Weekly news & updates
August 6, 2020
News Affecting You
Introducing our Newest Member Benefit:
Independent Market Solutions (IMS)
Access to markets shouldn't prevent you from writing business. Big I KY understands this and has joined with 15 Big I associations in 17 states to develop IMS - a standard commission market access solution to fit every member.

New or small agencies with little or no direct appointments can begin writing policies immediately.

Mid-sized to large agencies can place a niche piece of business to satisfy clients' needs without taking on additional minimums or placing less desirable risks with an existing market.

ATTENTION HEALTH AGENTS: Temporary Policy on 2020 Premium Credits Associated with the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Due to the urgent need to help facilitate the nation’s response to the public health emergency posed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),1 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is exercising discretion to adopt a temporary policy of relaxed enforcement in connection with the below identified standards under the conditions outlined in this bulletin. CMS is providing this additional flexibility to allow health insurance issuers in the individual and small group markets to temporarily offer premium credits for 2020 coverage to support continuity of coverage for individuals, families and small employers who may struggle to pay premiums because of illness or loss of incomes or revenue resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way, unless specifically incorporated into a contract. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law.
Source: Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight
Follow ClearPath Mutual on Social Media for a Chance to Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
Our friends at ClearPath Mutual are giving away a $100 Amazon gift card to one lucky follower! For a chance to win, follow any of their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.    
U.S. P/C Insurers Saw Record Q1 Surplus Drop, but Fundamentals Solid
The property casualty insurance industry experienced a $75.9 billion decline in surplus during the first quarter, a record decline for the sector after insurers' investments declined in valuation, according to a report by APCIA and Verisk. APCIA's Robert Gordon said the sector "remains safely capitalized," but concerns include unknown coronavirus liability exposures that could affect several insurers, along with legislative and regulatory efforts to require retroactive and prospective coronavirus-related coverage.


Source: Carrier Management - Verisk/APCIA
Kentucky IA Magazine: A Feature To Be Proud Of
We want to honor our seasoned professionals and give them the credit they so appropriately deserve. The only criteria is the person must work at a Kentucky Member Agency and have worked more than 40 years in the insurance industry.

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected]:

-Name
-Agency
-Years in the Industry
-Photo
-Favorite memory of your career
-Favorite part of being an insurance professional
Schedule your Trusted Choice Digital Review Today
Is Your Website Fully Optimized?
Are You Utilizing Social Media Effectively?

Free to all Big "I" members, the Trusted Choice Digital Review looks at your website and social media accounts and gives you detailed feedback you can use to strengthen your online presence. 
Big "I" Markets: Cover Vacant Commercial Buildings
Ready for a quick refresher on Big “I” Markets product offerings? Flip through our updated  2020-2021 Big “I” Markets product guide  to sail through a brief overview of available products and programs.

The Small Commercial program on Big “I" Markets expanded into the non-admitted market to bring you access to vacant commercial buildings. Coverage is available as a package or monoline, and multiple locations can be considered. Read More...

Source: IIABA
Senate Republicans Propose New COVID-19 Relief Package
Senate Republicans released a number of legislative proposals, known as the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act, that they would like to package together in the next COVID-19 relief package.


Source: IA Magazine
Find your Dream Team with Big "I" Hires
Finding the right producer or CSR for your team can be a challenge. In fact, more than 44% of independent agency owners cite finding new, qualified employees as their biggest hurdle in 2018*.

Created by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Big "I" Hires is a one-stop resource designed to help independent agents recruit and retain qualified talent.

Source: IIABA
Reopening Resources
As you reopen your agency, the following are great resources to guide you along the way:

DOI Announcement on CE Extensions
Amended guidance to our licensees who need to complete continuing education requirements in order to renew their licenses: 

Due to the COVID-19 emergency status, the Department of Insurance will be extending the time requirements for completion and submission of continuing education hours. Beginning with those who had continuing education due by March 31, 2020, and continuing until the month in which the state of emergency ends, licensees will have sixty (60) days following the end of the state of emergency to complete continuing education requirements. The reporting period of the completion of the continuing hours to the Department is also extended appropriately. 

This action only extends CE deadlines, and does not extend license renewal deadlines. License renewal is completed electronically, and currently has a 60-day grace period.

If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Agent Licensing at [email protected].

Source: Kentucky Department of Insurance
In Memoriam: Cullan Brown
Cullan Brown was a youth golfer and won Kentucky's Trusted Choice Big I National Qualifier in 2015. He went on to represent Kentucky in the 2015 and 2016 National Championships. 

Cullan is pictured to the left in red with Past Chair Michelle Love. 


The Big I sends many prayers to Cullan's Family.
Free COVID-19 Agency Risk Management Webinar Offered
The Big “I” Professional Liability Risk Management is offering a timely free session, COVID-19: E&O Best Practices for Rapidly Changing Times. This webinar will include reinforcements of topics that have been covered in prior sessions as well as new issues and insights into the everchanging landscape independent agents are facing. Learn where claims are coming from, and what best practices your agency can engage in.


Source: IIABA
Political Action is NOT a Spectator Sport
InsurPac and KAPAC, the political action committees of Big I Kentucky opens doors and helps build relationships on Capitol Hill...and it needs every member's help to remain strong.

Don't miss out on your opportunity to be apart of InsurPac and KAPAC 2020. Your industry needs YOU!

Check to see if you have donated by viewing the lists of donors on the webpages linked below.
NOW OFFERING: ABEN OnDemand
ABEN OnDemand gives you access to CE anywhere at anytime, so you can receive high-quality education when it's convenient for you.

Use code KYVOD20 for 20% off any ABEN OnDemand course.
Save 20% on your E&O
Hey Westport Customers! There is a new program that can save you time and features a few changes. The class time has changed from 6 to 3 hours. The credit only holds for 2 years, but you cannot lose the discount for any reason including a claim. I have linked a flyer below outlining the staff requirements and the additional credits available.


AND… Good news, the Big I is giving you two FREE chances to take this class during our Virtual Road Shows (August 13 & August 18). Not only will it help you earn the risk management credit on your E&O, but you will also get 3 hours of CE. As a bonus you can register for a 1-hour legal and legislative update for a total of 4 hours of FREE CE.  If you would like to take advantage of this FREE offer, please register now!
Thank You 2020 Industry Partners (as of 04/23/20)
Diamond Level Partners
Platinum Level Partners
Gold Level Partners
CRC Group
Keystone Insurers Group