|
"Thank you for the response to our questions concerning cut-through endorsements. The information is very helpful! I want to commend IIABA for providing this "Ask the Expert" service to the membership. Next to their efforts on our behalf in the areas of legislative and regulatory advocacy, this is one of the most beneficial services they offer."
Ron Lensing
Ramsey, Krug, Farrell & Lensing
Little Rock, AR
"You and the people who responded to my [crime question about the forged cashiers check] were great! The timeliness surprised me...that's a good thing. The comments made by the experts were on point. Your panel also gave our producer a means for which to cover this by endorsement in the future. This is my first experience with you all, and I was impressed. Great job...everyone."
William (Will) J. Weaver, Jr., CPCU, AIC
Senior Claims Advisor
Conseco Risk Management
Carmel, IN
"We really appreciate the fact that we can go to your website and be afforded expert opinions at no charge. It is help like this that makes every cent of our IIABA dues more than worthwhile. Thanks again and again!"
Trussell, Glidden & Mahoney Insurance Agency, Inc.
Greenland, NH
Rosemarie Glidden
"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your ["Ask an Expert"] service and your fast response. Our firm has over 60 people with 20 producers and 25 CSR's. We regularly distribute your articles and discuss them at our producer and CSR meetings. I shared my question to you and your response with my insured's carrier. They have decided to pay for the insured's stolen tools under the auto policy since they view them as vehicle accessories. Thanks again for your help."
Lloyd Koty
Koty Leavitt Insurance Agency
Tucson, AZ
"You are to be commended on the quality and range of offerings available to agents via the Virtual University. The VU newsletter, ask the expert service, new online courses, etc. are delivering value-added services to IIABA members."
Mike Moss, J.D., CIC
President
Mike Moss Agency
Siloam Springs, AR
"Thank you for the tremendous service that you give to Independent Agents!! We look forward to receiving your VUpoint newsletter. It's the most informative industry publication we read."
John Sutorius
Midwest Insurance
"Simply put this is the most useful newsletter on the market. I have kept a list of past articles, and I print and read an article each day. This is a great and painless way of gaining knowledge. I put these articles with the index into a large binder and I have a great collection for new agents. For anyone trying to grow an agency these articles represent the best source of counseling available. Keep up the good work / you have been a great help."
Jack Carter, Owner
American Health
"Absolutely the best insurance related resource on the web. The newsletter is the only one I make a point of reading each and every time. I'll continue to highly recommend it! Keep up the great work!"
Jonathan L.Schloop, CPCU, CPIA, AU, API, AIS
Director of Education
New York Central Mutual Ins.Co.
Edmeston, NY
"I have had the occasion (need) to use IIABA's Virtual University a couple of times and just want you to know that it is a terrific service. Each time I have received a very prompt and informed response to my question. Both times my questions were of a technical nature and came to me from an agent. "Ask An Expert" not only helped me (the company) but was a great service to the agent. (They now think I'm smart!) I don't know how many people are using the University, but it's a valuable tool for the agent and those of us who support the agent."
Phil Golden, CPCU, ARM
State Manager
Old Dominion Insurance Company
Atlanta, GA
"First let me thank you for getting back to me so quickly [on an "Ask an Expert" question]....I only wish my underwriters were as prompt as you. Second, I can't believe there is this kind of service available for agents and I wish I found it earlier. I have subscribed to your VUpoint newsletter for a number of months and have found it invaluable. But this......this is fantastic. I'm afraid to pass this on to agent friends of mine. It's hard enough to write business out there and I could use every competitive advantage I can get."
Vince Prestileo
T M Burgess & Co
South Windsor, CT
"In the past twenty-four years working in this industry, I have never come across such an informative site!! This is absolutely fantastic!! Three years ago, when I left my job as a manager of a P&C agency and owner of a L&H agency to open a full-lines agency, I searched for many of the answers and articles now available on this site. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Angela Smith
Indiana
"I can't tell you how much easier the VU has made my job. This is the best membership benefit IIABA has developed in years.You and [the 'Ask an Expert' service] are a true asset to agents and one of the best benefits of membership in IIABA that I know of!"
