Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
November edition of Monthly magazine
Citation preview
The Connecticut Independent Agent
November 2011
The Connecticut Independent Agent
This Issue’s Features
IIAC Mid-Year Convention Late Registration Information 03 Sponsors of the IIAC Mid-Year Convention 04 Exhibitors at the IIAC Mid-Year Convention 05 Connecticut Insurance Commissioner and IIABA Trusted Choice® Member are Appointed to the Federal Advisory
Committee on Insurance 06 Big “I” Comments on Delaware and Pennsylvania Association Membership Announcements 07
Big “I” Study Suggest Industry May Be on
Road to Recovery 07
City of Stamford Maintains Flood Information Website 08 Month in Review - Connecticut Insurance Department 09 2012 CE Calendar - Partial Release 10 Instructions for Checking CE Credit Status On-Line 11 RLI Stand Alone Personal Umbrella 12 Swiss Re 12
In Every Issue
November and December Continuing Education Courses 13
Events 15
Big “I” Advantage Programs 16
2010 - 2011 Officers 18
Committees 18
About Us 23
Associate Member Index
Associate Members - Insurance Brokers & Services 19
“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
Ed Meaney, CPCU 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 - November 2011 Page 3
The IIAC Mid-Year Convention is scheduled to be held on November 10, 2011 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. This con-vention draws 450+ attendees from all avenues of the insurance industry. Every year the business session at the convention provides attendees with 3 continuing education credits for Laws, Regulations and Ethics. The convention exhibit hall is filled with a variety of vendors who offer valuable insurance services and products to better agencies’ success in today’s market. Each year’s program is different from the previous year and has a new course code. Agents who attended last year’s con-vention will receive CE credit for attending again.
Exhibit Hall Open: 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM and 12:00 PM—1:00 PM Morning Business Session: 9:15 AM - 12:00 PM - 3 CE Credits (LRE) Course #105990
Lunch: 1:00 PM—2:00 PM
IIAC Mid-Year Convention November 10, 2011
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION FEE MEMBERS/ASSOCIATE MEMBERS $ 95.00
EACH ADDITIONAL PERSON FROM MEMBER AGENCY OR ASSOCIATE MEMBER COMPANY $ 80.00
NON-MEMBERS $155.00
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL FOR BADGE: __________________________________________ CT Producer Lic. # _________________
AGENCY / COMPANY: _________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ (include City, State & Zip Code) TELEPHONE: _____________________________________ E-MAIL: __________________________________________________
Anne Melissa Dowling, CFA - Deputy Commissioner, State of Connecticut Insurance Department
Each year state regulation of insurance faces new challenges. The future of insurance regulation will be discussed by our state’s deputy insurance commissioner.
Michael Donohoe, James R. Weir Insurance Agency, Mankato, Minn. - IIABA Chairman
Michael Donohoe is the current IIABA Chairman and will discuss the activities of your national association.
Thomas Minkler, Clark-Mortenson Agency, Keene, N.H. - CAP Committee Chairman Consumer Agent Portal
The IIABA has developed an exciting new program - the first of its kind - designed to reverse the market share erosion inde-pendent agents have faced in the personal lines market. The Independent Agent channel is facing a significant test in the loss of personal lines premiums to competitors that are growing market share through effective digital marketing. IIABA has developed a comprehensive, industry-based digital marketing program currently known as CAP (Consumer Agent Portal). As members of IIABA and Trusted Choice®, independent agents willing to actively participate through time and content will receive access to CAP. Tom Minkler, IIABA Executive Committee member and Chairman of the CAP Committee will dis-cuss this new initiative.
