MEMBER GUIDE

MEMBER GUIDE
We Are More Than Your Association.
We Are Your Partner.
www.iiabny.org
Published
May 2015
Address:
5784 Widewaters Parkway
1st Floor
Dewitt, NY 13214
Phone: 800-962-7950
Fax:
888-432-0510
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web:
www.iiabny.org
The mission of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, Inc.,
working in the public’s best interest, is to advance the performance
and success of independent insurance agencies and brokerages in New York.
Welcome to IIABNY!
You have taken the first step to improving your agency by joining the
association for successful independent agents and brokers.
IIABNY is a member-driven organization that exists to fulfill the
educational, political, and business interests of our agencies and their
employees. We, and now you, are also part of the national association,
the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA),
commonly known as the Big “I.”
We know that running an independent agency, no matter how large or
small, has its challenges. As a member of IIABNY you have access to a
wide variety of products, services, and knowledge to help you manage
your agency and further its success.
This guide is meant to give you a brief overview of some of the resources
available to you as a member. You can find more detailed information on
our website (www.iiabny.org) or by calling one of our staff members.
INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... page 2-3
PRODUCTS & TOOLS .......................................................................................... page 4-7
EDUCATION & EVENTS....................................................................................... page 8-9
MARKET ACCESS ............................................................................................ page 10-11
INTERACT & ENGAGE .................................................................................... page 12-13
COMPANY SPONSORS ........................................................................................ page 14
INFORMATION
IIABNY gives you a voice in Albany,
Washington D.C. & with your carriers
Contact Kathy Weinheimer • [email protected] • ext. 239
Current Initiatives:
• Scaffold Law Reform
• Standardization of Hurricane Deductible
Triggers
• Advance Notice of Work Comp Premium
Increases
• Recouping Out-of-Pocket Expenses
• Repeal Physical Damage Inspection
Requirements
• Agent Licensing Reform
• No-Fault Reform
• Repeal of Antiquated Advertising Laws
We Are Always Working For You
With Our Legislators:
• Albany-based Barrett Associates track and analyze every bill introduced
• Work with legislators to support or oppose various bills as well as develop legislation
• Pursue regulatory advocacy with NYS Department of Financial Services & other state agencies
• Washington-based IIABA team consistently ranked in “top 25” of Washington lobbyists
With Your Carriers:
• Constant communication with insurance companies discussing contract language,
disclosure, procedures, and policies
• The IIABNY Industry Index survey allows members to rate national, regional and super
regional carriers performance in personal and commercial lines
What You Can Do
Attend Legislative Events: Such as the National Legislative Conference, hosted by the IIABA,
where independent agents from across the US converge on Washington to lobby on Capitol Hill.
Respond to Grassroots Initiatives: Contact your legislators when prompted to educate them on
the issues critical to our industry
Support Political Action Committees: Your contributions support state and federal candidates
who are responsive to the needs of independent agents and small business
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www.iiabny.org/advocacy
ADVOCACY
Browse our Member Answer Center by topic to find the answers you need:
• Auto Insurance
• Licensing
• Banks & Insurance Requirements
• Mandatory Reporting
• Cancellations, Nonrenewals &
• MVR
Conditional Renewals
• Scaffolding Law
• Certificates of Insurance
• Perpetuation
• Credit Scoring
• Premium Accounts
• Digital Insurance Policies & Records
• Privacy
• E&O
• Producer Compensation Disclosure
• Electronic Policy Delivery
• Property
• Excess & Surplus Lines
• Rebating & Discrimination
• Flood
• Records Retention
• Health Care
• Referral Fees
• Human Resources
• Service Fees
• Hydrofracking
• Workers Compensation
Contact Tim Dodge • [email protected] • ext. 229
News
Social: Connect with IIABNY as well as agents & brokers across the state socially!
www.linkedin.com
www.facebook.com/iiabnywww.twitter.com/iiabny
Blogs: Ask Tim (Tim Dodge), Word on the Street (Jamie Deapo), and Digital Marketing
(Julie MacConnell)
E-Newsletters: IIABNY Insider, Education, The E&O Report, Capitol Report, and The Situation
Room (breaking news)
Contact Julie MacConnell • [email protected] • ext. 226
800-962-7950 3
PRODUCTS & TOOLS
IIABNY provides access to exclusive insurance
programs & cost-savings for your agency.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
IAAC’s dedicated professional staff understands the competitive E&O environment in our state.
