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T H U R S D A Y , O C T O B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 6
Industry News
Legal Advocacy
Kemper Auto and Home Contract Reviewed
IIABA’s Office of the General Counsel has completed its review of the Kemper Auto and Home Agency Agreement. With regard to the Agency Agreement, some provisions of concern for agents are that: 1) the agreement can be changed on only 60-days notice, and the commission schedule can be changed at any time; 2) the ownership of expirations clause includes some limitations on the agent’s ownership of expirations; and 3) the definition of company confidential information may not exclude agent’s expiration information. Big “I” members can access the complete review on the member-only Legal Advocacy section of www.independentagent.comunder contract reviews. For more information, contact Kathleen Graber 703-706-5432; kathleen.graber@iiaba.net.
Premier Agency Contract Reviewed
IIABA’s Office of the General Counsel has completed its review of the Premier (a Travelers Company) Agency Contract. Some provisions of concern for agents are as follows: 1) The contract makes Travelers the agent’s exclusive provider of property insurance in Massachusetts and makes Premier the agent’s sole provider of automobile insurance in Massachusetts; 2) The contract includes conflicting provisions regarding renewal of policies after termination of the contract or withdrawal of the agent’s authority, including the amount of commission to which the agent will be entitled; and 3) The agent is required to indemnify the companies subject to the agreement. Big “I” members can access the review by visiting the legal advocacy section of www.independentagent.com. For more information, contact Amy Hendricks at 800-221-7917; amy.hendricks@iiaba.net.
Young Agents
New Booklet Discusses Generational Differences
The National Young Agents Committee recently released “Beyond the Boomers: Targeting the Incoming Generations,” a booklet offering an overview of the characteristics of the four current generational categories: seniors, baby boomers, gen-Xers and millenials. More importantly, it encourages agency principals to look beyond their own category for both customers and employees.
“Beyond the Boomers” provides fresh insight about generational bias and triggers discussions about how agencies can better attract and retain quality professionals of all ages. For more information, contact Katie Cosgrove at 800-221-7917; katie.cosgrove@iiaba.net.
Trusted Choice®
New Customizable Ads Available
Trusted Choice® is now providing your agency more choices. Three new prints ads and three new billboard ads are now available online in the advertising section of the agents/brokers area at www.TrustedChoice.com. You can preview and download these new ads from the Web site and then e-mail them to your local marketing contact. The ads provide generous space for your agency info—name, address, phone number(s), Web address and logo.
To view the print ads, click here. You will need your Trusted Choice® login information to access this password-protected area. If you do not have this login info, e-mail Trusted.Choice@iiaba.net to request it.
The new creative material emphasizes the importance of having “protection that fits” and instructs consumers to consult a Trusted Choice® agency for their insurance needs. The ads grab the reader’s attention and deliver a message with impact while using a humorous approach. All of the new print ads are available in magazine and newspaper formats. You also can choose between color or black-and-white versions.
New customizable radio ads also are on the way, so be on the lookout for those as well. For more information, contact Jenner Gohr at 800-221-7917 or jenner.gohr@iiaba.net.
Are You Using Correct Logo?
We are not going to be upset with anyone for using the Trusted Choice® logo – in fact, we encourage it. However, all agents and brokers should check to make sure they are using the correct logo. The Trusted Choice® logo is federally trademarked, so the correct registration symbol is ®. If your agency is still using the old logo with the SM registration symbol, please update it.
To download current logos, click here. You will need your Trusted Choice® login information to access this password-protected area. If you do not have this login info, e-mail Trusted.Choice@iiaba.net to request it. Thank you for your help. For more information, contact Jenner Gohr at 800-221-7917 or jenner.gohr@iiaba.net.
Virtual University
Entire ACSR Designation Program Now Online
The Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) program is a nationally recognized program created by the Big “I” and AICPCU/IIA. It provides participants with a strong insurance foundation and equips them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s agency environment.
Throughout the insurance industry, an ACSR designation is recognized as a mark of commitment, distinction and excellence. Join a select group of individuals who have made a commitment to the industry, their agencies and their clients. ACSRs are better prepared with increased product knowledge, improved selling and account rounding skills, higher levels of customer service, technical expertise, enhanced productivity and confidence.
The program offers multiple designations. Choose the one that is right for you or earn all three: personal lines, commercial lines and life/health. To find out more about this program and how you can get started today, see the ACSR resource page at www.independentagent.com.
IIABA News
Personalized Holiday Cards Available Through Mines Press
Mines Press, the Big “I” officially endorsed printer, has a wide selection of holiday cards available. From business-to-business cards to patriotic/peace cards to personal cards, Mines Press has more than 1,000 cards for to choose from. Cards and envelopes can also be customized with an agency's message and address. Visit www.minespress.com and click on “insurance” then “holiday cards” to order.
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