vol. 2023, ed. 19
SC Wind Responds to Questions Regarding Rate Increase
Rate increases require regulatory approval, agents generally will receive 90 days' notice of an approved rate increase
SC Wind and Hail has received several inquires regarding a potential rate increase. In response, SC Wind released the following statement: Contrary to statements being made by select Insurance Producers... (+ More...)
2023 Best Practices Study Update Released
Key findings include strong organic growth and profitability, emphasis in recruitment paying off
As the independent agency channel continues to move past the historic economic disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic and into the challenges of a hard market, Best Practices agencies continue to display exceptional organic growth and profitability while heavily investing in the continued development of new business, according to the 2023 update of the Best Practices Study by the Big “I" and Reagan Consulting, now available on IIABA website. Four IIABSC member agencies - CSP Insurance Services, Irmo Insurance Agency, Peoples Underwriters and SC Insurance Brokers - are among the Best Practices Agencies. (+ More...)
National Legislative Update from IA Magazine
Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program is tied up in the current budget crises as program funding expires Sept. 30, short-term continuing resolution is expected, yet the chances of a full government shutdown are increasing.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Big I Employee Benefits
Attract talent by offering better employee benefits
Independent agencies have an advantage in the increasing competition for talent when it comes to flexible work environment and competitive wages but often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to offering benefits. Fortunately, Big “I" Employee Benefits is a one-stop resource that leverages the collective size of the Big “I" membership to provide "guaranteed issue" benefits (under certain requirements). Coverages are provided through The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and include group life, group short- and long-term disability, group dental and group vision. For help finding the member benefits most in line with the priorities of your agency, contact our Director of Member Services, Megan Thomas. (+ More...)
See also: BlueCross BlueShield of SC offers IIABSC members a group-health plan with 18 options as well as dental, vision, life and disability coverage
UPSTATE AGENTS: FREE local networking event Sept. 28
Happy Hour this Thursday at The Farehouse in Taylors
Greenville-area Agents: Join IIABSC for a networking happy hour brought to you by our award-winning Young Agents Committee on Sept. 28 at The Farehouse in Taylors. Thanks to our generous sponsors, this event is FREE to all agents and young agents! Plan to join us after work starting at 5:00 pm for some food, drinks and good times with fellow Big "I" agents, industry leaders and event sponsors. Meet the SC Young Agent Committee leaders in your area who have planned this great event. Special thanks to our event sponsors: 20/20 Auto GLass, The Hanover Insurance Group, iSurety and Sentry Construction.. BRING BUSINESS CARDS FOR DRAWINGS! (+ More...)
NEW VIRTUAL PRE-LICENSING COURSE: 90% First Time Pass Ratio on P&C Exam
Course starts Oct. 9, registration closes next week (Oct. 2)
IIABSC is now offering live, virtual pre-licensing training for the P&C Producer exam. The first-time pass ratio for our training is currently running at 90 percent. Taught by Big I Senior VP Becky McCormack, this course will prepare your new employee to take the Property, Casualty, Surety & Marine state exam from the convenience of your office. Class meets Monday - Friday 8:30am - 12:30 pm for two weeks. Study sessions are added every three days and a final study session at the end. Next class begins Oct. 9, but the last day to register is Oct. 2. (+ More...)
Annual convention Sponorship Opportunities STILL AVAILABLE
Join us for the 125th Anniversary Celebration, Nov. 5-7 at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC
Registration to this year's annual convention (Nov. 5–7 at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC) is still open for nonexhibitor attendees although hotel rooms are limited.is still open to attendees & sponsors and there are several options for agents to attend all or part of the event at discounted rates. Hotel rooms are extremely limited and discounted room rates are only available until October 3 or once all rooms within the block have sold out. This year's event features a sold-out exhibit hall with 75 vendors, Biltmore Estate & microbrewery tours and a special 125th Anniversary celebration. Attendees will hear keynote presentation from a former Army Ranger who was part of the CIA annex security team responding to the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi as well as updates from the department and a special session on how independent agents can utilize AI technology. 125th Anniversary Celebration Sponsorships still available include: attendee gifts, open bar, champagne toast and band (Funk Factory 5). Sponsorship deadline to be included in event program is Oct. 2. Hotel block expires Oct. 3. Pre-registration closes Oct. 23. (+ More...)
Commercial Agent Training (CAT) classroom in Columbia
Build a strong foundation in commercial lines insurance coverages
The popular Commercial Agent Training School (CAT) returns to the classroom in Columbia starting October 19. This course was developed to provide comprehensive training for agents in all the major areas of commercial lines. It is perfect for new employees or those who just want a refresher course in commercial lines coverages. The CAT series helps agents build a strong foundation in commercial lines insurance coverages. Participants attend one class a week for three weeks. At the completion of all three days, participants receive a Series Certificate of Completion. Each class stands alone if you don’t want to attend all three days. (+ More...)
National ABEN Day offers 5 hours free CE
Broadcasting Oct. 25 from 11 am - 5:00 pm
Join us for National ABEN Day on Oct. 25 for up to five hours of FREE CE! We are excited to provide three highly relevant topics relating to insurance "horror stories" like wrong-way drivers, hoarders and insurance fraud. You can take one, two or all three and only pay the state CE filing fee. Presenters will be available in the forum for questions and interaction with agents from around the country. Prizes and giveaways will also be part of the day. Register now through our ABEN page. PLEASE NOTE: We will charge a CE filing fee depending on the number of hours taken. Cost for all 5 hours is $5. (+ More...)
SOCIAL MEDIA: October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Resources for social media/newsletter content on cyber defense
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, sponsored by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency of the federal government and the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Use resources found on the national website (including social media elements) to help your clients stay safe online. This year they are launching a campaign that emphasizes four simple steps to stay safe online - using strong passwords, using multifactor authentication, recognizing phishing attempts and keeping software up to date. (+ More...)
See also: Trusted Choice customizable "Insurance Explained" video series (includes Cyber Liability Protection)
SOCIAL MEDIA: Oct. 9-13 is Fire Prevention Week
Resources for social media/newsletter content by National Fire Protection Association
October 9-13 is Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. Use safety campaign resources found on their website (including videos and other social media elements) to to engage and educate your clients and remind them how to stay safe in case of a fire. Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health observance in our country, held during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. (+ More...)
SOCIAL MEDIA: Great Southeast Shakeout Drill October 19
Good source of earthquake preparedness resources
October 19 is this year's International ShakeOut Day, where millions of people worldwide participate in earthquake drills at work, school or at home. South Carolina is part of the Southeast Chapter that also includes North Carolina, Georgia, Florida Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Even if you don't participate in the drill, their website's resources page is a great resource of earthquake preparedness information, including the SCEMD Earthquake Guide, drill manuals, planning guides, multimedia and custom flyers for all kinds of age groups, communities and industries. (+ More...)