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All the news Suffolk County Independent Agents need to know! Special recap of the Holiday Party!
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I N D E P E N D E N T I N S U R A N C E A G E N T S & B R O K E R S O F S U F F O L K C O U N T Y
SUFFOLK Big Eye2 0 1 1 N O V / D E C I S S U E
the
Editor
Don Hester
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It Is About Time Years ago, when the modeling companies began terrorizing our carriers with tales of catastrophe from Hurricanes on Long Island, as a County Association we surveyed our members for ways to alleviate the potential windstorm losses. That was back in the 1990’s One solution that was mentioned and has been suggested a few more times as an alternative to the massive percentage deductibles on the main house dwelling centered on doing away with coverage from windstorm damages to “outbuildings” from our own loss experience we know that fences sheds etc are prone to wind storm total loss far more often than the main dwelling.
A recent release from the Florida carrier came up with this brilliant idea too, . Quoting from a recent Insurance Journal article 11/14/11 “Florida’s Citizens Cutting Back on Coverage which said ”Citizens Property Insurance Corp., in a message to agents, said it will no longer provide coverage for most structures beyond the main residence. Excluded from the coverage will be screen porches, carports, pool enclosures, and patios that are not built out of the same material as the main residence.
Also on the list are tiki huts, gazebos or other similar buildings that are designed to be open to the weather. Any structures that have a roof or wall made of thatch, lattice or similar materials are likewise excluded.”
by Don J. Hester
How many of your clients would be willing to drop coverage’s for similar items in return for a reasonable 1000 or 2500 hurricane deductible?
The last time we suggested this the suggestion came from a bunch of Suffolk agents. What do we know about underwriting?? Now the same idea is coming from a Carrier that really writes windstorm in a REAL hurricane susceptible area. Perhaps we need to resurrect our suggestion to the people who write coverage’s and regulators .While offering a deductible buy back is one existing way to solve the high percentage deductible, perhaps we need to push this too?
It Is About Time cont’d
The Members of the IIAB Suffolk Board of Directors Wish all our Readers a very healthy and
Happy New Year!
VICE PRESIDENT
DAVID M. BORG, CPCU, CIC, ARA,
m
TREASURER
PAULETTE KATZ,
CIC
insurance@cunningh
amagency.com
SECRETARY
John V. Stype, CIC
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTRUSS VOLLMER
Russ.Vollmer@vollme
radairagency.com
JOANNE BENTIVEGNA, CIC, CRM [email protected]
DAVID H. BORG, [email protected]
RICHARD DE LA SOTA, CPCU [email protected]
JOSEPH A. GUNDERMANN, AAI [email protected]
ERIC KEIFFERT, [email protected]
Michael J. Romeo ll, [email protected]
AARON STEIN, CPCU, [email protected]
Directors
Board of Directors
EDITOR: Don Hester PRODUCER: Aaron Stein
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE: Aaron Stein, Joanne Bentivegna, David H. Borg, Pat Calvert
Eric Keiffert and Jeanne Abatelli. AD SALES/SPONSORSHIPS: Jeanne Abatelli - [email protected]
Publication Staff
IIABSC Calendar
Please mark your calendars for L Day 2012 which will be held in Albany on January 30th & 31st.
Key topics for discussion will include: Producer Compensation Disclosure, Coastal Market Availability & Affordability, Labor Law Reform, Health Insurance and Licensing Issues, just to name a few.
Hopefully you will be able to join us. Please use the link below to go to IIABNY’s website to sign up.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Joe Gundermann
FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Log on to www.iiabny.org Highlight the ‘Education’ link and select ‘Education Calendar’. Registration forms are also available on line, or call IIABNY’s Education Dept. at 1-800-962-7950.
by Don J. Hester
“TOO many Workers on the payroll and Not enough to do” That was my proposed editorial headline. I had a day off due to the Christmas Blizzard It led to my putting down some notes that I felt deserve comment:
Federal EPA is proposing to regulate dust. Not dust from some inside a manufacturing,facility but farm dust from farmers planting and harvesting. The US Circuit Court of Appeals for Washington DC refused to exempt farmers for farm dust emissions . Do smoke and mirror emissions count?
Here on the local scene some have noted that State Officials want agents to comment on who pays them and how much. If asked the agents must go into great detail . Judging by some recent criminal charges that might be an interesting area of concern to some taxpayers if the legislators themselves were considered subject to the same requirements! But it isnt fair to paint all of them with the same brush.
