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SPRING 2014
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina PO Box 210008, Columbia, SC 29221 800 Gracern Road, Columbia, SC 29210 803-731-9460 803-772-6425 (fax) e-mail: information@iiabsc.com
IIABSC Staff
G. Frank Sheppard, AAI President ext. 1239 or 803.760.1239 fsheppard@iiabsc.com Rebecca H. McCormack, CPCU, CIC, AAI Vice President ext. 1238 or 803.760.1238 bmccormack@iiabsc.com Beth Chastie Vice President of Administration & Finance ext. 9462 or 803.731.9462 bchastie@iiabsc.com Laura D. Cornell, CIC Director of Insurance Programs ext. 1227 or 803.760.1227 lcornell@iiabsc.com Megan Huebner Director of Events & Membership ext. 9463 or 803.731.9463 mhuebner@iiabsc.com Anita J. Trevino Director of Communications ext. 1237 or 803.760.1237 atrevino@iiabsc.com Mary A. Ellis Professional Development Administrator ext. 1219 or 803.760.1219 mellis@iiabsc.com Jessica Martinez Customer Service Representative ext. 1225 or 803.760.1225 jmartinez@iiabsc.com Martha Lavigne Administrative Assistant ext. 9461 or 803.731.9461 mlavigne@iiabsc.com
South Carolina Agent & Broker is the official magazine of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina and is published four times annually. IIABSC does not necessarily endorse any of the companies advertising in this publication or the views of its writers. Articles and information published in this magazine may not be reproduced without written consent of the IIABSC. South Carolina Agent & Broker is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art or photography. The publisher cannot assume responsibility for claims made by advertisers and is not responsible for the opinions expressed by contributing authors. For more information on advertising, contact Jim Aitkins Blue Water Publishers, 22727 - 161st Avenue SE Monroe, WA 98272 360-805-6474 fax: 360-805-6475 jima@bluewaterpublishers.com
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
Contents
Message from the Chairman of the Board Message from the National Director Positive Changes in the SC Coastal Insurance Marketplace IIABSC Upcoming Events ACT: Electronic Policy Delivery - A Game Changer Best Employment Practices for Handling Facebook Follies Large E&O Claims Can Happen Flood News Support Young Agents by Sending Them to This Summer’s Conference 2014 Young Agents Conference Tentative Agenda Are You Maximizing Your Big “I” Membership Benefits with Trusted Choice®? Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance Thank You 2013 InsurPAC Contributors Member News Palmetto Partners IIABSC Education & Events Calendar 2014 Board of Directors and Executive Committee
Advertiser Index
Access Home Insurance 13 Amerisafe 23 Anderson and Murison 46 Assure Alliance 37 Atlas General 28 Builders Mutual Insurance 11 Burns & Wilcox 5 FCCI Insurance Group 39 Genesee General 23 GUARD Insurance Group 37 HICI 9 ISU Agency Network 48 JM Wilson 45 Jackson Sumner & Associates 2
6 8 10 13 14 20 26 30 32 33 34 35 36 41 42 43 46
Johnson & Johnson 24, 25 Lighthouse Property Insurance 12 M. J. Kelly of South Carolina 46 Preferred Specialty 47 RPS Rollins 3 SCHBSIF 7 Southern Insurance Underwriters 15 Summit Marketing Services 17 TAPCO Underwriters 21 The Iroquois Group 27 The National Security Group 16 UPC Insurance 27 Utica National 41
[Cover image credit: ©Ron Chapple, Dreamstime] Our cover provides an aerial view of beachfront homes on Pawleys Island, SC. Look inside for the positive changes in the South Carolina coastal insurance market seen by leaders at the SC Wind & Hail Underwriting Association as well as some important National Flood Insurance Program changes going into effect on June 1 of this year. If you or someone in your agency needs a more in-depth view of current SC coastal issues, IIABSC’s Education Dept. has an upcoming course this May. View details on our website at http://bit.ly/1gr5DAH.
