Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Independent Agent Magazine

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

 

‘Worrying Sign’ as Homeowners Repair, Claim Times Increase but Digital Usage Declineshttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/worrying-sign-as-homeowners-repair-claim-times-increase-but-digital-usage-declines‘Worrying Sign’ as Homeowners Repair, Claim Times Increase but Digital Usage DeclinesSevere events, inflation and supply chain-related concerns coupled with the strain on digital tools has led to increased dissatisfaction among homeowner clients.3/23/2023 10:00:00 AMIn the NewsPersonal Lines HomeownersNewsOlivia Overman
Small Businesses Face Higher Taxes in President Biden’s FY2024 Budget https://www.iamagazine.com/news/small-businesses-face-higher-taxes-in-president-biden-s-fy2024-budgetSmall Businesses Face Higher Taxes in President Biden’s FY2024 Budget The more than $4 trillion in tax hikes this budget proposes would dangerously target small businesses.3/16/2023 10:05:00 AMOn the HillOn the HillNewsRaaed Haddad
Big ‘I’ Member Chris Heidrick to Testify in Congress on Flood Insurance https://www.iamagazine.com/news/big-i-member-chris-heidrick-to-testify-in-congress-on-flood-insuranceBig ‘I’ Member Chris Heidrick to Testify in Congress on Flood Insurance The hearing, which will be livestreamed, will examine the availability of flood insurance in the United States and the steps that can be taken to increase take-up rates.3/9/2023 4:00:00 PMOn the HillOn the Hill FloodNewsRaaed Haddad
Insurance a Great Career for Women, but Leadership Imbalances Continue https://www.iamagazine.com/news/insurance-a-great-career-for-women-but-leadership-imbalances-continueInsurance a Great Career for Women, but Leadership Imbalances Continue A study by Liberty Mutual and Safeco found that men still outnumber women in leadership roles by two to one. 3/9/2023 11:00:00 AMDiversity & InclusionIn the News Diversity & InclusionNewsOlivia Overman
5 Issues on the Agenda at the 2023 Big ‘I’ Legislative Conferencehttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/5-issues-on-the-agenda-at-the-2023-big-i-legislative-conference5 Issues on the Agenda at the 2023 Big ‘I’ Legislative ConferenceDuring the conference, independent insurance agents from across the U.S. will share their perspectives with legislators on issues important to the independent agency system.2/16/2023 11:10:00 AMAnnouncements & EventsAnnouncements & Events In the NewsNewsTeddie Norton Reilly
FOX’s Jesse Watters to Address Big ‘I’ Membershttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/fox-s-jesse-watters-to-address-big-i-members_2023FOX’s Jesse Watters to Address Big ‘I’ MembersFOX News host will discuss the current political landscape and more at Big “I” Legislative Conference on Friday, April 28.2/9/2023 11:10:00 AMAnnouncements & EventsAnnouncements & EventsNewsSue Nester
Auto Claims Consign State Farm to Its Largest-Ever Underwriting Loss https://www.iamagazine.com/news/auto-claims-consign-state-farm-to-its-largest-ever-underwriting-lossAuto Claims Consign State Farm to Its Largest-Ever Underwriting Loss State Farm’s record underwriting loss was due to rapidly increasing claims severity and significant additions to prior accident year incurred claims.3/6/2023 11:35:00 AMAutoIn the News AutoNewsOlivia Overman

 

 

Symbols 1, 8 and 9 and Non-Owned and Hired Auto Coverage https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/symbols-1-8-and-9-and-non-owned-and-hired-auto-coverageSymbols 1, 8 and 9 and Non-Owned and Hired Auto Coverage Can a general contractor with hired auto coverage hire a dump truck company and be protected in the event that the trucking company’s insurance was invalid or denied coverage?3/24/2023 4:00:00 AMAutoAuto Commercial LinesStrategiesBig “I” Virtual University Faculty
Beat Price-Focused Direct Carriers with Independent Agent Valuehttps://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/beat-price-focused-direct-carriers-with-independent-agent-valueBeat Price-Focused Direct Carriers with Independent Agent ValueFind out how you can guide customers toward considering more than just the price of their policy. 3/20/2023 10:10:00 AMSponsored ContentSales & MarketingStrategies
3 Ways to Drive New Business in a Slow Real Estate Markethttps://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/3-ways-to-drive-new-business-in-a-slow-real-estate-market3 Ways to Drive New Business in a Slow Real Estate MarketOne-third of consumers don’t recognize they need to inform their insurance company about a renovation—how can agents help? 3/20/2023 10:00:00 AMSponsored ContentPersonal Lines Homeowners Agency Operations & Best PracticesStrategies

 

 