Insurance Industry Panel
This is a unique opportunity to hear your carriers’ perspective on current issues impacting our industry. The panel topics will include Federal vs. State Regulation of Insurance; Financial Services Regulation; Insuring Natural Disasters; The Impact of Healthcare Reforms on the insurance industry; and Personal and Commercial Marketplace Trends. Panelists Include:
Robert H. Courtemanche, President, ACE Private Risk Services
Marita Zuraitis, President, Property & Casualty Companies, Hanover Insurance Group
Douglas G. Elliot, President, Commercial Markets, The Hartford
LATE REGISTRATIONS CAN BE FAXED TO THE ATTENTION OF TRACY HEARN AT (860) 563-1950
REGISTRANT WILL RECEIVE AN EMAILED CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
REGISTRANT MUST PAY AT REGISTRATION DESK UPON ARRIVAL AT CONVENTION
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 4
PLATINUM SPONSORS
ACE Private Risk Services www.aceprivateriskservices.com
Connecticut Underwriters www.ctunderwriters.com
Crystal Restoration Services of Connecticut
www.crystal1.com
Hanover Insurance www.hanover.com
The Hartford - SNERO www.thehartford.com
Independent Agents Services, Inc. www.iiact.org
InsurBanc www.insurbanc.com
MEMIC www.memic.com
MiddleOak www.middleoak.com
S.H. Smith & Co., Inc. www.shsmith.com
Swiss Re www.swissre.com
Travelers www.travelers.com
GOLD SPONSORS
Acadia Insurance www.acadiainsurance.com
AmTrust North America Inc. www.amtrustgroup.com
The Andover Companies www.andovercos.com
Central Insurance Companies www.central-insurance.com
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies www.chubb.com
Computer Rescue, Inc. www.rescueworld.com
Harleysville Insurance www.harleysvillegroup.com
Iroquois New England, Inc. www.iroquoisgroup.com
Kemper Preferred www.ekemper.com
LexisNexis www.lexisnexis.com/insuranceexchange
Main Street America Group / NGM Insurance
www.msagroup.com
Peerless Insurance www.peerless-ins.com
Plymouth Rock Assurance Corp. www.plymouthrock.com
Progressive Insurance Company www.progressiveagent.com
QBE www.qberegional.com
Quincy Mutual www.quincymutual.com
Safeco Insurance Company www.safeco.com
Steamatic of Connecticut www.steamaticct.com
Union Mutual of Vermont www.unionmutual.com
Utica National Insurance Group www.uticanational.com
Sponsors of the 2011 Mid-Year Convention
SILVER SPONSORS
American Commerce Insurance Company
www.acilink.com
AmTrust North America Inc. www.amtrustgroup.com
Auto Glass of New England, LLC www.autoglassofnewengland.com
C.N.A. www.cna.com
Crystal Restoration Services of Southington
www.crystalrestorationct.com
JN Phillips Auto Glass www.jnphillips.com
NLC Insurance Companies www.nlcinsurance.com
The Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
www.providencemutual.com
Renaissance Insurance Group www.renaissanceins.com
State Auto Insurance Companies www.stateauto.com
United Cleaning & Restoration www.unitedcr.com
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 5
American Institute for CPCU www.theinstitutes.org
American Society of Appraisers www.appraisers.org
AmTrust North America, Inc. www.amtrustgroup.com
Applied Systems, Inc. www.appliedsystems.com
Asterisk Financial, Inc. www.personalguarantee.com
Astonish Results www.astonishresults.com
Auto Glass of New England www.autoglassofnewengland.com
B.H. Burke & Co., Inc. www.bhbco.com
BankDIrect Capital Finance www.bankdirectcapital.com
Broadway Premium Funding Corporation
www.broadwaypremium.com
Chroma Building Corp. www.chromabuilding.com
Coastal Agents Alliance www.coastalagentsalliance.com
State of Connecticut Insurance Department
www.ct.gov/cid
Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. www.ctunderwriters.com
Crystal Restoration Services of Connecticut
www.crystal1.com
Crystal Restoration Services of Southington
www.crystalrestorationct.com
Deep South www.deep-south.com
Empire State Brokerage Services www.empirebrokerage.com
Enviro-Clean, Inc. www.envirocleaninc.net
Fidelity National Indemnity Insurance Co. www.fidelityonline.com
FirstComp www.firstcomp.com
FSC www.fscrating.com
FutureComp www.tdbank.com
Housing Authority Insurance Group www.housingcenter.com
Independent Agents Services www.iiact.org
Independent Insurance Agents of CT www.iiact.org
Insurance Agency Accounting & Bookkeeping
www.insuranceagencyaccountants.com
Iroquois Group www.iroquoisgroup.com
Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. www.siegelagency.com
JN Phillips Auto Glass
www.jnphillips.com
JP Maguire www.fixmydamage.com
The Managing Agency Group / AmWINS www.mag-eb.com
Markel Corporation www.markelinsurance.com
The McGowan Companies www.mcgowancompanies.com
MEMIC www.memic.com
National Association of Insurance Women dba IAIP
www.ctcouncilnaiw.org
New England Excess Exchange www.NEEE.com
Exhibitors of the 2011 Mid-Year Convention
Northeast Coverages, Inc. www.northeastcoverages.com