Experience, stability, market knowledge, and a commitment to customer service ensure you
receive the attention you deserve for this important protection.
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Stability: “A” rated carriers, consistency of policy terms & coverage, 25+ years experience
Markets: Utilizing over 30 markets (admitted & non-admitted) including Westport & Fireman’s Fund
Loss Control Tools & Rewards: Policyholder credits, seminars, reference
Contact Brian Bixby • [email protected] • ext. 233
Employee Benefits
IIABNY members enjoy access to an exclusive product mixture of carriers and customizable
programs for your agency, designed specifically for independent agents.
Dental Program underwritten by Guardian
- Multiple plan options with competitive rates
- Voluntary or contributory contribution methods
- Expansive network of dental providers
Vision Program underwritten by Davis Vision
- Available for as few as two participants
- Dual plan options with competitive rates
- Voluntary or contributory contribution methods
Life & Disability Package underwritten by MetLife
- Includes Life, AD&D, Enriched DBL, Long Term Disability, Voluntary Life
- Preferred rates and packaged discounts
- Flexible plan design and benefit options
- Attractive guarantee issue limits
Contact Eric DeFrancesco • [email protected] • ext. 241
Additional Products
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Cyber Liability/Privacy Coverage
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Retirement Services
4 www.iiabny.org
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Endorsed Providers
Contact Jamie Deapo • [email protected] • ext. 232
Unique, cost-effective service designed to help you address your HR and
strategic management needs.
877-660-6400 | [email protected]
Disaster recovery and business continuity solution that provides access to an
affordable and reliable solution should the unthinkable happen.
866-856-1112 | www.superiorpayment.com
Delivers tailored payroll solutions designed to meet the individual needs of
every client
877-673-1777 | [email protected]
Specializes in financing commercial and personal insurance premiums for the
excess and surplus insurance lines industry.
866-856-1112 | www.superiorpayment.com
Work-at-home model engages “vintage” professionals who work on a fulltime, part-time, project or consulting basis
646-807-4372 x506 | [email protected]
Additional products with exclusive discounts/benefits for IIABNY members:
AgentQuote.com
Web site development program
Caliper Profiles
Personality assessment and job matching tool helpful
for hiring and managing
Lands End
Add the Trusted Choice® logo to any item in the Lands’
End catalog
StaplesLink
Discounted office supply program
Hertz Car Rental
Special savings and upgrades on car rentals
UPS
Special savings on shipping
InsurBanc
Bank specializing in servicing theninsurance industry
Virtual Risk Consultant
Online sales, operation and exposure reference and
resource
800-962-7950 5
PRODUCTS & TOOLS
IIABNY’s resources and tools help you
manage and grow your business.
E&O Loss Control Tools
The E&O TLC program was created by IIABNY in
conjunction with the partners of Keidel, Weldon &
Cunningham, LLP to bring valuable E&O loss control
resources to IIABNY members and IAAC insureds.
Provides members with:
• A library of forms, letters, checklists, sample client
letters, disclaimers, reference material and online
tools
• The E&O Report: A monthly e-newsletter that offers
valuable loss control information., and tips
• Quality seminars and webinars with E&O loss
prevention tips and procedures including the
popular annual E&O Loss Control Seminars LIVE and VIDEO options held every spring
Jim Keidel, Esq & Chris Weldon, Esq
• Customized agency audit conducted by experienced E&O attorneys of Keidel, Weldon &
Cunningham, LLP: includes comprehensive review of the procedures and workflows followed
throughout the agency, personalized recommendations to reduce the risk of an E&O loss and
claim10% premium credit may be available to Westport member insureds*
• Customized training and consulting options plus a FREE hotline for members
Contact: Brenda Strong • [email protected] • ext. 247
6 www.iiabny.org
MEMBER SERVICES
Marketing & Trusted Choice®
Flying the Trusted Choice® logo positions you as a premiere agent and conveys a level
of integrity, trust, and expertise. As a Trusted Choice agent® you have access to:
The Logo & Pledge of Performance
Available exclusively to IIABNY and Big “I” members
Free Customizable Advertising Materials
A suite of professionally produced advertising materials including digital, radio, TV,
print, and direct mail are available to you. Each can be individually customized with
your photo or agency logo and contact information at no charge!
