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The Value of IMS to Any Size Agency

Whether your agency is big or small, the more markets you have access to, the better chance you have to write more business. Big I New York has made market access an integral part of your membership through our investment in the Independent Market Solutions (IMS) program, a market access solution for any size agency.For new or smaller agencies with few or no direct appointments, IMS can help you gain new carrier appointments as IMS subproducers. As an IMS subproducer, you'll start building relationships directly with carriers, earn standard commissions, and, once minimum premium thresholds and performance standards are met, gain the opportunity to “graduate" to…

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Big I NY Asks Kemper To Delay Auto Insurance Commission Cut

​ Big I New York has asked Kemper Auto & Home to delay its announced commission reductions on certain auto insurance policies. The carrier was told in a meeting this week that the suddenness of its move is unreasonable and bad for its independent agents.The carrier informed many of its New York agencies this week that it is reducing the commission rate on its Kemper PrimeSM personal auto insurance product to an extremely low level. The change will take effect on June 1, 2022. Several Big I New York members contacted our office to ask whether the carrier's action is legal. We have concluded that…

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Industry News: Insurers Raise Cyber Rates Significantly Amid Costly Losses; A New Generation of Independent Agents Calls for New Hiring Tactics; U.S. Traffic Deaths Jump 10.5% in 2021 to Highest Number Since 2005

​Is That 18-Year-Old Driving Your Commercial Truck?Driver shortages have led to trucking companies exploring options to recruit new drivers, but is lowering the age requirement the best option?Tesla Bets It Can Bring Down Insurance Costs, Make Driving SaferTesla Insurance is offering comprehensive coverage and claim management for Tesla owners in select U.S. states, with additional states coming in the future and says they can do it cheaper.New York Accuses Amazon of Discriminating Against Pregnant and Disabled WorkersThe New York State Division of Human Rights has filed a complaint against Amazon.com Inc. accusing the online retailer of discriminating against pregnant and disabled workers.Insurers Raise Cyber Rates…

Continue ReadingIndustry News: Insurers Raise Cyber Rates Significantly Amid Costly Losses; A New Generation of Independent Agents Calls for New Hiring Tactics; U.S. Traffic Deaths Jump 10.5% in 2021 to Highest Number Since 2005