & zip code)
Mailing Address (if different): _______________________________________________________________________ (Include city, state & zip code)
Phone: (______) ______-________ Fax: (______) ______-________ Website: www.__________________________
Contact Name: ______________________________________ Email Address: __________________________________
Return form to: IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Additional information on each program selected will be emailed to the contact person listed.
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 14
2013 IIAC EVENTS
Spring Conference
Sponsored by the IIAC Young Agents Committee May 8, 2013
Wethersfield Country Club, Wethersfield, CT
Annual Dinner Meeting and Installation of Officers
June 11, 2013 Wethersfield Country Club, Wethersfield, CT
24th Annual Golf Tournament
Sponsored by the IIAC Young Agents Committee August 8, 2013
Blackledge Golf Course, Hebron, CT
Mid-Year Convention November 14, 2013
Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT
Additional information and registration forms for the above events can be obtained by clicking on the event name above, going to the “Events” page of our website or by contacting Tracy Hearn at 860-563-1950 or emailing to [email protected].
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 15
Big “I” Professional Liability As a member, you have access to the Big “I” Professional Liability program, the most respected and comprehensive program in the business offering a variety of insurance agent’s E&O products that are hand-selected for their superior reputation and exceptional performance. www.iiact.org - Member Resources page / Or call Laura Szatkowski at 860-563-6510
Big “I” Markets Exclusively available to Big “I” members, IIABA’s online market access program features specialty/niche coverages, program business and hard-to-find markets. Unlike similar programs, there are no registration fees, no volume commitments and competitive commissions. www.bigimarkets.com
Big “I” Flood Big “I” Advantage operates as a managing general agency and agents participate as sub-producers for the Big “I” Flood Pro-gram. Selective Insurance Company is the provider for this NFIP Write-Your-Own program and they make writing flood insur-ance easy and profitable leaving the method of quoting up to the agent. www.independentagent.com/flood
Big “I” Retirement/Benefits Having trouble deciding which retirement plan is right for you or your agency? Big "I" Retirement Services is here to help you choose which plan best meets your circumstances. www.independentagent.com/retirement
RLI RLI's Personal Umbrella Policy stands atop your client’s existing homeowner and auto insurance to provide an extra layer of personal liability protection. RLI’s @Home Business policy, responds to the needs of over 100 eligible business classes on an ISO BOP form. www.iiact.org - Member Resources page / or call Rose Mullaly at 860-563-6510.
Business Resources Enjoy group discounts for a variety of services to assist in managing your agency. Caliper (employee testing) ; DHL (express delivery); Mines Press (printing); Hertz (car rental); Artizan Internet Services (Service 911, CSR 24). www.independentagent.com.
InsurBanc InsurBanc is an independent community bank founded by agents exclusively for agents. www.insurbanc.com
Virtual University Research Library - For those who seek a smarter way to research, the VU provides the access. Ask an Expert Service - Big "I" Members can submit questions to our "Ask an Expert" service and a response is usually sent within 3-5 business days, but often sooner. Online Courses - The VU offers a wide variety of online classes. www.independentagent.com/vu
Best Practices The Best Practices program provides member agents with meaningful performance benchmarks and business strategies that can be adapted to improve the performance of your agency, thus enhancing agency value.
Government Affairs The Big “I” is your advocate on the issues that matter to your success, whether the issues occur in state legislatures, Washing-ton D.C., your state insurance department, the NAIC, or the judicial system.
OF ALL YOUR MEMBERSHIP HAS TO OFFER??
ARE YOU TAKING
ADVANTAGE
??