Marketing Reimbursement Program - Up to $1,600 Available!
There has never been a better time to co-brand your agency as Trusted Choice® and
the marketing reimbursement program can help you offset your costs while doing so!
Access to Online Consumer Portal at TrustedChoice.com
Consumers are being driven to TrustedChoice.com where they can search for a local
agent or request an online rate quote.
Contact: Julie MacConnell • [email protected] • ext. 226
800-962-7950 7
EDUCATION & EVENTS
IIABNY’s innovative delivery methods
fit your unique educational needs.
Classroom
High quality continuing education classes are presented by
experienced instructors at convenient locations across New York.
Classroom
Up-to-date online education calendar lists the topics, dates, and
locations for each. Course brochures indicate the intended audience,
what you will learn, and the level of difficulty. Class topics include:
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NYAIP or NYSID Classes
Designation Programs (AAI, ACSR)
E&O Loss Prevention Seminars
Topics of Interest
Self Study
Staff Contact: Lisa Britton • [email protected] • ext. 228
Online
IIABNY offers a wide variety of online study options allowing you
to learn and sometimes even earn CE from your own desk:
Online
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Webinars – Live & On Demand
Self Study CE – Exclusive Member Discounts at CEU.com & WebCE®
Staff Contact: Kathy Lawler • [email protected] • ext. 218
In-House
In-House
IIABNY can bring our extensive array of topics to your staff in your office. You pick a time - including evenings and Saturdays - then choose
the courses you want from a list of over 100 programs currently
approved for CE, led by professional trainers:
• Property & Casualty
• Life
• Agency Management
• Designations (ACSR, AAI)
Staff Contact: Mary Byrnes • [email protected] • ext. 215
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www.iiabny.org/edcalendar
EDUCATION
New Hire Training
Quality, technical training options for your new hires A new online
training center, powered by New Level Partners, provides curriculum
packages based on individual needs and expertise:
New Hire Training
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Commercial Lines
Personal Lines
CSRs
Managers
On-demand audiovisual exercises and knowledge checks offer an
interactive learning experience - all for one low fee!
Staff Contact: Kathy Lawler • [email protected] • ext. 218
IIABNY connects you with a variety of
local, statewide and national events.
IIABNY members are involved in events
around the corner and around the country.
Local Associations plan everything from
networking and legislative events to
educational workshops and are always eager
for more agent invovlement.
Our local NextGen (young agents) groups put
together fun, interactive events such as Trivia
Nights, Bowling, Wine Tours, Haunted House
Tours, and more. It’s a great way to meet others
in the industry in a casual, relaxed setting.
Every April, the National Big “I” hosts its annual
Legislative Conference in Washington D.C.
where agents gather from around the country
to lobby Capitol Hill on the issues critical to our
industry.
And each May, IIABNY hosts its Annual
Business Meeting to welcome the incoming
Chair of the Board at a location near his/her
hometown.
Find a ful list of upcoming events at
www.iiabny.org/events
Staff Contact: Allison Just • [email protected] • ext. 249
800-962-7950 9
MARKET ACCESS
IIABNY offers access to insurance products
for your agency as well as your clients.
Personal Umbrella Policy Affordable, Stand Alone Coverage
It’s fast and easy to offer the Personal Umbrella Policy available through IAAC, underwritten by
RLI.