Jack Chapman, Chairman
Missouri Agents Technical Committee
"I just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your site. Your web site is superb!!! As a coverage lawyer, I want to read articles that address the issues in detail. Fluff articles are useless to me. I get paid to worry about the minutia of policy language and how courts have interpreted it. Your site is filled with articles written by people who also worry about such details. I wish I had discovered your site sooner, but better late than never."
Randy J. Maniloff
Christie, Pabarue, Mortensen and Young, P.C.
Philadelphia, PA
"I can't say it enough, how much I enjoy learning from the IIABA Virtual University, it is a such a valuable resource for any insurance professional!"
Heidi M. Proffetty, AIS, AAI
J. Barry Driscoll Insurance Agency, Inc.
Norwell, MA
"That was awesome [referring to our "Ask an Expert" service]...what a service! I have read some of your responses before on the web, but you always think they are made up for advertising purposes."
Wayne Syrek, Jr.
The Adams Agency
Mesa, AZ
"Thank you for you prompt and clear response. What a wonderful service! I am glad the Big I is expanding it's capabilities. I will recommend this to others."
Steve Fukumitsu
Insurance Hawaii, Inc.
Kailua-Kona, HI
"As a new member of IIANC, I just discovered your incredible Virtual University today and I had to take a minute to tell you what a fabulous resource this website is! My husband and I own a small agency in Charlotte, NC and have only been in business for 2 years. The topics and information that are on the website are very useful to us in growing our new agency! I am quite certain I will be visiting the site on a regular basis! Thank you for providing such a fabulous resource!"
Michelle O'Connor
O'Connor Insurance Associates, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
"The information on your site is fantastic. We are sharing the various articles around the office and my daughter, our VP of Personal Insurance, recently took your article on coverage problems on music CD's when they are in automobiles to a Travelers claims meeting. It really helped illustrate the problem and get a claim covered for our client. Keep up the good work!"
Richard F. Downer, CIC
HRI Associates
Herndon, Virginia
"This Website is without a doubt the most helpful I have found. #1 - The information is relative to my day to day work experience. #2 - The website is easy to negotiate. If I cannot find the info, it is no help to me!!! The information regarding personal property off premises helped me "educate" a claims adjuster and get a claim handled properly. Your website should be the first place a claims adjuster looks!!!"
Margaret Hatley
Dormon & Reynolds Insurance, Inc.
Anniston, Alabama
"Thank you for the information (about whether my claim was comprehensive or collision)!! I called the company and the adjuster admitted he had made a mistake and I saved the insured from having an at-fault accident being on his record and $400 for the difference in deductibles. I also kept a client and friend. Thank you for the information, I will recommend your site to others."
Susan
Norgaard-Syverson Insurance
"You guys are terrific. What a resource for us independent agents to have at our disposal. We have to spread the gospel of its availability. Thank you again."
Paul Scanlan, President/Owner
H.J. Boardman Insurance Agency, Inc.
So. Attleboro, MA
"I know the P&C stuff is really good, but the answers that guy got on his agency manager compensation question were phenomenal. I don't know anywhere else where that kind of management consulting firepower could be had for the price of a mere email or two. As Darth Vader would say, 'Impressive! Most impressive!'"
Chris Amrhein, AAI, President
Amrhein & Associates.
Lorton, VA
"Your site is just a wonderful resource. It has quickly become my favorite insurance site. Keep up the good work."
Gordon Crutcher
Towers Perrin Reinsurance
"Great analysis, many thanks. I am attending the CPCU Convention in a couple days. I am a member of the National Claim Committee and will, with your permission share this opinion and the nature of your service. Your use of references and apparent research makes this very valuable because you opinion is based upon experience and research. Thanks Very Much."
Richard A. Litchford, CPCU
Branch Manager
American International Group (AIG)
"Un abrazo!"
Jaime Rodrigo
[VU Director's response: "y un abrazo a usted también! (alguien que habla MUY poco español) - Guillermo Wilson"]
"Thanks so much for the follow up and help with the migrant worker claim question. It means so much to me as an agent to have a source of experts to help when we are in question about something - the insurance companies are not always correct in their denial of claims. This is the second time I've used virtual university for a claim question and am glad to have you as a resource."