Another topic:
Just why don’t the legislators who represent us and supposedly understand our needs feel they should not operate under the same rules and regulations? Would they
Editor’s Feedbackthe
Editor
Don Hester
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Editor’s Feedback con’tthe
be more sensitive to our problems if they faced the same daily concerns. What about health care costs , co pays ,donut holes and availability?
What is a lulu? Instead of finding new and ingenious ways to add to our tax burden perhaps it is time to reduce it. I do not plan on taking my cell phone with me when I travel out of country next month . As a matter of fact , it will not be used at all. I will not be using the MTA ..but the phone bill will still charge for the MTA usage. . What is wrong with this picture?
What does the State of New York expend on legislator benefits for these part time officials ? Could they or should they be paying for it from their own funds, not ours?
Someone sent me an e mail proposing that all elected officials pay their own health costs and not be given a free ride. I was an elected State Official for over thirty years . As a Fire Commissioner I served without pay.. although on the books I was allocated 100 a year so I would be eligible for compensation if I was injured on the job. Carried my own health insurance too.
by Don J. Hester
Registration Now Open!
Join your fellow agents and favorite carriers at IIABNY’s Capital Event – January 30 & 31, 2012 in Albany, NY. Here are three reasons you can't miss it:
1. Face time with your company reps and peers at the company meet & greet, cocktail party and dinner,
2. An exclusive preview of the cutting-edge industry initiative focused on digital marketing (Project CAP), and,
3. The chance to go face to face with your representatives in Albany at L Day to discuss the issues critical to independent agents and brokers.
Visit www.iiabny.org/capitalevent to learn more, or check out Paul Banuski’s Video Diary series for a unique look at why you should attend Capital Event.
Important Links:
• Hotel & Travel Info.(Hotel deadline is DECEMBER 30)• Legislative Briefing Webinar with Barrett & Associates, January 10, 2012• ASCR of the Year Online Nomination Form• Trusted Choice Agency of the Year Online Nomination Form• Joel S. Pollack Young Agent of the Year Award Nomination Form
IIABSC COMMITTEES2011 – 2012
WE INVITE MEMBERS TO JOIN A COMMITTEE!
Please Contact the committee chair or Pat Calvert for further information.
Audit Committee David H. Borg and John Stype.
Budget & Finance Paulette Katz (Chair), Earl Eaton and Russ Vollmer.
Communications Committee Aaron Stein (Chair), Joanne Bentivegna, David H.
Borg, Eric Keiffert and Jeanne Abatelli.
Sub-Committees Public Relations
Speakers Bureau
Suffolk Big Eye
Technology & Web site
Downstate Representatives Earl Eaton and Rich de la Sota.
Scholarship Rich de la Sota (Chair)
Legislation/InsurPac Joe Gundermann (Chair), John Stype, Tom Crowley,
Don Hester and Jeff Rehm
Coastal Task Force Legislative committee and Jim Sutton
Meetings & Programs David M. Borg (Chair) + Communications Committee
plus Jim Karras and Pat Calvert.
Meeting Reservations Jeanne Abatelli
NextGen David H. Borg and Mickey Romeo (co-chairs)
Disaster Preparedness Task Force John Mulvey and Mike Romeo.
Advertising & Sponsor Sales Jeanne Abatelli.
