..:: Insurance News & Views ::..

Strike while the iron is hot! Join Trusted Choice^® now and become part of the brand movement that is sweeping the agency system. At last week’s Big "I" Exhibit Hall, the Trusted Choice^® Experience was one of the most talked about booths! The word is out about Trusted Choice^®. Most exciting of all, Trusted Choice^® has surpassed its 2006 year-end goal of 6,000 participating agencies eight months ahead of schedule! And, it’s May—Trusted Choice^® Month!

Join Trusted Choice^® and take advantage of the many perks of being a member—and the force that is Trusted Choice^® Month. Drawing attention (and business) to member agencies are hundreds of ads on popular cable networks (view the TV ad schedule), Internet ads on high-profile consumer Web sites, a public relations campaign focusing on the hot topic of renters insurance and print ads in business to business publications (view the ads). These professional ads are customizable and can be used in your local market.

When your agency joins Trusted Choice,^® you gain immediate access to many tools that help your agency in this highly competitive business environment, including use of the Trusted Choice^® logo, name and collateral marketing materials, national advertising and public relations exposure and qualified leads through the Trusted Choice^® Agency Locator. If you’re already among the 6,027 agencies on board, make sure your Trusted Choice^® profile is up to date. Consumers using the Agency Locator feature are looking for you!

Trusted Choice^® agencies have shown hundreds of millions of consumers that they deliver choice of companies, customized coverages and advocacy support—exactly what consumers are looking for in an insurance provider. Together with its 33 company partners, Trusted Choice^® is increasing consumer awareness daily. Join Trusted Choice^® now. For more information about Trusted Choice^®, contact Jeff Myers at 800-221-7917 or jeff.myers@iiaba.net.

Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) addressed attendees at the general session of the Big "I" Convention. Powell discussed the importance of being open-minded. "Our greatest strength in fighting terrorism is our openness," he said. "As long as we, as a country and as individuals, remain faithful and open to our values, the terrorists will never win." Additionally, Powell addressed what makes a strong leader. "Leadership is all about followership," Powell said. "The leaders inspire the followers. Great leaders give followers a sense of purpose, a mission, a vision and inspiration." Regarding the state of the country, he discussed the importance of education. "We have some of the best universities and colleges in the world," he said. "But the government has to do a better job with elementary schools, junior highs and earlier education. America must make a greater investment in our education system." He also addressed the pride Americans should take in their country. "America still is respected and trusted," Powell said. "We still are that great America. People in other countries may sometimes disagree with our leaders and policies, but we still are great."

During the Big "I" NLC&C, The Diversity Task Force held its fifth annual luncheon to honor members, company partners and initiative supporters. Blake Morant, professor of law and director at Washington & Lee University, spoke to attendees about the importance of diversity. He explained how diversity is educative, valuable and critical to society’s development. The Diversity Task Force also announced its 10th company partner: Encompass. The other nine leading insurance company partners are Aetna, AIG Agency Auto, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, CNA, The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Safeco Insurance Company, Selective and St. Paul Travelers. The Diversity Task Force is a cooperative industry group comprised of Big "I" agents and brokers, members of groups representing Latin-American, African-American and Asian-American agents. The Task Force is charged with fostering a profitable independent agency force that reflects, represents and capitalizes on the opportunities of the diverse U.S. population. For more information contact Barbara Miller-Richards at 800-221-7917; b.miller-richards@iiaba.net.

The Hill, the leading Capitol Hill newspaper, named Big "I" CEO Bob Rusbuldt one of the top association lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Rusbuldt has made this prestigious list repeatedly since The Hill began publishing it.

The listing includes many of the top movers and shakers among association lobbyists. Several former top government officials are on the list, including influential former U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.), who is currently with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA); the Motion Picture Association of America’s Dan Glickman, a former Secretary of Agriculture; former Republican Party Chairman Frank Fahrenkopf, now of the American Gaming Association; and former Michigan Governor John Engler, currently with the National Association of Manufacturers.

Of the thousands of association lobbyists in Washington, only 37 made the annual list.

"This recognition is a testament to the effectiveness and influence of the entire Big "I" lobbying team," Rusbuldt says. "In order to be truly effective in Washington, it takes a great team with talented people, and the support and personal involvement of your membership. The Big ‘I’ has both. Our members are second to none in their grassroots activism, support for their political action committee (InsurPac) and desire to maintain a top notch presence on Capitol Hill. It is an honor to be recognized by The Hill, but this is the result of a true team effort."

Last weekend’s top grossing movie was "RV," starring Robin Williams. The story of a family renting an RV for a vacation, "RV" comes at a time when sales of recreational vehicles are increasing. It’s the perfect time of year to think about the sales opportunity this presents. Think about selling the RV coverage available on Big "I" Markets! This is what some of your fellow agents have to say about their experiences using the recreational vehicle product on Big "I" Markets:

"It was really easy to use. The product guide for RV categories helped us to figure out which type we needed to quote. Everything was pretty self explanatory and simple to go in and answer all the questions. The rates are definitely competitive—your product cut our insured’s premium in half."

—Tara Scheffelmaer, Multi-Line Insurance Agency, Inc., Gillette, WY

"We don’t do a lot of RV policies, but the coverage you offer is better than anything else we can find. We are happy with that. It is a fairly easy product to put together with very timely response."
—Bob Carson, Peters Agency Insurance, Silver City, NM

Click here to locate an RV dealer near you. Click here to access RV coverage through Big "I" Markets.

With less than 30 days left until the start of hurricane season, consumers need to purchase flood insurance now to ensure it will be effective by that time. David Maurstad, insurance administrator and mitigation director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), spoke about flood issues at last week’s Big "I" NLC&C. Maurstad addressed the challenges the NFIP faces, its progress and the overall importance of the program. "The NFIP has reached new heights under recent challenges and scrutiny," Maurstad said. "The 2004 hurricane season brought unprecedented flood events. However, nearly 95% of the over 240,000 claims reported have been closed." Maurstad discussed his ultimate vision for the NFIP and the country. "In the wake of the last two devastating hurricane seasons, it is clear that people residing, working and owning businesses in the flood plains don’t have a clear understanding of the dangers they face," he said. "My goal is for all homeowners, renters and business owners in the flood plains to be insured against flood. Simply 100%."

Flooding is the most pervasive and costly disaster in the United States. In fact, homes in flood-prone regions are 26 times more likely to experience a flood than a fire over a 30-year period. Additionally, one-third of flood victims each year live outside designated flood-prone areas. Approximately 70% of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of the coastline. Now is the time to check with your customers—remind them of the importance of flood insurance.