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IIABSC Chairman of the Board Ken Finch, CPCU, CRM, CIC, AAI
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Gain “Excellence through Education” and the Big “I”
rusted Choice and Project Cap have been getting most of the attention lately with the online rating portal on the consumer website and the recently launched Freedom Campaign, but with my first column as Chairman I wanted to direct the spotlight back over to another important investment of your membership dollars in our association, which is through IIABSC’s award-winning Education Department. “Excellence through Education,” is their motto, and I truly think they deliver by focusing on quality and relevancy in their programs as opposed to fast and cheap options just to meet your licensing CE requirements. One way our education department does this is by teaming up with advocacy partners to keep members up to date on important issues. We have two new upcoming courses that are great examples of this effort: •
Insuring Coastal Issues at the end of May. This course includes NFIP changes and the SC Wind Pool in addition to the exposures and E&O concerns of insuring personal and commercial properties on the coast. Classes will be held at in Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach.
•
SC Insurance Rules & Regulations this summer. We’re touring the state with a half-day course on important but often misunderstood state insurance laws and regulations. It is the agent’s responsibility to keep up with changing insurance regulations, and major fines and penalties can result when you fail to comply. Our up-to-date course covers licensing, company appointments, fees and commissions, cancellation and nonrenewals, rules on using esignatures and much more.
Another way that IIABSC offers quality education to members is through their designation programs. As you may have noticed, I have earned and maintain several designations. To me, a professional designation is the most visible way you can demonstrate your insurance knowledge and experience to your client. The series of letters after your name shows that when it comes to your training, you choose quality as opposed to just meeting minimum standards. IIABSC offers four designation programs to agents, two of which are rather in-depth and one that focuses on soft skills as opposed to technical insurance knowledge: 6
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
• • • •
Associate Insurance Account Management (AIAM), Certified Insurance Services Representative (CISR), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI).
Of course, IIABSC has also been keeping up with changes in learning preferences to move its programs into the 21st Century. Our webcasts offer the traditional, instructor-led format in a 21st Century application by streaming the course from your home or office. No travel necessary, and the best part is that you don’t have to take a test to get CE credit. There are many agents in our membership whose preferences are moving in the direction of self-teaching in order to balance their training with work productivity. CEU.com offers IIABSC member agents looking for self-taught CE courses access to their online courses at a 35 percent discount. A proctored test is required, and they must register through our partner site, iiabsc.ceu.com. While learning through the self-taught method doesn’t always come with CE credits, it does allow agents to find exactly what they need exactly when they need it. The Big “I” Virtual University (www .iiaba.net/vu) is a fantastic resource for exactly that. It is an online research library providing information on all types of coverages, sample ISO forms, special features, checklists, white papers and more. It also offers a curriculum of self-study courses on sales, customer service and agency management. For those most interested in agency management without the need for CE credits, IIABSC also offers our Executive Leadership Program, both as a refresher for current leadership and as a stepping stone for future leaders. The first series covers responsibilities, planning, how to motivate others and coaching for improvement. The new graduate-level series covers the art of delegation and effective meetings, interviewing job candidates and employee performance appraisals, effective communications and managing change. These small-group sessions start in May, and are for IIABSC agency members only. These education offerings are only a portion of what is available through the IIABSC Education Department. For more information on these programs I’ve mentioned or what else Becky McCormack, Mary Ellis and the rest of the IIABSC team do for you, visit our website, www.iiabsc.com.
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National Director Jon A. Jensen, AAI, AIP
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We’re making big investments on your behalf
e all invest in membership with the Big “I” for our own reasons, some join for access to a specific program, some see it as the best way to stay in touch with the rest of the South Carolina industry and others see it for its power to join forces and collectively work for progress within the industry. The beauty of it all is that just because you sign your dues check in order to access Big “I” Professional Liability’s toprated E&O program, it doesn’t mean that you can’t maximize your dues investment by participating in the rest of our programs. It just takes the effort to learn what they’re about. One of those “other” such programs that would be a waste for your agency to miss out on is Trusted Choice®, the brand of independent insurance agents created by our national association a little more than ten years ago. Branding is all about your identity and relationship with the consumer, and Trusted Choice® is all about improving consumer awareness of independent insurance agents and their services. It would be a shame to miss out because of all that your state and national associations have done and continue to do on your behalf in the name of Trusted Choice®. In addition to everything they did last year with ProjectCap and the consumer website, (www.trustedchoice .com) your national association also retained the services of a national advertising agency, MARC USA, to develop a major marketing campaign that capitalized on our collective power without compromising our best asset, our independence. What they came up with is the Freedom Campaign, which you can read about starting on page 34. The purpose of the freedom campaign is to get independent agents to stop looking at each other as competition, at least with personal lines markets, and move our sights to the much larger pool of captive and direct writers. The Freedom Campaign’s intent is to disrupt the consumer’s confidence in their current solution through simple but powerful images to motivate them to investigate Trusted Choice® agents who (unlike the other guys) are “free to do what’s right for you.”