2012 Golf Outing David M. Borg and Joe Gundermann (Co-chairs)
2012 Installation Earl Eaton, David M. Borg, Jeanne Abatelli and Pat Calvert.
Approved Testing CenterDesignations: AAI, ACSR, AINSEd CalendarEssentials for CSRsTailored TrainingVirtual UniversityWebinars & Web CE
“Ask Tim” vidcastE-newsletters:
IIABNY Insider, in the Classroom, Member Bene!ts Update, Capitol Report, E&O Report
IIABNY LIVE! weekly online showSocial media (Facebook • LinkedIn • Twitter)The Situation Room
Employee Bene!ts: AD&D, Group Life, Health, LTDDental (Contributory and voluntary)Vision (Contributory and voluntary)
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)Errors & Omissions – Westport, Fireman’s Fund, OtherRetirement Services
Audit Options• E&O TLC Agency Audit (all insureds)• Agency Shield Program (Swiss Re insureds only)
Customized Training / ConsultingE&O Loss Control SeminarsFormsReference Material
Insurance for Your Agency - ext. 233 E&O TLC - ext. 247
Education - ext. 228 News - ext. 226
Unsupported Work Comp
RLI Home Business Insurance PolicyRLI Personal Umbrella Policy
The following products are available via Big “I” MarketsA"uent Personal LinesBondsClaims Adjuster E&OCommercial Builder’s RiskCommercial Package PolicyCommunity BanksEvent LiabilityFinancial Services E&OFine Dining Restaurant Package
Flood and Excess Flood Insurance ProgramHabitational MarketsNon Physicians Medical MalpracticeNon-Standard HomeownersOutdoors MarketsPersonal WatercraftPrivate Company D&O & CrimeReal Estate E&ORecreational VehiclesRestaurant Package (24-hour, bar/tavern family and !ne dining)Stand Alone Boats and YachtsTechnology Consultant E&OTravelers Wrap + Package
Insurance for Your Clients - ext. 225 for RLI • ext. 232 for all other
Business Resource Directory - ext. 232ACORD AdvantageSubscription for up-to-date, print-on-demand ACORD forms
AgentQuote.comWeb site development program
Agility Recovery SolutionsDisaster recovery and business continuity solution
Big "I" Best PracticesBenchmarking tools and data
Caliper Pro!les Personality assessment and job matching tool
docStar Document management and paperless processing
Exam SimulatorP/C or Life/Accident & Health state exam simulations
FedExShipping savings program for Big “I” members
Hertz Car RentalSpecial savings and upgrades on car rentals from Hertz
InsurBancA bank that specializes in servicing the insurance industry
Leo Eisner Promotional ProductsPromotional products
Ovation Payroll “Agent Friendly” Payroll provider solution
StaplesLink Discounted o!ce supply program
Third Eye TechnologiesProvides back up and business continuity services
Trusted Premium Funding Premium "nance provider
Virtual Risk Consultant Online sales and service resource
WAHVEA cost-saving remote sta!ng solution for agents & brokers
www . i i a b n y . o r g
Product IndexCall 800-962-7950 for more information
Wrong Again!!
Several years ago one of our associations meeting topics was to present a consultant to us. He was going to advise us on the trends and what we can expect our business to look like on the agency side in the future.Our meeting was well attended with about 80 of our members present.
After a few minutes I immediately began to see what this guys advice was going to be.He was sounding the alarm that if your agencies revenues were less than one million dollars you should immediately sell or merge your agency as the chances of you surviving was slim.l was absolutely astounded and judging on some of the faces around me they were
by Jim Karras, AAI, Past President
too. My astonishment soon turned to anger. Just who was this "expert' who just told with the exception of a few agents in the room that we were all going to go out of business?
He probably was a former salaried employee who never had to pay the bills or make payroll as an independent business person.He just showed up everyday and collected a paycheck every week. Now he was getting big fees and had become an "expert"
Weff, Mr. "expert" according to Feb 2011 lA Magazine, four thousand new independent insurance agencies in two years, New agency account for 11% of all independent agencies today. Just another example of how some high paid, lacking in real knowledge person can not only be wrong but VERY wrong. Sound familiar??
A few weeks ago IIABNY had its quarterly meeting in Syracuse at the Hotel Genesee. This one day meeting discussed a variety of important and ongoing issues for New York Independent Agents and Brokers.
Discussions included the after effects of tropical storms Irene & Lee and the impact to our area. While problems were few on Long Island, upstate areas were badly damaged. Mostly flooding claims but some wind related damaged was encountered all over the state. We looked at claims service for both wind and flood related claims. There were some concerns about the handling of flood claims.
On Long Island, we dodged a bullet, but should consider this a “dress rehearsal” for future storms.
We spoke about the fallout from Workers Compensation Self Insured Trusts and the problems associated with these trusts as they wind down claims. Many members of defunct trusts will continue to have ongoing obligations to the system.
We will be making a push for increased attendance at L-Day which will be on January 30th & 31st, 2012. We want to pursue a number of legislative issues with our representatives. This year’s event will include a 2012 Industry forecast by Dr. Robert Hartwig PH.D, CPCU, and President of the Insurance Information Institute and also a presentation about a new industry initiative to increase digital marketing and online sales called CAP (Consumer Agent Portal). This is a public facing online gateway that allows consumers to compare quotes from multiple independent carriers and then connect with a local independent agent to service their insurance needs.
We need the support of all members to attend this important event. Please do not rely on someone else to speak to your legislative representative. The other competing groups will only speak for their side of the issues and never mention concerns we have. Issues such Health Insurance reform, Producer Compensation Disclosure, Property
IIABNY Update 4th Quarter 2011By Jim Sutton, Regional Director
coverage availability, standardization of hurricane triggers and more need our support so our voices can be heard in Albany.