Payless Auto Glass www.paylessautoglass.com
PersonalUmbrella.com www.personalumbrella.com
Plymouth Glass & Mirror, Inc. www.plymouthglass.com
Premium Assignment Corp. www.premiumassignment.com
Renaissance Insurance Group www.renaissanceins.com
Robert Hensley & Associates www.hensleyassociates.com
Russell Bond & Co., Inc. www.russellbond.com
Safelite Auto Glass www.safelite.com
ServiceMaster Clean www.servicemasterclean.com
S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. www.shsmith.com
Steamatic of Connecticut www.steamaticct.com
TAPCO www.gotapco.com
The Thompson Agency, Inc. www.thompsonagency.net
Totally Dry . . . Totally Fast www.wedrifast.com
United Cleaning & Restoration www.unitedcr.com
US Premium Finance www.uspremiumfinance.com
Utica National Insurance Group www.uticanational.com
Work at Home Vintage Employees www.wahve.com
Workers' Compensation Trust www.wctrust.com
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 6
On November 2nd, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the appointment of 15 individuals to serve as members of the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (the “Committee”). The Committee will provide advice to Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”), which was established as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, on issues related to the responsibilities of the office. “These individuals have tremendous knowledge about the insurance industry and a wide cross-section of experience,” said Michael McRaith, Director of the FIO. “I’m pleased that they will be offering their valuable expertise as the Federal Insurance Office continues moving forward with its critical work.” The FIO monitors all aspects of the insurance industry, including identifying issues that could contribute to systemic risk in the insurance industry or the U.S. financial system. It also assesses the availability and affordability of insurance to traditionally underserved populations; advises the Secretary of the Treasury on major domestic insurance policy issues; and develops and coordinates federal policy on international insurance regulatory matters. Recognizing that states are the regulators of the U.S. insurance system, nearly half of the Committee is comprised of state insurance regulators. The remaining members of the Committee will bring a diverse set of perspectives on the insurance in-dustry, with backgrounds ranging from consumer advocacy and academia to the business of insurance lines. The 15 individuals appointed today to the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance include:
David Birnbaum, Economist and Executive Director, Center for Economic Justice
Michael Consedine, Commissioner, Commonwealth of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance
Jacqueline Cunningham, Commissioner, State of Virginia Bureau of Insurance
John Degnan, Senior Advisor to the CEO of the Chubb Corporation
Brian Duperreault, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marsh & McLennan Companies
Loretta Fuller, Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Solutions Associates *
Scott E. Harrington, Alan B. Miller Professor in the Health Care Management and Insurance and Risk Management de-partments at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Benjamin Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, State of New York
Thomas Leonardi, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Insurance
Monica Lindeen, State of Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and State Auditor
Christopher Mansfield, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Liberty Mutual Group
Sean McGovern, Director and General Counsel, Lloyd’s North America
Theresa Miller, Administrator, State of Oregon Insurance Division
Michael E. Sproule, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, New York Life Insurance Co.
Bill White, Commissioner, District of Columbia Department of Insurance
* Loretta Fuller is an active member of the Maryland Big “I” serving on the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland
Legislative Committee.
CONNECTICUT INSURANCE COMMISSIONER AND IIABA TRUSTED CHOICE® MEMBER ARE APPOINTED
TO THE FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 7
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) announced today the release of its 2011 Best Practices Study which found that organic growth improved, albeit modestly, and profitability held constant across most of the study’s six revenue groups.
“The results of this year’s Best Practices Study indicate good news after several years of negative growth, shrinking profit margins and declining agency values,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, research and education. “Most study participants benefit-ted from the growth strategies deployed over the last cou-ple of years when the recession suddenly amplified the pressure of a prolonged soft market.”