Benefits For Your Clients
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Available limits up to $5 million
Very affordable
Covers above auto, home, boat, or rental properties
Great solution for hard to place personal lines accounts
RLI is admitted and A.M. Best “A+” rated
Benefits For You
• IIABNY members earn 10% commission on new & renewal business (PUP Special commission rate is 8%
new & renewal)
• No minimum volume requirements or access fees
• Does not require or desire writing of the underlying policies
• Easy online quoting
• Electronic signatures and online credit card payments accepted for accessing agents
• Self-underwriting application
Contact Denise Brown-Carter • [email protected] • ext. 246
Mono-line Work Comp Program
IIABNY endorsed-PMC Insurance Group (www.pmcinsurancegroup.com) specializes in workers’
compensation for small to large accounts:
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Premium size $2000 ++
PMC PayGo (a pay as you process solution)
All A.M. Best rated "A-" or better national carriers
Submission Portal allows you to quickly access up to 7 “A” rated carriers
Wide appetite for classes (includes several exclusive programs) such as health care services,
medical staffing, social service, temporary staffing, and waste haulers
Contact Phil Fleming • 781-449-7744 x105 • [email protected]
10 www.iiabny.org
INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Free Market Access Program
Big "I" Markets (www.bigimarkets.com) is the independent agent's gateway to specialized
insurance products and services with no access fees, no volume commitment, and no
software needed beyond basic Internet access. Over 30 products are available, including:
Commercial Lines Programs:
Personal Lines Programs:
Bonds through Goldleaf Surety Services,
LLC: Contractor, Performance, Bid, Surety &
Affluent Personal Lines through Chubb,
ACE & AIG
Miscellaneous
ACE Marine Programs: Charter Boat,
Travelers Select: Building Pac, Business Pac,
Mega-Yacht, Yacht, Performance Boat, Personal
Watercraft, Small Boat (under 27 ft.)
Commercial Auto, Contractor’s Pac, Garage Pac,
Office Pac, Religious Pac, Store Pac, Technology
Office Pac, Apartment Pac & Condominium Pac
Travelers Restaurant Programs: Casual
Dining, Fine Dining
Travelers Community Bank Program
QBE Stand-Alone Personal Fine Art and
Valuable Articles Program
Chubb Collector Car Program
Non-standard Homeowners, Renters,
Condominium and Rental Dwellings
Markel Outdoors: Dude Ranches, Hunting &
Fishing Lodges, Outfitters & Guides, Rod & Gun
Clubs
Philadelphia Insurance Event Liability
Contact
Middle Oak Worlds Apart Apartment
Program & CAPSure Community
Association Program
Jamie Deapo
[email protected]
ext. 232
Write-Your-Own-Flood Program
Write your own residential and commercial flood insurance with Selective Insurance Co. in
our online market access program (Big “I” Markets) with the Selective Online Option.
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Receive at least 18% commission on new business and 15% for renewal
Online tools such as free rating, online processing and flood-zone determinations
No volume requirements
No access fees to participate
Assistance for book rollovers of all sizes
Contact Doug Platt • 518-817-6147 • [email protected]
800-962-7950 11
INTERACT & ENGAGE
IIABNY’s committees, events & groups
help you connect with industry peers.
Next Gen
Next Generation of
Insurance Professionals
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Networking group for individuals under 40 or new to the independent insurance
industry
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Create lasting business relationships
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A forum to comfortably express ideas and share agency issues
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Events held throughout the year across the state
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Opportunity to participate in national Big “I” Young Agents events
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Membership is free! There may be registration costs associated with events
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www.facebook.com/nextgeninsurance
Staff Contact: Kathy Lawler • [email protected] • ext. 218
InVEST
Classroom to Career Insurance Education
Our profession is due to lose 40% of its workforce in the next 5 -10 years. How do we
generate interest in insurance? InVEST!
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Educates high school and community college students on careers in insurance,
financial services and risk management
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Develops a diverse pool of insurance professionals and informed consumers
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Encourages careers in the industry; numerous scholarship opportunities
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Promotes positive public relations, positioning the industry as a respected liaison
between the academic and business worlds
Please consider getting involved!