Other issues discussed included Certificates of Insurance wording problems, State Insurance Fund practices, windstorm triggers, sales inducements and tie in sales, commercial lines modernization, subrogation on uninsured motorists claims, the transition for the Department of Financial Services, the health insurance exchange, Trusted Choice, diversity programs for attracting minority owned agencies and InsurPAC (National) and IAPAC (State) political action committees.
As independent Insurance Agents and Brokers, we face many challenges in running our businesses. IIABNY is here to help you with any agency related issue. If you are experiencing any problems and need a resource for information on how to resolve them IIABNY has the information to help you. Please consider that for most of us our agencies are our biggest asset. Why not protect your future by becoming more involved? Best wishes for a successful and prosperous 2012!
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The IIABNY Next Generation Insurance Professionals (Next Gen) sponsors training, seminars, and conferences across the state. Our members also have the opportunity to participate in national Big “I” Young Agents events.
0HPEHUVKLS�5HTXLUHPHQWVNext Gen is open to individuals under 40 years old or new to the insurance industry who are interested in becoming more innovative and e!ective salespeople, creating lasting business relationships, and joining the ranks of insurance industry leaders.
Membership is open to all individuals working in or supporting the Independent Agency System and actively developing a career in the insurance industry. It is not limited to agents only; it is open to any one involved in or supporting the insurance industry including all agency and company personnel.
A"liated with IIABA Young Agents
Membership is Free! Join today by #lling out the following form and returning it to:
Kathy Lawler Monica [email protected] [email protected]: 888-432-0510 Fax: 888-432-0510
Name: _____________________________________________________ Agency: _________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Position: ___________________________________________________ Year Born: ________________________________________
E-mail: _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Fax: __________________________
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Networking & social events with other professionals
Exciting & innovative sales and marketing training
Management skills that allow your career to grow
Valuable leadership development
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NY Comp and the Employer The first thirty days after an accident report.
by Theodore J. Ronca, Esq.Aquebogue, NY
(631) 722-2100 The role of the employer after an accident is vital. Unfortunately, it is a misconception that it consists solely of filing a report (C-2) with the carrier and Workers Compensation Board within 10 days. That might be the barest minimum legally possible, but it is rarely adequate for anyone involved in a claim – and certainly not for the employer and employee.
An employer trying to complete the Board’s prescribed form for reporting an injury is immediately confronted by puzzling requirements. Many of the questions are for small detailes which are never part of a comp adjudication (the employers industrial code) while others allow a woefully small amount of line space for what might require a lengthy explanation (how did the accident occur). Other parts of the form seem to assume that an accident muyst have occurred, even though many an employer is equally certain that it did not.
(Attach additional documents to the C-2, where necessary to explain fully what happened.)
The employer should realize that it’s role is much larger than a single C-2 form. To assist in the proper resolution of a claim (even though that someimes means a dismissal) the employer should be aware that they frequently have far more information than is requested. The information may be forwarded to a carrier and the Board, taking care that confidential medical information may require special handling.
An employer should make the carrier aware of relevant information which it posses about the employee’s physical limitations at time of hire, so that these are not autromatically assumed to be a consequence of a new injury.
The employer can also list for the carrier known prior injuries, especially those resulting in a lawsuit or compensation claim. The employer can also list prior employers, with dates of work and name address and phone number of the employer.
The employer may have periods of absence due to illness or injury. These should be made known to the carrier. Since a claim is being filed for medical disability, such information must be available to treating doctors and independent examiners.
The employer’s role also extends to maintaining a relationship with the employee. The law imposes upon the employer (not the carrier) the obligation to see that appropriate medical treatment is provided. Calling the employee to make sure that they are under care is entirely appropriate and much appreciated by the worker’s family.
The employer can also begin return to work measures. Asking the worker about the treating doctor’s opinion about possible return to work is not intrusive. In fact, it is essential.
Being involved means a lot more than the completion of a single form. Remaining an active presence results in faster adjudication, quicker return to work, less wage loss and fewer contested issues.
not like to be treated to pizza for a job well done?
Of course, there is no guarantee of success with any plan of action. However, why not roll up your sleeves and give it your best the old fashioned way? In my humble opinion, there is much to gain and nothing to lose by giving your best effort. Consider it a blessing when one of your Agents calls you at night during the ballgame to discuss a problem with their commission pay. And don’t forget to smile – a little hard work never hurt anyone. Anyway, got to go – One of my agents is texting me about a problem and I need to deal with this right now. Happy marketing (LOL)!
Around the Room at Our Holiday Party!November 30, 2011
Season’s Greetings
Happy Holidays
Tom Crowley presented The Camilla G. Belser Memorial Insurance Company Person of the Year Award to Robert Zak, President & CEO, Merchants Insurance Group.