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
And the results? The campaign tested positively among consumers and across all parameters. Overall, respondents were able to easily understand the benefits of using an independent agent, and the campaign was successful in its call to action. You can see for yourself from the sample on page 35. Our state association is taking the digital route with the Freedom Campaign. This year in April-June and again from September-November, Freedom Campaign display banner ads will appear to South Carolina consumers viewing websites such as YouTube, The Weather Channel and Careerbuilder. com just to name a few. These banner ads will be targeted based on age, web behavior and location. They are estimated to yield 20.5 million impressions and more than 10,000 click thrus to our consumer website, trustedchoice.com. Most importantly, the response to these ads will be tracked closely by the folks at MARC USA and consistently optimized for maximum performance. That means they are going to watch what gets a response from consumers and then do more of what works, which is the strength of digital campaigns. Those agencies that are co-branded as Trusted Choice® agencies and those who are Advantage Subscribers to the consumer website through ProjectCap will benefit most from this digital media placement. Do you see now what I mean when I say it would be waste not to benefit from these investments? See the article on pages 34-35 to learn more about how easy it is to co-brand your agency as a Trusted Choice® agency. By banding together with the same collective power that makes our state and federal advocacy programs so successful, Trusted Choice® agencies can take on the powerhouse brands too. Independent agents number at least 27,000 agency locations throughout the country. According to Spring Conference speaker Paul Martin, there are more independent insurance agency locations than Starbucks. If each of those agencies were co-branded with a Trusted Choice® logo, wouldn’t that be quite a presence?
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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Positive Changes in the South Carolina Coastal Insurance Marketplace
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By J. Smith “Smitty” Harrison, Jr., CPCU, ARM, ARe Executive Director, SC Wind & Hail Underwriting Association
he efforts of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of SC (IIABSC or the Big “I”) along with the SC Department of Insurance (SCDOI) and the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (SCWHUA) are paying benefits for coastal consumers. According to a study conducted by the staff at SCWHUA, it is losing business to the private sector. SCWHUA looked at their book of business on Feb. 15 of this year and compared it to that on Aug. 31, 2011, when it peaked. Almost two and a half years later significant decreases have occurred. The following chart illustrates the changes by zone and by county.
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
In Zone 1, SCWHUA has lost almost 6,000 policies. In-force liability is down $2.8 billion. When Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina, the SCWHUA had a little more than 5,000 policies and $940 million in exposure. “From an exposure standpoint, we have ‘lost’ the wind pool three times,” said SCWHUA Executive Director Smitty Harrison. “What is really amazing is that in Beaufort County and Charleston County, we have lost a total of over 3,000 policies. Each of these risks is located on a barrier island.” He continued to say that, “We even have significant policy losses in Horry County.” While there have been slight decreases in Zone 2, growth in Charleston County has overshadowed the loss of policies in this particular zone. When asked why the difference in Zone 2, Harrison replied, “In areas of Charleston County, Zone 2, the Association is probably a little more price competitive than a residual market should be. In addition, we do have some direct writers that have extremely loyal clients that would rather be with the direct writer and the wind pool as opposed to another carrier that might offer them an alternative on the wind.” In discussions with SCWHUA, its staff pointed out that the decrease in policy count is a net number. Over this same time period, it has lost close to 12,000 policies, but has replaced some
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Insuring coastal exposures properly poses a unique challenge to independent agents. IIABSC will be presenting a new classroom seminar (“Insuring Coastal Exposures - The Answers, My Friend, are Blowin’ in the Wind”) this May in Hilton Head, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. This seminar will discuss how to properly evaluate and cover the complex exposures of coastal business. Topics covered include personal lines and commercial lines forms, coverage offered by the SCWHUA, federal flood programs and E&O pitfalls. Instructors include Chappy Chapman, CPCU, CIC, AAI, Smitty Harrison, CPCU and Tammy Goodman. Space is limited. Find course dates and register at www.iiabsc.com/education.