Rhonda Cabrinha
Ellis, Moreland & Ellis, Inc.
Syracuse, NY
"I updated today's article to include a special mention of your site. It includes by far the best analysis I have seen anywhere of the actual complexities that are going to arise [from terrorism claims], not to mention your analysis of the war exclusion issue."
Deborah Ghose
Insurance Guide
About.com
"I am always taken by the speed, accuracy and content of your work. The Insurance Implications of Terrorists Attacks is brilliance under pressure. Thank you for all of your work."
Jim Harrison, CPCU, CIC, CLU, ChFC
Security Bond Associates, Inc.
Tallahassee, FL
"I always look forward to opening my email and seeing my Virtual University newsletter there! I think you have some great articles that are very beneficial to all employees of an agency, from the receptionist to management! You have very knowledgeable 'Experts.' I've had the chance to 'Ask an Expert' and have been very pleased with the speedy response! Thanks and keep up the good work!"
Diane Mooney
York Insurance Agency
York, Nebraska
"I think THIS is an example of how valuable the Virtual University can be to IIABA member agents around the country. At dues renewal time, they'll remember the courteous and efficient one-on-one help they got when they needed it. I doubt that their membership decisions are based on how valiantly we headed off crop insurance reform or what studies we paid huge sums for in exchange for fleeting press releases.
"Learning comes in many forms and this is one of the best. Thanks to all for continuing to participate. They say what goes around comes around...may plenty come your way!"
Unidentified Subscriber
"I just wanted to take a minute and let all of you who work so hard to provide this information for us know that it is greatly appreciated. We have used the Ask An Expert Service on more than one occasion and each time have received the information we needed in a timely manner. You have a wonderful way of providing professional service in a way that helps us increase our knowledge and understanding of 'tricky' insurance situations, and you have found a way to add 'humor and personality' to what often times is a pretty 'dull' read! Thanks again for all your hard work. It does not go unappreciated."
Kristi Norfleet
McCaw Insurance Agency, Inc.
Greenville, Texas
"Thank you for your response to my questions. The information has been helpful and a good value. I have already passed on the word about the service. I am a one person agency (formerly a VP with an International Broker). It is comforting to know I have a reliable organization behind me to help with these issues. Again, thank you." [referring to our Ask an Expert service]
Debbie McCleery
"Thank you very much for the prompt responses I received from your experts. It was very quick and helpful. Maybe we are on to something with this internet. Thanks again, and it is good to know my dues are paying for themselves." [referring to our Ask an Expert service]
John Sweeney
Alaska
"Outstanding information! Thanks a bunch. This virtual university is the greatest thing I have seen our association do." [referring to our Ask an Expert service]
Bruce Ward
Ward Brothers Insurance
Humble, Texas
"Would you allow me to use your article on CD's in my argument with a carrier for coverage? I have a consumer complaint in which coverage for stolen CD's has been denied based upon the PAP exclusion, as the vehicle had an onboard player."
Connie Mayette, AU
Hearings Examiner
Maine Bureau of Insurance
"[T]hank you for the "Workers Compensation Experience Rating"
course, it has been a very helpful tool in developing my own experience mod "calculator." The course is well laid out and thorough - the instructor does a great job explaining how a mod is calculated."
Alison Slade
Exposure Analyst
LFUCG - Division of Risk Management
"Thanks very much for giving me the link - your power outage article is very informative - and the website is fantastic, too!"
Ricky Torrey, JD, LLM
Director of Research
DRM, Inc.
"Bill...this is great!!! I am so impressed that there is such passion still around in the insurance business. The article is wonderful. Thank you again and all of the [experts] that have replied. This is a fantastic forum and I have passed the information concerning the Virtual University on to all of my fellow employees."
Shelly Beals
F.A. Peabody Company
Hampden, Maine
"Love your site - ACE Insura, Claim Detective is too much. Can we get a copy of the artwork for his pic so we can put it in our newsletter?!!!! And I am now tuned into one of the radio stations you offer....TOO COOL...I know this hasn't much to do with insurance but it makes your site fun to visit....and will bring me back...CONGRATS ON A GREAT SITE...FULL OF THE INFO WE NEED. I have already printed a bunch of pages to include in prospect kits!!!"
