Issue #240 - 8.17.2023

Auto-Owners Agency Contract Review

The Big “I" has reviewed the updated Auto-Owners Insurance Agency Contract, which was distributed to agents a couple of weeks ago. As with past Big “I" reviews, this review focuses on insurance-related provisions and issues and is intended to assist members with understanding the terms of the agreement. 

The Big “I" is pleased to make this and other company contract reviews available as a free benefit to all IIABAZ Members. To access a copy or other reviewed carrier contracts, log in to the Big “I" website. The review is titled: “Auto Owners Insurance Agency Contract (13497 (7-22) – Reviewed August 2023."

Remote Proctored Licensing Exams in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions and Prometric implemented remote proctored exams, so candidates (new applicants as well as applicants who need to add lines of authority to their existing license) are not required to go to a Prometric testing site to take the exam. They can now take the pre-licensing exam at their office or home and have the exam remotely proctored. 

You can find information on remote testing at ProProctor

Access Sample Coverage Declination Forms

As part of its ongoing effort to arm IIABAZ Members with tools to improve their practices, the Big “I" Professional Liability risk management team has released a new free resource:  sample coverage declination forms that IIABAZ Members may customize and use with their clients.

Sample declination forms are available on the E&O Guardian website for the following:



·      Commercial umbrella

·      Contractor professional liability

·      Cyber

·      Earthquake

·      Environmental

·      Employment practices liability insurance

·      Flood 

·      Home business

·      Personal umbrella

·      Professional liability

·      Property

·      Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist

·      Workers compensation     

Coverage declination forms signed by clients are crucial defense tools when defending a “failure to offer" claim. Without a signed declination or proof your agency requested one, your E&O adjuster will have a tougher time defending your agency should a failure to offer coverage claim arise. If the insured does not return the form or wish to sign it, proof that you sent the form in your agency management system or file notes provides the adjuster with a stronger defense against failure-to-offer negligence allegations.

Similarly, your agency procedure manual should detail this critical step so that all producers and service reps take advantage of these forms. 

Log in with your IIABAZ member credentials to access the declination forms.

Environmental Checklist Available to IIABAZ Members

Now more than ever, agents must carefully document the coverages they offer to their clients. We are excited to share the new Environmental Checklist.

Agency personnel can use this checklist to document many of the coverages available under environmental policies. Agents can customize the spreadsheet for their agency as new coverages or coverage concerns emerge. This checklist will help agencies obtain relevant client exposures, can streamline the submission or renewal process and help to reduce agencies' errors & omissions exposures.

Additional Checklists available to IIABAZ Members on E&O Guardian:

• Personal Lines Coverages
• Commercial Lines Coverages
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Crop Risk Management

Updated checklists in an easier to use format coming soon. We will notify you when they are posted.

E&O Guardian also contains Sample Agency Letters, Disclaimers, Declinations, Sample Agency Procedures Manual, and Agency Assessments under Agency Tools.

Hard Market Toolkit for Agencies

Is your agency prepared for the Hard Market? Equip your team with the expertise they need to support clients during this demanding time.

Download this free toolkit

Charts, White Papers, and Quizzes Oh My!

Virtual University has created resources and articles that will benefit IIABAZ Members. Check out these charts, white papers, and quizzes they've put together for you.

Charts 

• Understanding Homeowners' Using Charts
• WC Extraterritorial/Reciprocity Statutes by State
• CGL Faulty Workmanship Vs. Occurance by State
• Auto vs Mobile Equipment
• Monitoring the Mod's Article and Chart
• Trailer Related Liability
• Home Inspection Chart

White Papers

• Risk & Reality Reports
• Legal Terms Every Agent Should Know
• Work Comp Glossary
• What is an Aggregator Article and White Paper
• Certificates of Insurance Resources
• Where You Reside
• Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Quizzes

• CGL & BAP
• Commercial Property
• Personal Lines
• Homeowners'

Using Text Messages for Marketing and Improved Customer Experience Webinar

This webinar on August 23rd at 10 a.m. AZ Time will equip agents with the knowledge and strategies needed to leverage text messaging effectively. During the session, industry experts will dive into key considerations agencies should take into account before embarking on a texting campaign. They will guide participants in crafting compelling messages that engage clients, explore best practices for obtaining client opt-ins, and provide insights into successful agency approaches.

Registration is now open.