of this business with 7,000 new business policies. Underwriting Manager David Leadbitter said, “We are not double-counting in this process. We looked at which policies we lost and did not come back in order to determine ‘lost’ business.” The efforts by the Big “I” and others to recruit new insurers to the state as well as to work with existing markets
to provide coastal insurance has contributed to the decrease in SCWHUA’s total policy count and in-force liability limits. Since the passage of the Omnibus Act, the SCDOI has licensed 19 new companies to write coastal property insurance coverage. They include:
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Ironshore Insurance Ltd. Lancaster Company Ltd. Southern Fidelity Insurance Company Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange Fidelity Fire and Casualty Insurance Company Arial Reinsurance Company Ltd. Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company American Federation Insurance Company North Lights Specialty Insurance Company Florida Peninsular Insurance Company St. Johns Insurance Company American Safety Insurance Company United Property and Casualty Insurance Company American Capital Assurance Corporation Preserver Insurance Company Lighthouse Property Insurance Company Centauri Specialty Insurance Company Intervoro Insurance Company U. S. Plate Glass Insurance Company
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014 IIA_Ad_10_16_12.indd 1
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In a 2012 issue of Property Insurance Report, the editors talked about the positive changes taking place in South Carolina. They noted that individual companies are not having a significant impact on the coastal property market place. Yet at the same time, the collective group has had a positive cumulative effect. Currently, there are several insurers going through the application process at the SCDOI. These companies are seeking permission to write coastal property insurance. According to SCWHUA staff, it is a positive trend. Insurers are slowing entering the market place. The residual market is losing business. Consumers are finding they may have options available to them for their coastal property insurance needs. At the same time, SCWHUA is available to assist those experiencing difficulties in obtaining coverage.
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Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent2/20/14 & Broker 13 10:01 AM
Electronic Policy Delivery –
A GAME CHANGER By Susan LaBarre, CPCU, AU, AIM, PMP, Liberty Mutual
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This article discusses how electronic policy delivery from carrier to agent (and to insured) can heighten efficiency and create improved agency and customer experiences. The article summarizes the recommendations of ACT’s Policy Delivery Work Group to guide both agencies and carriers as they transition to electronic policy delivery. ACT’s recommendations promote consistency in how carriers deliver policies to their agencies and what’s included.
he insurance industry is a paper hog. I dare say that insurance carriers probably generate and distribute more paper than any other industry, second only to printed media publishers. But even they are migrating towards electronic platforms. Carriers are adapting too. When you compare our own industry’s dependence on paper documents five years ago to today, you generally see that most organizations have reduced it. With the introduction of dual monitors, smartphones and tablets, slowly we are realizing that we can effectively function without hitting “print.” It simply requires changing our mindsets and getting creative about how we exchange information while remaining our client’s “trusted advisors.” Think about how delivery could change in the next five years. Benefits of Electronic Policy Delivery Moving to electronic delivery is good for our planet as well as our budget. The average tree makes 16.67 reams of copy paper or 8,333.3 sheets, according to Conservatree.com. Increasingly society is recognizing the need to reduce its carbon footprint, 14
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
from individual consumers on up to corporations. Our industry generates billions of pages of paper documents annually at significant cost. Reducing expenses by delivering policies electronically will enable us to reduce the cost of our policies, as well as preserve vital natural resources. But it’s not all about carriers just wanting to save themselves money. Dozens of agents tell me that when they “do the math” reducing dependence on paper saves them time and money. These agencies want to receive their policies electronically, so they can easily enter them into their agency management system and deliver them to those clients who have agreed to receive them electronically. Electronic Policy Delivery, a Game Changer for Agencies Many agencies have turned electronic delivery into a “game changer” for their firms. How? Methods vary; however, typical agency workflows include: (1) Adopting ACORD® Activity Notes to receive policy copies electronically from their carriers directly into their agency management systems.
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(2) Implementing a new process to obtain and retain the approval of clients to accept electronic versions of their policies and other insurance documents. (3) Employing secure and registered email or an e-Signature tool to send these electronic documents to their clients securely, or providing access to these documents through a secure, password-protected portal that the agency has set up for the client.
some agents as they think it encourages consumers to shop for a better deal at renewal. However, many agents indicate that offering documents electronically has actually increased renewal retention and customer satisfaction. Some agents also fear that many consumers are not ready to accept electronic delivery. But in reality, many agents indicate that when they proactively offer policyholders the choice, seven out of 10 actually prefer electronic documents.