Helen E. Kiser
Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana
"What a great bit of information. You guys never cease to amaze me!" [referencing an "Ask An Expert" response on producer compensation from our agency management gurus]
Dan Crawford
Pippel Insurance
Palmer, Alaska
"Thank you so much for the points of view on my client's water damage claim. As an IIABA member (and board of director on the Nebraska Association), I think the Virtual University is an incredible asset to our members. Thank you."
Peg Anderson
Tom Tideman Insurance, Inc.
"WELL, WELL, WELL!!!!!!!! To think that there is such a mind bank available and not being used. This is like our own personal THINK TANK for agents. I loved the answers (especially since they concurred with my own thoughts). You folks deserve a big round of applause. I will tell everyone I know, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I just don't know how to say thanks enough!!!!!!!!"
Raymond Travers
Once and Done
Agents Virtual Community
"Your article in IIABA's Virtual University on 10 reasons insureds should purchase CDW/LDW was excellent. I would like permission to use your material in printed form to send to our agency clients when they inquire about renting cars. Thanks!"
Owen Pipal
Pipal-Anderson, Inc.
Boise, Idaho
[Note: You can download a consumer-ready flyer of this article in Adobe Acrobat format to email or or print and mail to your insureds by clicking this link: Top 10 Reasons to Purchase the CDW/LDW - Ed.]
"Thank you very much! You receive an 'A' in both promptness and thoroughness!"
Bonnie Two Bears
InterWest Insurance Services, Inc.
California
"Thanks for the reply. We have been a member of IIABA for over 40 years. We had been considering dropping out since we are also members of PIA. I must tell you that the virtual reference library website is the one reason we see to stay in IIABA. We realized years ago that Independent Agent was a misnomer, we are dependent agents."
Larry W Smith, CIC, ARM
"This is a great publication and excellent service for those who make the time to read it. This is really a great service and I think it is extremely valuable to those who use it. We need to think of other ways we can leverage this asset. Stay in touch and keep up the good work! Best Personal Regards,"
Robert G. Slocum, CPCU, CIC
The Slocum Agency, Inc.
Warwick, Rhode Island
"This service [Ask an Expert] is awesome. I can't wait to tell others about it. Thank you so much. I received five responses. Everyone of them I've found valuable."
Susan W Caston, CIC, AIC
Commercial Accounts Manager
Davis Insurance Agency
Monmouth, Maine
"I am very impressed."
Bob Schulte
Massachusetts
"Thanks for a wonderful newsletter! I get some new knowledge out of each issue. Your Montrose articles were especially helpful in enabling us to explain the new exclusions to our customers. The customer service articles are enlightening and very helpful in dealing with "tricky" situations. Your article on GPS coverage was an eye-opener - I especially appreciated the coverage analysis and recommendation of the appropriate form to use to cover the GPS."
Kathy Harradine, ARM
"I have found the site to of great help in not only keeping up with the news, but in giving me practical information I can use in my practice. I used some of your information in a seminar to be given in December and appreciate the help!"
David Broemel, J.D., CPCU
Attorney & AIA Lobbyist
"Bill, thank you for your advice and guidance on this NJ PIP v PAP coverage issue. I understand completely the delays in tracking down a response as I have spent the last eight months researching this issue in some capacity or another. We have received conflicting opinions from carriers, only to have one of them reverse their stance after several months. All in all, extremely frustrating. Thank you very much for your assistance and attempts to answer this nagging question. I think your service can be extremely handy and look forward to posing questions and concerns to your forum in the future. Thanks again for your help."
Austin Denney
Palmer Cay, Inc.
"You have a great newsletter!"
Karen Vander Lee
Agent
"Bill, I like the current format. Whichever way you go, the customer service, technology, management, etc. articles are good to get. Thanks for what you do - keep up the good work."
David Humphreys
Shafer Insurance
"I think that the newsletter is great. Where else can those of us that have multiple lines receive these articles without going to two different places? This is an industry newsletter, not a specific market newsletter. Thanks,"
Bob Yergey
Yergey Insurance Agency, Inc.
Fairfax, Virginia
"Thanks for bringing this out every week."
