Advantages Add Up

We realize that protecting the future of your agency is a major priority. As your association, we want to provide you with the security of knowing you are getting the best overall E&O value in the marketplace—not just a policy, but a comprehensive program. With Swiss Re and the addition of Fireman’s Fund as well as several other alternative markets for unusual risks, the national E&O program has never had a higher penetration of members insured in the program than we have now. For 25 years, the Big “I” Professional Liability Program underwritten by Westport Insurance Corporation, a member of the Swiss Re Group (rated A Excellent by A.M. Best), has been the premiere choice of Big “I” member agents for insurance agents and brokers E&O insurance. It has grown into the largest and most stable insurance agents E&O program in the nation. Fireman’s Fund (rated A Excellent by A.M. Best) is also an industry leader in providing liability coverage for agents and brokers against errors and omissions. This additional E&O market is available nationwide.

Big “I” Markets is IIABA’s online market access program featuring no volume commitments, no fees, a robust product line-up and competitive commissions. With a focus on specialty niche markets, members can access “A” rated or better carriers such as Travelers, Chubb, Fireman’s Fund and Middleoak to write a wide variety of business including affluent homeowners, non-standard homeowners, habitational, restaurants, community banks, real estate agents E&O, bonds and many other market segments.

For more than 25 years, RLI has been the primary market for members who need access to a stand-alone personal umbrella market. RLI has proven to be a strong and, above all, stable market with unmatched financial strength in the marketplace, and RLI is the recommended preferred market for Big “I” members. Last year, RLI introduced PUP Special that expanded its underwriting appetite. Members can now also access an alternative stand alone personal umbrella market on Big “I” Markets to place umbrella risks that RLI will not write. Anderson & Murison provides access to National Casualty’s personal umbrella market.

It’s flood season—but flooding can occur anytime and anywhere! While your property customers may not be required to have flood insurance as a condition of their loan, they still need protection. Big “I” AdvantageSM operates as a managing general agency and agents participate as sub-producers for the Big “I” Flood ProgramSM. Selective Insurance Company is the provider for this NFIP Write-Your-Own program. Excess flood is also available.

Big “I” members will feel the impact of higher taxes in the coming years. Big “I” Retirement Services has been working with members for more than 15 years to design customized retirement plans, which include 401(k) and profit sharing plans, to help members lower their current taxes, reward key employees and help with agency perpetuation. Big “I” Retirement Services understands the unique needs of independent agencies and what it takes to thrive in this challenging business environment.

Eagle Agency was created primarily to assist newer and/or small agencies get their feet on the ground. A general agency created exclusively for Big “I” members, Eagle offers easy access to top-rated carriers, such as Met Life Auto & Home and Travelers for personal lines, with low volume commitments and no fees. After achieving a pre-determined level of written premium and profitability, agents can receive direct contracts with the partner carriers. Eagle Agency offers competitive commissions (66% of what the Big “I” receives) on new and renewal business. Gross commissions vary, depending on the line of coverage and state. Eagle agents retain ownership of all business placed through Eagle Agency.

The Virtual Risk Consultant (VRC) is an example of the leverage the association can yield for members by indentifying products/services and negotiating the best possible value. Through checklists by industry segment, the VRC helps agencies address the No. 1 cause of E&O claims: failure to offer or recommend. Member agencies can purchase the VRC suite of products for $250—the rate would be ten times that amount if purchased outside the Big “I” program.
Your membership also provides access to business building services such as the employee personality assessment tool from Caliper. The assessment helps ensure your agency’s new hires are right for the job and that your existing staff is properly structured by matching personality traits with job functions. Members can also get substantial discounts on other support services such as Fed-X, Mines Press and the Agency Shield program, a self auditing E&O course that enables members to earn a discount on agency E&O insurance.

There are a lot of tools available to help your agency be more successful—right now. What are you waiting for?

—David Daniel, Chairman