Other findings from the 2011 Best Practices Study include:
Big Picture: Most study participants benefitted from the growth strategies deployed over the last couple of years when the recession suddenly amplified the pres-sure of a prolonged soft market. A strong focus on total account development, increased advertising/marketing activities, and producer hiring/development/management strategies gave most agencies a competi-tive advantage when the economy began to rebound in 2010, and stopped or reversed the revenue decline that first became apparent in the 2006 study. Generally, the smaller revenue-sized agencies reported flat growth, while the larger commercial agencies reported im-provement over the 2010 study results. Organic growth for the $10-25 million group increased from 0.7% to 2.4% and the more than $25 million group in-creased from 1.2% to 3.3%.
Cutting the fat: As with revenue growth, the agencies benefitted from steps taken over the last couple of years to control and lower expenses. Profitability re-mained flat in all study groups with an average Pro Forma EBITDA margin of 26.2% for agencies with reve-nue less than $5 million and 20.0% for agencies with revenue above $5 million. Margins had decreased con-tinuously since 2006 when they were at their highest in the study’s then 13 year history.
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America was informed on November 1, 2011 by the Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania (IA&B of PA) and the Delaware Association of Insurance Agents & Brokers (DAIAB) that they would have just one national association effective Jan. 1, 2012. The following is a statement from IIABA Chairman Mike Donohoe:
“IIABA looks forward to continuing our partnership with the IA&B of PA and the DAIAB, and to continue working with those states to deliver the highest quality services and ad-vocacy for independent insurance agents & brokers. IIABA has always advocated having one national association for independent agents and brokers, and we continue to seek discussions with the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents to further this goal.”
BIG “I” STUDY SUGGESTS INDUSTRY MAY BE ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Best Practices Study shows profits held constant and minor organic growth improved
BIG “I” COMMENTS ON DELAWARE AND PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 8
company and qualified based on -operational excellence. Financial and benchmarking information for the participat-ing agencies are also reviewed and updated.
The Best Practices Study was initiated by the Big “I” in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency perform-ance and create higher valued agencies. The survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies docu-ments the business practices of these “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices. Twelve insurance companies and four industry vendors pro-vide financial support for the research and development of the Best Practices study – Applied Systems, Addis Intellec-tual Capital, Central Insurance Cos., Chubb, EMC Insurance Companies, Encompass Insurance, Erie Insurance, Great American Insurance Group, The Hanover Insurance Group, Harleysville Insurance, Imperial PFS, InsurBanc, Kemper Preferred, Liberty Mutual Agency Corporation, MetLife Auto & Home and Zurich North America.
Rule of 20: In recent years, the Rule of 20 outcomes, a quick measure for determining whether an agency is creating value for its shareholders, have fallen signifi-cantly short of the desired score of 20 for most of the study groups. The 2011 results leveled off at an average score of 13.2 for the “Less than $5 million” agencies and increased to an average 11.7 for the “More than $5 million” agencies.
Revenue per Employee, an industry standard produc-tivity measure, also remained flat with the average for the “less than $5 million” agencies just over $150,000 and the “more than $5 million” at $172,000. These av-erages are down only slightly from the revenue per em-ployee levels reached prior to the start of the soft mar-ket. The resulting drop in revenue forced agencies to concentrate on better utilizing new and existing tech-nology to support sales and marketing efforts and to contain costs. As a result, productivity remained stable.
Personal lines, once again, had positive growth rates (an average of 3.1% for the less than $5 million and 3.8% for the more than $5 million). However, group medical grew more last year with an average of 3.0% for the less than $5 million and a strong 4.2% for the more than $5 million, up more than 3% from last year.
Commercial lines continued to see negative growth but far less negative than last year. Many agents said they are starting to see some commercial insurance rates hold at their current levels. This could indicate that the 2012 results are bound to improve providing the econ-omy doesn’t stall again.