Abbi Seward, Marketing Director
Pawtucket Mutual Insurance Group
"I am one of your newer subscribers and, while I work on the 'company side,' I appreciate your newsletter very much. Not only am I teaching a CPCU class here locally, but have also recently been recruited to teach some continuing ed for agency licensing. Many of the coverage topics I have seen so far are very timely. Great job! Keep up the good work!"
Dan Crew
EMC Insurance
"I think you do a great job. I review all topics and if more info is needed I read the entire article. Thanks for a great job."
Angie Heavener
PIIA of Illinois
"I've enjoyed the newsletter and like receiving all sections at one time. I handle personal, commercial, and life, so the mix is good. Keep up the good work."
Rick Mayhew, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, AU, AAM, AIT, AIS, API
St. Louis
"As an agency manager, I need all the info I can get, simply and compactly, regardless of whether it is Personal or Commercial in nature. You folks really deliver!"
K. Schroth
Massachusetts Medical Society
"I love the articles. This is my new insurance bible. Thank you for the work you do."
Joyce Hartman, Education Chair
IIA of Rhode Island
"I sent the VUpoint newsletter to at least 50 fellow employees in an email suggesting that they subscribe to the newsletter. Keep up the good work!"
Lee Lewis, CPCU, AAI, ACSR
Business Analyst
AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah
"I am somewhat amazed that you are able to produce the amount of material you do on a weekly basis. I look forward to each week's edition."
Jack Chapman
Bowersox Insurance Agency
St. Louis, Missouri
"Thanks for your quick and complete response! Very impressive. I went back to the website and did find some articles on sales that are helpful. Thanks again for your suggestions and the information you shared!"
Donna Malloy
Training Department
Citadel Federal Credit Union
"Articles are meaningful, doing a good job. Enjoy your humor. As my responsibilities cross over Personal, Commercial & Agency Management functions, I kinda like the current [newsletter] format. May not read all, but like the fact that all are in one place."
Neal Montgomery
Travelers Insurance
"I get many glowing reports from members about how outstanding the VUpoint newsletter is, particularly the format."
Jeff Albright, Executive Director
IIA of Louisiana
"The newsletter is great and we are going to do our best to promote it to our membership."
Shelley Arnold
IIA of Maryland
"We would like permission to reprint articles - do we have to make a specific request on each article? The articles are great and are a great resource - thanks."
Mary Stevens
Davis Insurance Agency
Monmouth, Maine
"Thanks for a great educational source. Many I print as required reading for all or for a department. GOOD STUFF!"
Bonnie Knoedler
"I want to say what a great tool 'The Ultimate Rental Car Course' has been in my research for appealing a claim for one of my premier accounts. I enjoyed the Virtual University course very much and learned more than I ever thought I would want to know about rental car coverage. From now on, I'll be able to advise my clients much more substantially and will definitely be passing the info on to our entire agency."
LouAnne Hildebrand, CPCU
Peoples First Insurance
Rock Hill, SC
"Thank you for responding so quickly. What an invaluable resource [Ask an Expert] to be able to tap for information."
Mark S. Ayers
American International Group
Branch Manager - Chadds Ford
"I am very impressed with your prompt response to my question. It will aid me in covering the agency exposure as well as assist us in coaching our insureds as well as to their responsibilities under FCRA. This is a wonderful asset to all agents who need answers to questions and don't know who to call for an answer. Thanks again,"
Don McKinney
Brazos Valley Insurance Agency
Waco, Texas
"I am currently responsible for all Continuing Education for our company. I will be checking out your great website this week - the Online U is VERY exciting!"
Michelle D. Brown
Corporate Trainer
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
michelleb@phlyins.com
"Thank you (and your VU faculty) again, Bill...I have referred the information onto our member and we certainly appreciate your help!"
Pam Smith
IIA of Delaware
“Excellent material in the Business Income course. I enjoyed this way to learn and would do it again. Thanks.”
Paul Askew, CPCU
Harris Agency
“Given the need for accurate, timely and reliable information in today's marketplace, I was thrilled when I heard about IIABA's Virtual University. After taking the Campus Tour and reviewing the Business Income course, IIABAVU has far exceeded my expectations. The ability to get the information I need, when I need it, without having to leave the office, is excellence at it's zenith.”