Big “I” Advantage Programs
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 16
ACE Private Risk Services 860-828-7931
www.aceprivateriskservices.com
Agency Intermediaries, Inc. 203-453-2859
www.agencyint.com
American Integrity Restoration 860-657-2100
www.ctrestoration.com
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. 860-560-2766 www.ajg.com
Astonish Results, LP 401-440-5955
www.astonishresults.com
Broadway Premium Financing 800-728-7255
www.broadwaypremium.com
Capitol Bail Bonds, LLC 860-899-1956
www.capitol-bail-bonds.com
Chroma Building Corporation 203-602-8838
www.chromabuilding.com
Coastal Agents Alliance 609-390-1645
www.coastalagentsalliance.com
Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency 203-498-3000
www.ccm-ct.org
Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. 860-347-9600
www.ctunderwriters.com
Crystal Restoration Services 203-853-4179
www.crystal1.com
Disaster Restoration Services, LLC (DRS) 860-788-6822
www.drscleanup.com
Empire State Brokerage Services 203-798-0067
www.empirebrokerage.com
Fairfield County Bank 203-431-7527
www.fairfieldcountybank.com
W. Ford Agency, Inc. 203-549-0005
www.wfordagency.com
Heimgartner Insurance Services, Inc. 860-436-3991
www.heimgartnerinsurance.com
The Hingham Group 781-749-0841
www.hinghammutual.com
HSB Associates, Inc. 860-722-5539 www.hsb.com
HTO International, LLC 860-938-0853
www.htointernational.com
For information on how to become an Associate Member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut and a complete list of benefits, please visit the “Join” page of our website or
contact Rose Mullaly at 860-563-1950 or email [email protected]
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE BROKERS AND SERVICES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE BROKERS AND SERVICES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 17
Hybrid Insurance Agency 860-688-440
www.hybridins.com
Insurance Agency Accounting & Bookkeeping 860-614-7268
www.brendadicarlollc.com
Insurance Engineering Solutions 860-429-5156
www.insuranceengineeringsolutions.com
InsurBanc 866-467-2262
www.insurbanc.com
Iroquois of Connecticut, Inc. 860-621-8412
www.iroquoisct.com
Kapura Cleaning & Restoration 860-747-2100
www.kapurarestoration.com
Joseph Krar & Associates 860-628-3967
www.jkrar.com
J.P. Maguire Assoc., Inc. 800-233-8220
www.jpmaguire.com
J. T. Frechette Companies, LLC 203-605-9007
McGrath Insurance Group, Inc. 508-347-6850
www.mcgrathinsurance.com
Maynard Insurance Group 203-318-0008
Oakbridge Insurance Services 860-906-0120
www.oakbridgeins.com
Plymouth Glass & Mirror 860-283-0276
www.plymouthglass.com
JN Phillips Auto Glass 781-939-3400
www.877autoglass.com
Premium Assignment Corp. 603-421-1953
www.premiumassignment.com
Pro-Klean Cleaning & Restoration Services, Inc. 866-463-2313
www.pro-klean.com
PuroClean Mitigation Services 860-516-8083
www.puroclean.com
Renaissance Group, Inc. 860-307-2957
www.renaissanceins.com
Servicemaster QRV Regional Group 203-386-1565
www.servicemastergb.com
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE BROKERS AND SERVICES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE BROKERS AND SERVICES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
For information on how to become an Associate Member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut and a complete list of benefits, please visit the “Join” page of our website or
contact Rose Mullaly at 860-563-1950 or email [email protected]
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 18
ServiceMaster by Wills 860-447-3265
www.servicemasterbymason.com
SERVPRO Cleaning and Restoration of New Haven, Waterbury & Naugatuck Valley
1-800-243-8812 www.servproofnewhaven.com
SERVPRO of Manchester-Bolton 860-649-0836
www.servproofwesthartford.com
SERVPRO of Meriden 203-630-2273
www.servpromeriden.com
Steamatic of CT 203-985-8000
www.steamaticct.com
TAPCO 800-334-5579
www.gotapco.com
Target Insurance Services 860-284-0088
www.target-capital.com
Thompson Agency, Inc. 860-693-4999
www.thompsonagency.net
Travel Insured International, Inc. 860-528-7663
www.travelinsured.com
United Cleaning & Restoration, LLC 800-835-0740
www.unitedcr.com
XS Brokers Insurance Agency, Inc. 617-471-7171
www.xsbrokers.com
Acadia Insurance Company 860-331-2391
www.acadiainsurance.com
American Commerce Insurance Company A MAPFRE Company
603-888-8900 www.acilink.com
American Strategic Insurance Company (ASI) 866-274-8765
www.americanstrategic.com
AmTrust North American, Inc. 860-257-7286
www.amtrustgroup.com
The Andover Companies 860-257-7286
www.andoverco.com
Central Mutual Insurance Company 877-281-4941
www.central-insurance.com
Chubb & Son Insurance 203-782-4115
www.chubb.com
Cincinnati Insurance Company 513-870-2000
www.cinfin.com
C N A Insurance 860-513-6460
www.cnacentral.com
Connecticut Fair Plan 860-528-9546
www.ctfairplan.com
FirstComp 888-500-3344
www.firstcomp.com
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE COMPANIES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE BROKERS AND SERVICES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
For information on how to become an Associate Member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut and a complete list of benefits, please visit the “Join” page of our website or
contact Rose Mullaly at 860-563-1950 or email [email protected]
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 19
Guard Insurance Group 570-825-9900
www.guard.com
Harleysville Worcester Insurance Company 800-225-7387
www.harleysvillegroup.com
The Hartford 860-409-6150
www.thehartford.com
Kemper, A Unitrin Business 203-775-5846