“While the 2011 results are not stellar, they do indicate that Best Practices agencies are rebounding from the dev-astating effects of the recession and soft market, and are poised for new growth and stronger profitability, the key components of agency value,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “Overall, we are pleased, but not sur-prised, that the independent insurance agency system re-mains strong and stable.” Every three years, the Big “I” collaborates with Reagan Con-sulting to select “Best Practices” firms throughout the na-tion for outstanding management and financial achieve-ment in six revenue categories (less than $1,250,000; $1,250,000 to $2,500,000; $2,500,000 to $5,000,000; $5,000,000 to $10,000,000; $10,000,000 to $25,000,000; and more than $25,000,000). Agencies are nominated by either a Big “I”-affiliated state association or an insurance
City of Stamford Maintains Flood Information Website
The City of Stamford, acting through the Environmental Protection Board Staff, responds to inquiries by agents, homeowners, bankers, real estate brokers and other inter-ested parties regarding floodplains, floodplain management and the information depicted on Stamford Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The City of Stamford maintains a website (www.cityofstamford.org) which contains helpful flood data, flood preparedness guidelines and links to other per-tinent flood information. Requests for flood hazard infor-mation can be made by phone (203) 977-4028, in writing, or in person on the 7th Floor of the Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06904.
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 9
MONTH IN REVIEW
October 12, 2012 - Health Care (HC) Bulletin
Bulletin HC-88 (10/03/2011) - Health Insurance Rate and Form Filing Submission Guidelines for Association Business For more information, please visit the CID website: http://www.ct.gov/cid/cwp/view.asp?a=1255&Q=255030
Insurance Department Bulletins
REMINDER NOTICE: PRODUCER’S LICENSES ARE NO LONGER MAILED and APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES ARE NOW PAPERLESS
Effective December 1, 2010, the Insurance Department stopped mailing hard copies of licenses. Licenses are now to be printed by the producer. The Print License option may be found under “Verify and Print a License” on their website at http://www.catalog.state.ct.us/cid/CLIC/VerifyLicense.aspx Effective August 1, 2011 applications for licensing began being accepted and processed online only. The online system will apply to new, reinstatement and amendment applications only for:
Producer (Residents Only) Surplus Lines Broker Casualty Claim Adjuster Certified Insurance Consultant Life Settlement Broker Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraiser Public Adjuster Reinsurance Intermediary
Beginning August 1, applications must be completed online at CID Licenses Online. For more information on the August 1 licensing change, contact the CID Licensing Division at 860-297-3845 or by e-mail at [email protected] ATTENTION PRODUCERS:
Non-resident producer applications must be completed at National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)
Resident producer may also complete their applications at National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)
Resident and non-resident producer renewals must be completed at National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)
October 19, 2012 - Third Party Administrators
A list of authorized and/or registered TPAs are now available on the Insurance Department Web site at the following links: “Find an Insurance Company” and “Print & Verify a License.”
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 10
2012 CE Calendar Additional classes and dates will be posted as they are added
Date Hours Course Location Credits
Course Fee Member /
Non-Member
Jan. 10 8:30 am 11:10 am
Laws/Regulations/Ethics in Insurance Ed Meaney, CPCU
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
3 LRE $60 / $85
Jan. 12 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #4 – Errors & Omissions Loss Control Ed Meaney, CPCU
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
Jan. 17 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Personal Lines Pre-Licensing Course Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: Jan. 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
State Require-ment
$300 / $600
Jan. 17 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Property & Casualty Pre-Licensing Course Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: Jan. 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 & Feb. 2, 7, & 8
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
State Require-ment
$525 / $850
Jan. 18 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #10 Life Insurance Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
8 L/H $110 / $160
Jan. 25 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Life & Health Pre-Licensing Course Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: Jan 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
State Require-ment
$450 / $750
Feb. 16 8:30 am 11:10 am
FLOOD INSURANCE Ed Meaney, CPCU
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
3 P/C/Flood $60 / $85
Feb. 23 8:30 am 12:10 pm
Workers’ Compensation Issues & Answers Ed Meaney, CPCU with Guest Speaker John Mastropietro, Chairman CT Workers’ Comp. Commission
Location TBD 4 P/C $60 / $85
March 1 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #5 - Professional Development & Account Management Sharon Cunningham
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
March 7 8:30 am 4:30 pm
AAI 82C – Specialized Commercial Lines Michelle Phelan, CPCU, ARM