Combined, these solutions enable the typical agency to: • Eliminate scanning and indexing paper copies of many documents. • Significantly reduce printing and mailing costs. • Reduce the “cycle time” to deliver a policy from weeks down to days or even minutes. • Increase renewal retention. • Be alerted to transactions before clients (for example, non-payment of premium or claim settlements). • Free up staff to acquire new business, cross-sell and service accounts. • Compete more effectively with direct carriers.
Stepping Up to the Challenge Times are changing, and our industry needs to step up to this challenge by setting a positive example while positioning ourselves to compete with direct carriers. Independent agents, brokers, carriers and vendors all need to work together to offer our customers an electronic experience that is better than paper, if we are going to continue to thrive as a value-added distribution channel. Just think about it: we have the opportunity to offer a firstclass interactive online experience to our clients while setting an example as good “corporate citizens” by preserving our planet’s resources for future generations.
Increasingly, consumers are demanding online access to their insurance information including auto ID cards, certificates of insurance and copies of their insurance policies. This concerns
ACT’s Electronic Policy Delivery Work Group ACT is working to bring all stakeholders together to provide recommendations and guidance on how our distribution
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
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system can transition from paper to delivering documents electronically. ACT formed a work group in early 2013 to focus on issues associated with electronic document delivery, both from the carrier to the agent, as well as from the carrier or agent to the insured. Agents, brokers, carriers and vendors all participated and spent the better part of a year considering the issues before publishing its report, Best Practices Recommendations for Delivery of Insurance Policies to Agents & Insureds (download it at http://bit.ly/NvgttS).
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Report Highlights The work group hopes that the recommendations in its report will provide useful guidance to both carriers and agencies and drive more consistency in how carriers deliver electronic policies to their agents and what content and navigation capabilities are included. The highlights of the ACT report include: • Include full copy of insured’s policy at new business and renewal. Historically, carriers have only sent complete policies at new business issuance to reduce the cost of printing and mailing. However, with electronic delivery, this restriction is not necessary. Agents want to receive a complete copy of the insured’s policy at both new business issuance and at each subsequent renewal. In addition, the insured also should be sent the entire policy whether it is new business or a renewal. •
Agent copies not needed with electronic delivery. Agents no longer need their own copies, however they should be provided a full copy of whatever the insured receives along with any “agent-only” documents like information on commission or premium worksheets.
•
Print and delivery preferences for personal and small-commercial policies differ from mid to large commercial. This part is probably the most controversial of the ACT recommendations because agents differ on whether small-commercial policies will go the way of personal policies and be delivered directly to the policyholder through the carrier. If so, the carrier would also be responsible for tracking which small-commercial clients have elected to receive their policies electronically. Of course, even if the carrier takes over responsibility for delivering smallcommercial policies to an agency’s insureds, agents can still personally deliver a copy to their clients when it is important to the relationship.
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The agents participating in the work group agreed with consensus that carriers be responsible for the electronic delivery of both personal-lines and small-commercial policies as well as the tracking of policyholders’ preferences. The work group also agreed that the responsibility to deliver mid- to large-commercial policies to clients should remain the responsibility of agents and brokers. They would also be responsible for keeping track of clients who have elected to receive policies electronically. That way the agent can check these policies for accuracy and meet with clients to review and explain coverage. Carrier delivery of small-commercial policies directly to insureds may not happen overnight since many agents disagree on this point. The important take away here is that carriers offer their agents flexible delivery options and that we all work towards migrating to electronic delivery by proactively offering it as an option to our policyholders. •
•
18
Document delivery to policyholders needs to be done securely and in compliance with ESIGN & UETA laws. These methods include using secure registered email, e-Signature tools that include the document as a secure attachment, a password-protected client portal or storing documents on a portable form of electronic media (CD, flash drive), which is hand-delivered to the client. The agent or carrier should also: 1. obtain the policyholder’s written consent to receive the policy electronically and confirm that he or she is able to access the file format used; 2. advise the insured that he or she can change this election at any time or request a paper copy at no cost; 3. deliver the document securely; and 4. receive acknowledgement of receipt that the policyholder has received their electronic policy. Electronic delivery options need to be easy to use and navigate as well as mobile compatible. Using technology that exists today, we have the opportunity to build an electronic “document” offering our clients real value, peace of mind and financial security. At a minimum these electronic policies should have a hyperlinked Table of Contents and be searchable, so that they are easy for agents and insureds