www.ekemper.com
The Main Street America Group 603-358-1352
www.msagroup.com
MEMIC 207-791-3370
www.memic.com
MetLife Auto & Home 860-668-2699
www.metlife.com
MiddleOak 860-638-5132
www.middleoak.com
New London County Mutual 860-887-3553
www.nlcinsurance.com
Ohio Mutual Insurance 419-563-0959
www.omig.com
Peerless Insurance 860-571-2201
www.peerless-ins.com
Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation 860-681-2766
www.plymouthrock.com
PMA Insurance 203-379-3825
www.pmagroup.com
Progressive Insurance Company 800-274-4055
www.progressiveagent.com
QBE 860-570-0802
www.qbeamericas.com
Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance 671-770-5171
www.quincymutual.com
Safeco Insurance 603-358-4156
www.safeco.com
State Auto Insurance Companies 860-633-4678
www.stateauto.com
Travelers 860-277-6948
www.travelers.com
Utica National Insurance Group 800-695-1914
www.uticanational.com
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE COMPANIES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE COMPANIES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
For information on how to become an Associate Member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut and a complete list of benefits, please visit the “Join” page of our website or
contact Rose Mullaly at 860-563-1950 or email [email protected]
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - February 2013 Issue Page 20
WHO ARE THE INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF CONNECTICUT?
The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut was founded in 1899 as the Connecticut Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents. The organization’s name was changed in 1913 to the Connecticut Association of Insur-ance Agents. This name was considered more representative of the membership due to the expansion of the property-casualty business coverages and the increased presence of casualty and surety agents. In 1975 the organization became The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut to emphasize its members abilities to work with a variety of insurance companies and industry representatives. The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut has always been in the lead on important issues for agents. The list is long as IIAC has worked with regulators and the insurance industry on important issues such as agent licensing, anti-rebate laws, ownership of expirations, banking and insurance, and agent compensation to name a few. Today IIAC offers a wide variety of products and services to its members. The education calendar offers a full assortment of choices for licensing, continuing education and advanced degree programs. In addition, IIAC of-fers several insurance programs for our members that can be purchased to protect their agency business and insurance products that members can sell to their customers. IIAC also offers technical and regulatory assistant to our members. Technical advice is available at the staff level and through the Virtual University where you can “Ask The Expert.” In addition, IIAC meets regularly with the Insurance Commissioner and department staff to discuss current market conditions and consumers issues. IIAC is a strong advocate for independent agents at our state capital and in Washington D.C. Whatever the is-sue may be, IIAC is the voice for independent agents as we represent the interests of our membership. Our na-tional association, IIABA is a predominant lobbying force in Washington and is constantly ranked among the top 10 of all the lobbying groups in the United States. The Big “I” mission succinctly captures our purpose: “to pro-vide independent agents with a sustainable competitive advantage.” To accomplish that, IIAC is the unrelent-ing advocate on the issues that shape the environment in which our membership conducts business. IIAC is the voice in the halls of Congress, the state capital and in boardrooms across the nation.
INSURPAC
InsurPac is the Political Action Committee (PAC) of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). It represents the unified political voice of IIABA's 23,000 member agencies and 300,000 agents and brokers nationwide. It is the largest property-casualty insurance industry PAC in the country, and is one of the primary reasons the Big "I" is rou-tinely rated among the most successful lobbying groups in Washington, DC.
"Lobbying and a well-funded PAC go hand-in-hand," says Charles Symington, IIABA's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. "InsurPac's voice resonates through the halls of Congress on behalf of the Big "I". Every elected official knows that a contribution from InsurPac is a contribution from 23,000 small business owners."
InsurPac raises funds by asking for voluntary personal contributions from independent agents and brokers throughout the country. By pooling money together, InsurPac helps elect candidates and re-elect members of the U.S. Congress who share IIABA's business philosophy.
This concept of pooling personal contributions together for the greater good is essential to understanding the importance of PACs. As an individual, you can make the average contribution of $200 to a Congressman, or you can invest that $200 in a PAC, which in turn combines that with 9 other donors and gives the same Congressman $2,000. At the end of the day, PACs are able to speak with a collective voice that is much louder than that of an individual. It is impossible to overvalue the power of a collective voice -- of a collective InsurPac speaking on behalf of the Independent Agency system.