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
7 P/C 1 LRE
$160 / $200
March 9 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #9 – Commercial Lines Related Coverages Ed Meaney, CPCU
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
March 15 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Business Life Insurance & Retirement Planning Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
6 L/H 2 LRE
$110 / $160
March 16 8:00 am 11:00 am
Laws/Regulations/Ethics in Insurance Ed Meaney, CPCU
New London County Mutual 101 High St., Norwich, CT
3 LRE
$60 / $85
March 22 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Personal Lines Pre-Licensing Course Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: March 22, 26, 30, April 2 & 10
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
State Require-ment
$300 / $600
March 22 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Property & Casualty Pre-Licensing Course Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: : March 22, 26, 30, April 2, 10, 12, 17 & 19
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethers-field
State Require-ment
$525 / $850
April 4 8:30 am 4:30 pm
AAI 81B – Personal Lines David Schrumm, CPCU
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
5 P/C 2 L/H 1 LRE
$160 / $200
April 5 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #1 – Homeowners Insurance Cathy Antrim, ACSR, API
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
April 11 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Life & Health Pre-Licensing Course Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9 & 16
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
State Require-ment
$450 / $750
April 26 8:30 am 4:30 pm
AAI 82A – Commercial Liability GL & Auto Michelle Phelan, CPCU, ARM
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
7 P/C 1 LRE
$160 / $200
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 11
2012 CE Calendar Additional classes and dates will be posted as they are added
Date Hours Course Location Credits
Course Fee Member /
Non-Member
May 8 8:30 am 4:30 pm
AAI 83A - Agency Management Sharon Cunningham
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
8 P/C $160 / $200
May 17 8:30 am 4:30 pm
E&O Loss Control Techniques Christopher Weldon, Esq. and Jim Keidel, Esq.
Location TBD 6 P/C 2 LRE
$110 / $160
May 22 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #12 - Government Disability and Long Term Care Insurance Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
8 L/H $110 / $160
May 31 8:30 am 12:10 pm
Laws, Regulations & Ethics Seminar Ed Meaney, CPCU & Christopher Weldon, Esq.
Conference Room – Bldg 301 Merritt 7, Plaza Level, Norwalk
3 LRE $60 / $85
June 6 8:30 am 12:10 pm
Disability Insurance Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
3 L/H 1 LRE
$60 / $85
June 13 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Personal Lines Pre-Licensing Course Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: June 13, 19, 22, 26 & 29
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
State Require-ment
$300 / $600
June 13 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Property & Casualty Pre-Licensing Course Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: : June 13, 19, 22, 26, 29, July 10, 13 & 18
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
State Require-ment
$525 / $850
June 14 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #3 – Personal Lines Related Coverages Cathy Antrim, ACSR, API
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
June 21 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #11 – Health Insurance Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
8 L/H $110 / $160
July 12 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #2 – Personal Automobile Insurance Cathy Antrim, ACSR, API
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
July 17 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Life & Health Pre-Licensing Course Ron Lesieur, CLU, CIC Ed Meaney, CPCU Class Meets: July 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 & Aug. 2
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
State Require-ment
$450 / $750
July 25 8:30 am 4:30 pm
AAI 83C – Agency Financial Management Sharon Cunningham
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
8 P/C $160 / $200
August 8 8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #4 – Errors & Omissions Loss Control Ed Meaney, CPCU
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
August 18
8:30 am 12:10 pm
Laws, Regulations & Ethics Seminar Ed Meaney, CPCU & Don Viewig, CPCU
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
4 LRE $60 / $85
August 22
8:30 am 4:30 pm
ACSR #5 – Professional Development & Ac-count Management Sharon Cunningham
IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane Wethersfield
6 P/C 1 LRE
$110 / $160
Instructions for Checking CE Credit Status On-Line
CE course information and individual transcript information can be obtained by accessing www.sircon.com and proceeding with the following steps: 1. Under “Quick Start for Agents & Agencies” select “Look Up Education Courses / Credits.” This will bring you to an
“Inquiries” page. 2. Select “Continuing Education Transcript Inquiry.” 3. Select “Connecticut” from the drop-down menu. 4. 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 us-able.
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 12
For more information on the RLI Personal Umbrella program, contact Rose Mullaly at
860-563-6510 or
[email protected] Or visit the “Member Resources”
page of our website www.iiact.org
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.