J. Alan Johnson, CPCU, ARM, AIS
The Johnson Agency
Madisonville, Tennessee
“What I've seen is extremely impressive and useful. Thanks. Great job.”
Larry Parsons
Ohio Casualty
“It looks like this is going to be incredibly awesome. This information could not have come at a better time. I am ready to jump in with the IIABA 100%! I can not fully express how successful I think this concept will be -- and you can quote me on that!”
Tim Coomer, ARM
Specific Software Solutions
“I breezed through the course (How to Build an Agency Web Site That Works!) this snowy (and quiet) morning. I thoroughly appreciated the examples and the very easy to relate to materials. I'd recommend this class to any office personnel working in an agency who has a web site, and to anyone who is considering a web site. I really did enjoy the course and am looking forward to not leaving my cozy cubicle to enjoy the next offering! I prefer to get my CE credits out of the office and while in a group sized class. I guess I'm one of those people who learn best when not learning from a book or monitor! Thank you for the lesson and your site; both are much appreciated by this Surfer!"
Patricia Stacy Armstrong
Brentwood & Dolan Agency
Ronkonkoma, New York
“WOW, I just finished the tour of IIABAVU. If this is your rough draft, I can’t wait for the finished product. The idea is super and it is all laid out to be really user-friendly. Once this is up and running, this will undoubtedly be one of the prime insurance based web sites.”
Bill Perkins
Florida Association of Insurance Agents
“Mr. Dick Poppa, IIA of New York
"Dear Mr. Poppa,
"I recently finalized the internet course titled How to Build an Agency Web Site That Works!". Thank you for finding someone who made the subject material easy to understand and interesting.
"I sent an e-mail to Mr. Wilson to ask for further assistance. Not only did he respond immediately but offered additional help that was critical to my success.
"Kudos to IIABANY for offering great service and great people to deliver the service! Please express my thanks to Mr. Wilson. I look forward to taking his other courses."
Finola Bianco, Sr. Vice President
BIA Insurance
Commack, NY
"I just got a call from the agent who submitted the B&M claim to the 'Ask an Expert' service, which you posted on the VU. He called to say that insurer decided to pay the claim, mostly because of the 'weight' of 'expert opinions' of IIA of Louisiana and IIABA's Virtual University. They also said they were going to redraft their policy language."
Mike Edwards, CPCU, AAI
IIA of Louisiana
“I am not in the insurance business, but I am in the beginning stages of earning about web development and instructional system design (ISD). Your site is one of the best, most informative, most navigable I have run across. It has given me lots of good ideas. I really appreciate your web presence!"
L. Broyles
University of Tennessee
“Just toured the new campus! All I can say is that I knew it would be done right but this really blew me away. Attention to detail, ease of navigation through the campus, easy to understand text and instruction, humor and color should make this site an award winner.”
Victor McCarley,CIC
IIA of Alabama
"Thank you for your quick response. I shared your answer with the Maine IAA tech committee. I love the virtual university web site. The site contains valuable information, and it connects me to other people in the insurance business. Keep up the articles, we really do read them. Thanks again."
Susan W. Caston, CIC, AIC
Commercial Accounts Manager
Davis Insurance Agency
Monmouth, Maine
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am really impressed by the comprehensive content and the ease of reading/interacting with your course How to Build an Agency Web Site That Works. I was wondering if you knew of any template that I could use to develop an RFP for my own web site. Thanks again for a great resource."
Finola Bianco
Business Insurance Agency, Inc.
Commack, NY
"Keep up the good work. The quality is high. Good content. The library of coverage articles is especially helpful. Thanks."
Rick Beskin, CPCU,CIC
Board of Directors Member
IIA of Virginia
"Hello, I'm perusing the lesson 'How to Build a Website That Works.' It's very well done, and I will be providing a link to it from our new web site. We will have a portal on our site for instructors to go and get information on building web pages and web-delivered courseware. Your lesson is one of the best ones on design that I've found out there."
Gina Wise
Distance Learning Office
U.S. Army Intelligence Center
IIABAVU...THE choice for online education of the United States Army!
|