Staff Contact: Mary Byrnes • [email protected] • ext. 215
12 www.iiabny.org
SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
Local Associations
Local Associations exist to fulfill the educational, political, and business needs of our
members on a localized basis in the same way that IIABNY does on a state basis and IIABA
does nationally.
Local associations provide the opportunity for neighbor agents to band together and:
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Discuss industry issues on a localized basis
Meet with fellow agents & brokers, company leaders, legislators & other industry leaders
Hold information/educational sessions
Conduct legislative activities
Sponsor conferences, promotional events, golf outings and other fund-raising activities
Metropolitan-Suburban Region
- Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Suffolk County Inc.
- Tri-County Independent Insurance Agents Association (Nassau, Kings, Queens & Richmond)
- Independent Insurance Agents of Rockland County
- Independent Insurance Agents of Westchester County Inc.
- Independent Insurance Agents of Putnam County Inc
East-North Region
- Sullivan County Association of Independent Insurance Agents
- Independent Insurance Agents Association of Orange County, Inc.
- Independent Insurance Agents of the Capital Region (Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady)
- Adirondack Independent Insurance Agents Association
- Independent Insurance Agents Association of Oneida, Herkimer & Madison Counties
West-Central Region
- Independent Insurance Agents Association of Western New York Inc. (Erie County)
- Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County Inc.
- Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Greater Binghamton Inc. (Broome & Tioga)
- Independent Insurance Agents of Central New York Inc. (Onondaga)
Get involved by contacting the leader of your local association or Kathy Lawler at IIABNY
Kathy Lawler • [email protected] • ext. 218
800-962-7950 13
Thank You
2015 SUPPORT NY SPONSORS
CHAIR OF THE BOARD ($7500+)
FRIENDS OF IIABNY ($1500+)
Belfor Property Restoration
Liberty Mutual
NYCM Insurance
Safeco Insurance
Acadia Insurance
Allegany Co-Operative Ins. Co.
Berkley FinSecure
Central Insurance Companies
Countryway Insurance
Encompass Insurance
Erie & Niagara Insurance
Fire Districts of NY Mutual Insurance Co.
Foremost Insurance Group
Harleysville Insurance
Heartland Ovation Payroll
InsurBanc
InsureSign
Interboro Insurance Group
Iroquois Group
Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc.
Kemper Preferred
Kingstone Insurance Co.
MEMIC
Mercury Insurance Group
MetLife Auto & Home
MetLife Employee Benefits
Narragansett Bay Insurance Company
PMC Insurance Group
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Russell Bond & Co., Inc.
SageSure Insurance Managers, LLC
Sterling Insurance Company
Superior Payment Plan, LLC
The Guardian Life Insurance Company
The Hartford
Trident Insurance Service
Utica National Insurance Co.
GOLD ($5000+)
Adirondack Insurance Exchange
Applied Underwriters
Asurion
The Hanover Insurance Group
Merchants Insurance Group
Progressive Insurance Co.
Travelers Insurance
SILVER ($2500+)
DocuSign
Dryden Mutual Insurance Co.
ELANY
LiDAC Employee Benefit Solutions
Midstate Mutual Insurance Co.
Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
Selective Insurance
Swiss Re - Armonk
The Main Street America Group
Vermont Mutual Insurance Group
Companies in blue are proud Trusted Choice® participants.
14 www.iiabny.org
An electronic version of this Member Guide is available at
www.iiabny.org/membership
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How To Log In To Our Website (www.iiabny.org):
Go to www.iiabny.org and click “sign in” in the grey bar.
Enter your Username and Password.
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How to Change Your Password:
Log into the Web site.
Once logged in, you should see your name
Click on your name and scroll to “change password”
Enter your current password first and then new password twice.
Finally click the “Change Password” button.
Stop By and Visit When You’re in the Area!
5784 Widewaters Parkway, 1st Floor, Dewitt, NY 13214
800-962-7950 • www.iiabny.org