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
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10Mid-Year
Convention Aqua Turf 8:00 - 2:00
3 LRE Credits
11 12
13 14 15 16
ACSR #7 Commercial
Liability 8:30 - 4:30
17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
AAI 81C Commercial
Property 8:30 - 4:30
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, regulations (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.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
4 5 6 7
Laws, Regulations
& Ethics 8:30 - 12:10
8 9 10
11 12 13 14
ACSR #8 Commercial
Auto 8:30 - 4:30
15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 15
2011 - 2012 IIAC EVENTS
Mid-Year Convention November 10, 2011
Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT
Spring Conference Sponsored by the IIAC Young Agents Committee
May 2012 Exact Date, Location & Program TBA
Annual Dinner Meeting and Installation of Officers
June 7, 2012 St. Clement’s Castle, Portland, CT
23rd Annual Golf Tournament
Sponsored by the IIAC Young Agents Committee August 2, 2012
Blackledge Golf Course, Hebron, CT
Mid-Year Convention November 8, 2012
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 - November 2011 Page 16
Big “I” Professional Liability As a member of your state association, 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. With comprehensive rates and a long-term market, the Big “I” Profes-sional Liability program is properly positioned to meet your professional needs, protecting the future of your agency. 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 our 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. They offer quality investments, state of the art administration and the support of your association as an advocate for your agency. Look to us also for Group Long Term Disability, Group Short Term Disability and Group Term Life Insurance. 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. With RLI's PUP program, auto or home coverage can be maintained with any insurance company provided the mandatory minimum underlying coverage limits are met. RLI’s @Home Business policy, responds to the needs of over 100 eligible business classes on an ISO BOP form. Premiums starting at $150, competitive commissions, easy under-writing and a self-rating application should makes this product an easy sell. 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); Big “I” Store (logowear); Hertz (car rental); Artizan Internet Services (Service 911, CSR 24). www.independentagent.com.
OF ALL YOUR MEMBERSHIP HAS TO OFFER??
ARE YOU TAKING
ADVANTAGE
??
?? Big “I” Advantage Programs
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 17
InsurBanc InsurBanc is an independent community bank founded by agents exclusively for agents. You can rely on InsurBanc for custom products designed to underwrite your success, like acquisition and perpetuation financing and cash management services perfectly suited to the way you do business. www.insurbanc.com.
Virtual University www.independentagent.com/vu
Research Library For those who seek a smarter way to research, the VU provides access to hundreds of insurance, business and technology articles written by volunteer faculty and other contributors. Technical insurance articles and white papers on issues affecting today’s marketplace, often include links to full sample ISO forms. Resources in the VU are limitless.
Ask an Expert Service Sometimes you need answers to questions that can't be found in the research library. To help with these "just in time" is-sues, we have assembled a faculty of leading experts from around the country. 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 to enhance and expand insurance technical and business skills. Many designa-tion programs are also available through the Virtual University.
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.
Trusted Choice®
In a world full of millions of media messages each day, differentiating the services of independent agents and brokers to con-sumers is critical. Trusted Choice®, the national consumer branding program sponsored by the Big “I”, uniting more than 10,000 independent agency locations and 53 insurance companies. Based on extensive consumer and industry research, Trusted Choice® highlights the value of the independent agent distribution channel: choice, customization and advocacy. www.trustedchoice.com
Governmental 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. Through common-sense, pragmatic legislative initiatives, we seek to protect your business while keeping the consumer in mind.
OF ALL YOUR MEMBERSHIP HAS TO OFFER??
ARE YOU TAKING
ADVANTAGE
??