Builders Risk Insurance: Why Timing Is Everythinghttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/builders-risk-insurance-why-timing-is-everythingBuilders Risk Insurance: Why Timing Is EverythingWhether you are securing coverage for personal lines or commercial lines clients, agents servicing course of construction accounts must grasp the importance of timing.3/20/2023 10:30:00 AMBuilders RiskBuilders RiskMarketsMary Stiglic
4 Environmental Exposures Impacting Commercial Clientshttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/4-environmental-exposures-impacting-commercial-clients4 Environmental Exposures Impacting Commercial ClientsEnvironmental exposures are becoming harder to ignore and many commercial policies are excluding exposures to specific contaminants.3/20/2023 10:20:00 AMEnvironmental LiabilityEnvironmental LiabilityMarketsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
From the Front Lines: Emergency Serviceshttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/from-the-front-lines-emergency-servicesFrom the Front Lines: Emergency Services"Whenever you work in a niche industry, you're pretty much saying to somebody that this is our focus," says independent agent Jerrad Van Coots. "The emergency services industry is so broad that you have to spend a lot of time learning and understanding it."3/20/2023 10:25:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial Lines Public EntitiesMarketsOlivia Overman
Obtaining a Standalone Cargo Policy Provides Insureds with Broadest Coverage https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/obtaining-a-standalone-cargo-policy-provides-insureds-with-broadest-coverageObtaining a Standalone Cargo Policy Provides Insureds with Broadest Coverage While there’s no such thing as a risk-free environment in the cargo industry, brokers can partner with experienced insurance professionals to gather more knowledge.3/20/2023 10:15:00 AMSponsored ContentMarineMarkets
Finding the Right Company for Higher-Hazard Risks https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/finding-the-right-company-for-higher-hazard-risksFinding the Right Company for Higher-Hazard Risks Agents and brokers can benefit from insurance companies with the right mix of admitted and non-admitted products, dedicated underwriting teams, risk management capabilities, and complex property and casualty claims expertise.3/20/2023 10:05:00 AMSponsored ContentCommercial LinesMarkets
Precision Agriculture Bolsters Crop Insurance but Many Challenges Remainhttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/precision-agriculture-bolsters-crop-insurance-but-many-challenges-remainPrecision Agriculture Bolsters Crop Insurance but Many Challenges RemainSmart irrigation systems, soil quality monitoring technology and automated machinery support farmers but the economy and climate change are out of their control.3/13/2023 10:40:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsOlivia Overman
RT ECP Introduces Pollution Legal Liability Quoting Programhttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/rt-ecp-introduces-pollution-legal-liability-quoting-programRT ECP Introduces Pollution Legal Liability Quoting ProgramThe program is designed for first-time pollution legal liability buyers with new pollution conditions only.3/13/2023 10:35:00 AMEnvironmental LiabilityEnvironmental LiabilityMarketsWill Jones

 

 

What’s My Agency Worth?https://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/what-s-my-agency-worthWhat’s My Agency Worth?Today’s dynamic insurance market is ripe with buyers looking for opportunities to acquire agencies, inspiring some owners to ask the question: What is my insurance agency worth?3/20/2023 10:20:00 AMSponsored ContentPerpetuation & Valuation Announcements & EventsViewpoints
Agency Nation Meets: Torey Maerzhttps://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/agency-nation-meets-torey-maerzAgency Nation Meets: Torey MaerzIn a new monthly column, get to know technology-crazy Torey Maerz.2/27/2023 11:05:00 AMSales & MarketingSales & MarketingViewpointsAgency Nation
Agency Nation Meets: Olivia Schmitthttps://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/agency-nation-meets-olivia-schmittAgency Nation Meets: Olivia SchmittIn a new monthly column, get to know insurance fangirl Olivia Schmitt.1/18/2023 5:00:00 AMSales & MarketingViewpointsAgency Nation

 

 

30 Years of Best Practices: Meet 6 Top-Performing Agencieshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/march/30-years-of-best-practices-meet-6-top-performing-agencies30 Years of Best Practices: Meet 6 Top-Performing AgenciesAs the Best Practices Study hits the 30-year milestone, meet the top-performing agencies in each of the six revenue categories from the current study, and find out how they used the program to go from good to better to the best. 3/1/2023 5:35:00 AMAgency Operations & Best PracticesMarchWill Jones
Hiring: Overcoming the No. 1 Issue Facing Independent Agencieshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/february/hiring-overcoming-the-no-1-issue-facing-independent-agenciesHiring: Overcoming the No. 1 Issue Facing Independent AgenciesHas your agency struggled to make a hire? If so, you're in good company. Finding and screening job candidates was the No. 1 issue facing independent agencies in 2022, according to the 2022 Agency Universe Study.2/1/2023 5:30:00 AMRecruiting, Hiring & TrainingFebruaryAnneMarie McPherson Spears
9 Considerations for Agency-Company Appointment Contractshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/march/9-considerations-for-agency-company-appointment-contracts9 Considerations for Agency-Company Appointment ContractsThe agency-carrier contract should set forth the rights, responsibilities and obligations of the respective parties with regard to all material aspects of the relationship. Here are nine things to consider.3/1/2023 5:30:00 AMAgency Operations & Best PracticesMarchScott Kneeland and Eric Lipton
Supporting a Better Work-Life Balance for Parentshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/february/supporting-a-better-work-life-balance-for-parentsSupporting a Better Work-Life Balance for Parents10 ways organizations can support working parents and ensure that their employees are successful at both work and home. 2/1/2023 5:25:00 AMRecruiting, Hiring & TrainingFebruaryRebecca Lerner
Terrible Twenties: The E&O Lessons Learned From 2022https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/march/terrible-twenties-the-e-o-lessons-learned-from-2022Terrible Twenties: The E&O Lessons Learned From 2022It's no surprise that auto policies generated the most errors & omissions claims in 2022, fully rebounding from the 2020 trough caused by a reduction in miles driven and replaced policies.3/1/2023 5:25:00 AME&O Loss ControlMarchMatthew Davis
How to Give Your Next All-Star Hire a Head Starthttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/february/how-to-give-your-next-all-star-hire-a-head-startHow to Give Your Next All-Star Hire a Head StartOne of the keys to avoiding any potential errors & omissions exposures is to teach your employee about risk management and audits.2/1/2023 5:20:00 AMRecruiting, Hiring & TrainingE&O Loss ControlFebruaryDonna Asta
The Forecast for Solar Panels and Homeowners Insurance https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/march/the-forecast-for-solar-panels-and-homeowners-insuranceThe Forecast for Solar Panels and Homeowners Insurance More and more homeowners may be considering making the change to powering their homes with solar panels. But what does that mean for homeowners insurance?3/1/2023 5:20:00 AMHomeownersMarchAnneMarie McPherson Spears