Don Hester thanked Sgt. Michael Umbreit (center) and Staff Sgt. Gilbert Nevarez for their service to our country on behalf of us all.
Trisha Dean of Morstan General Agency was the lucky winner of $380 from the 50/50 Scholarship fund drawing.
INSURANCE COMPANIES & MARKETS
Excise Bond Underwriters John L. Comeau 15 Maiden Lane, Suite 800 New York, NY 10038 Tel: 212-363-2950 Fax: 212-425-2539
Magna Carta Companies Wanda Napolitano 1 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016 Toll Free: 1-888-ONE PARK Phone: 212-591-9500 Fax: 212-591-9621
NIF Group Michael Orlando, Nancy Williams 30 Park Avenue Manhasset, NY 11030 Phone: 516-365-7440Fax: 516-496-7356 Email: [email protected] www.nifgroup.com
Quaker Special Risk Camille Windler226 5th Avenue, 4th Flr.New York, NY 10001 Phone: 516 428 0716. Fax: 732-223-9072 Email: [email protected] Brian Botwinick Eatontown, NJ Toll Free: 800-447-4180 Email: [email protected]
INSURANCE SERVICES
Pryor Personnel Agency Patricia Pryor Bonica 147 Old Country Road Hicksville, NY 11801 Phone: 516-935-0100 Fax: 516-931-7842Email: [email protected]
RESTORATION SERVICES
Belfor Property Restoration Gary J. Alexander 60 Raynor Ave. Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 Phones: 631-471-3131 x121 Fax: 631-471-2905
Advertisersthe
Sponsorsthe
Adirondack Insurance/Tower Group CompaniesMichele Russo 3 Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 201SMelville NY 11747 Phone: 631-793-4909Fax: 646-514-5852Email: [email protected]
D.C. White Agency Steven Shapiro370 West Park Avenue Long Beach, NY 11561-3245 Phone: 516-431-9191 Fax: 516-889-1727
Interboro InsurancePeter Resnick155 Mineola BlvdMineola NY 11501Phone: 516-248-1100 x 315Fax: 516-746-1884Email: [email protected]
Kingstone Insurance Company John Reiersen, CPCU15 Joys Lane Kingston, NY 12401 Phone: 845-340-8366 Fax: 845-340-8393Email: [email protected]
Holiday Meeting Sponsor
Adirondack Insurance Exchange/Tower Group Companies
D.C. White AgencyInterboro Insurance Company
Kingstone Insurance CompanyMerchants Insurance Group
MetLife Auto & Home
Morstan General AgencyNarragansett Bay Ins. Company
ProgressiveServpro of Port Jefferson
Total Restoration
Zurich Small Business
Please remember these companies support our association, please help support them whenever possible!
Sponsors con’tthe
Morstan General Agency, Inc.Al Eskanazy, Bob Birner 600 Community Drive PO Box 4500Manhasset, NY 11030-4500Phone: 516-488-4747Fax: 516-437-5050
ProgressiveFrancine GabrelukPhone: 1-800-274-4055 x54445Fax: 1-888-316-0107Email: [email protected]
Merchants Insurance GroupEric Feit1393 Vets Memorial HwyHauppauge Ny 11788Phone: 631-366-3355Fax: 631-366-6727Email: [email protected]
MetLife Auto & HomeMary MondrickMarketing Manager 30 Cheryl DriveShoreham NY 11786Phone: 631-821-7206Fax: 631-821-7258Toll Free: 866-257-9377Email: [email protected]
Narragansett Bay Insurance CompanyDonna DoylePhone: 516-352-2764Fax: 516-352-2793 Email: [email protected]
Servpro of Port JeffersonRisa Kluger525 Route 112Port Jefferson Station NY 11776Phone: 631-476-5300Fax: 631-473-5302Email: [email protected]
Total RestorationDennis Lombardi285 Post AvenueWestbury NY 11590Phone: 516-333-5333Fax: 516-333-5489Email: [email protected]
Zurich Small BusinessLorraine Bohn 46 Canterbury DriveHauppauge NY 11788Tel: 631-584-5293Fax: 631-584-5167Email: [email protected]
2 0 1 1 S E P / O C T I S S U E
SUFFOLK Big Eye
Contact Us:[email protected]
IIABSC150 Dartmouth Dr.Hicksville, NY 11801
I N D E P E N D E N T I N S U R A N C E A G E N T S & B R O K E R S O F S U F F O L K C O U N T Y
the