?? Big “I” Advantage Programs
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 18
2011 - 2012 Officers
Chairman Tom Wilson
The Wilson Agency, Shelton
Chairman-Elect Michael Gergler, CIC
Wilcox & Reynolds, Storrs
Treasurer Jim Suzio, CIC
Suzio Insurance Center, Inc., Meriden
Secretary Kim McGillicuddy, CPCU
Pierson & Smith, Inc., Norwalk
State Director Jay Byrnes
Byrnes Agency, Dayville
IIAC Committees The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut has several committees which are dedicated to furthering both the benefits of membership and the professionalism of individuals within the insurance industry. Committee members are volunteers who are either an owner or an employee of a member agency. IIAC is always looking for new individuals to serve on its committees. If you are interested in becoming a committee member, please com-plete the information below and return this form to: IIAC, 30 Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, CT 06109 or email to the committee staff liaison
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Agency & Full Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: (______)__________-__________ E-Mail: _____________________________________________
Indicate Committee: ________________________________________________________________________
Education Committee – members help create IIAC programs and locate teachers and resources. Staff Liaison, Ed Meaney, [email protected] Executive Committee – members must be a principal in an IIAC member agency and are part of the governing body of the association. Membership on the committee is limited and must be voted upon by the Board of Direc-tors. Staff Liaison, Warren C. Ruppar, [email protected] Technical Committee – members analyze current industry topics and issues, make recommendations on how to handle, and funnel information to the Education Committee to create programs. Staff Liaison, Ed Meaney, [email protected] Young Agents Committee – members create networking programs to promote young professionals in the insur-ance industry. Staff Liaison, Tracy Hearn, [email protected]
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 19
Absolute Logic 917-658-9008
www.absolutelogic.com
ACE Private Risk Services 860-828-7931
www.aceprivateriskservices.com
Agency Intermediaries, Inc. 203-453-2859
www.agencyint.com
Agility Recovery 704-341-8700
www.agilityrecovery.com
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. 860-560-2766 www.ajg.com
Astonish Results, LP
401-440-5955 www.astonishresults.com
Auto Glass of New England, LLC
203-375-4700 www.autoglassofnewengland.com
Broadway Premium Financing
800-728-7255 www.broadwaypremium.com
CATIC Exchange Solutions, Inc.
860-513-3131 www.caticexchange.com
Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency
203-498-3000 www.ccm-ct.org/insurance/
Connecticut Underwriters, Inc.
860-347-9600 www.ctunderwriters.com
Crystal Restoration Services 203-853-4179
www.crystal1.com
Paul Davis Restoration 860-539-0911
www.pdrestoration.com
Deep South 410-771-0682
www.deep-south.com
Demetriou General Agency, Inc. 212-897-6912
www.demetriougroup.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
Gill and Roeser Holdings, Inc. 212-972-3306
www.grholdings.com
Glass America 860-444-6344
www.glassusa.com
HSB Associates, Inc. 860-722-5539 www.hsb.com
Hybrid Insurance Agency
860-688-440 www.hybridins.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 - November 2011 Page 20
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
Lyons Solutions, LLC 860-559-3194
www.lyonssolutions.com
Joseph Krar & Associates 860-628-3967
www.jkrar.com
J.P. Maguire Assoc., Inc. 800-233-8220
www.jpmaguire.com
McGrath Insurance Group, Inc. 508-347-6850
www.mcgrathinsurance.com
Anthony J. Martini & Co., Inc. 203-445-6640
www.thatsmybroker.com
Maynard Insurance Group 203-318-0008
Mergers & Acquisition Services 212-750-0630
www.merger-acquisition.net
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
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 - November 2011 Page 21
Servicemaster QRV Regional Group 203-386-1565
www.servicemastergb.com
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
Steamatic of CT 203-985-8000
www.steamaticct.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.amtrustgroup.com
AmTrust North American, Inc.
860-257-7286 www.andoverco.com
The Andover Companies
860-257-7286 www.andoverco.com
Chubb & Son Insurance
203-782-4115 www.chubb.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
Great N.Y. Mutual Insurance Company 860-652-7090 www.gny.com
Harleysville Worcester Insurance Company
800-225-7387 www.harleysvillegroup.com
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]
ASSOCIATE MEMBER INSURANCE BROKERS AND SERVICES
(Click on the website for a direct link)
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 22
The Hartford 860-409-6150
www.thehartford.com
HCC Global Financial Products 860-674-1900
www.hcc-global.com
The Hingham Group 781-749-0841
www.hinghammutual.com
Kemper, A Unitrin Business 203-775-5846
www.ekemper.com
MEMIC 207-791-3370
www.memic.com
MetLife Auto & Home 860-668-2699
www.metlife.com
MiddleOak 860-638-5132
www.middleoak.com
NGM Insurance Company 603-358-1352
www.msagroup.com
NLC Insurance Company 860-887-3553
www.nlcinsurance.com
Ohio Mutual Insurance 419-563-0959
www.omig.com
Peerless Insurance 860-571-2201
www.peerless-ins.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]
Pennsylvania Millers Ins. Co.
860-677-8488 www.pennmillers.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
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)
Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut - www.iiact.org - November 2011 Page 23
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.