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
to navigate. In this way, the electronic version starts to add more value than a paper copy. Of course, electronic policies should be sent in a form that permits saving and forwarding to another party. But let’s think about creating a whole new customer experience that helps consumers understand their policies better than ever before and gives them the capability to access this insurance content through their mobile devices in innovative ways. Think of the electronic “document” with built-in “widgets” that can be used to explain coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions and special conditions including audio and video options. The possibilities are endless. In conclusion, the migration from paper to electronic documents is an evolution not a revolution. By working together, we can do this right and create “win-wins” for carriers, agents, vendors and create a value-added experience for our clients. It will take time for all to agree and modify systems and workflows to fully support electronic delivery. Some consumers may never fully embrace electronic documents, but the overwhelming majority will, and they will receive their documents faster and at much lower cost. So, let’s treat the exceptions as just that – exceptions. The time is now to prepare for this inevitable direction and turn it into a competitive differentiator. It will be important for agents, brokers and carriers to work together and be proactive in encouraging policyholders to move to electronic document delivery. Editor’s Note: Download ACT’s full report, Best Practices Recommendations for Electronic Delivery of Insurance Policies to Agents & Insureds, along with the work group’s recorded webinar reviewing its recommendations on the ACT website at http://bit.ly/1kbMzpr. For more information on the ESIGN & UETA laws, please see ACORD’s Guidelines for e-Signature and e-Delivery in the Insurance Business, written by the law firm Locke Lord, also at the ACT website at http://bit.ly/1cMXRPC. Susan LaBarre, CPCU, AU, AIM, PMP is Director Agency Automation & Quoting, Customer Experience, at Liberty Mutual, Commercial Insurance. She also is Chair of ACT’s Policy Delivery Work Group. Susan wrote this article for ACT and can be reached at Susan.LaBarre@LibertyMutual.com. This article reflects the views of the author and should not be construed as an official statement by ACT.
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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By J. Hagood Tighe and Karen Luchka, Fisher & Phillips, LLP
Best Employment Practices for Handling
Facebook Follies
M The New Dilemma: Technology can be a great asset, but it can present new challenges and potential legal landmines for employers. As of June 2013, Facebook, the reigning social media giant, had 1.15 billion monthly active users who spent an average of 8.3 hours a month on Facebook. During roughly the same period of time, Facebook users “liked” a Facebook posting 4.5 billion times a day and uploaded an average of 350 million pictures a day. These statistics demonstrate that Facebook and other social media platforms have become the new water cooler in the office. 20
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
any employers have tried to keep up with their employees’ use of technology. There are those who are increasingly inclined to post their every thought and move on Facebook and other social networking sites. The same individual who posts about being annoyed by the long wait at the doctor’s office is an employee who will post a complaint about a workplace rule she finds oppressive. Similarly, the individual who gripes about the refereeing of his kid’s soccer game on Facebook is an employee who will vent about a new stricter manager. With all this information available online, many employers are tempted to access the information. However, an unwary employer may find that this use of the technology may get them in legal troubles. Managers are being increasingly challenged to find a balance between employee privacy rights and enforcing workplace standards. A recent case underscores the importance of understanding privacy laws before taking any disciplinary action. Employee’s Problematic Post An employee of Monmouth-Ocean Hospital Service Corp. (MONOC) was a registered nurse and paramedic. During her employment with MONOC, the employee maintained a Facebook page and became Facebook friends with several of her co-workers. She set her privacy settings so that only Facebook friends (and not the general public) could see content she posted. Unbeknownst to her, however, one of her co-workers and Facebook friends was taking screen shots of her Facebook page and providing them to a manager.
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Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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On June 8, 2009, she posted a statement on her Facebook page about a shooting that had taken place at the D.C. Holocaust museum. Her status update noted that the shooter had been shot by guards, but survived. The employee wrote: “I blame the DC paramedics. I want to say 2 things to the DC medics 1. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? And 2. This was your opportunity to really make a difference!” The employee’s Facebook friend took a screen shot of her page and provided them to a manager. The Hospital suspended the employee based on concerns that her posts reflected a “deliberate disregard for patient safety.” The employee sued alleging, among other things, that the Hospital violated the federal Stored Communications Act by accessing her Facebook posts. The Court ruled that while the federal law did apply to certain Facebook content, the Hospital did not improperly access her post by viewing the screenshot taken by her co-worker. The Stored Communications Act The MONOC employee sued under the federal Stored Communications Act (“SCA”), which is a law passed in 1986 to protect the privacy rights of individuals in electronic stored communications. The law prohibits intentional access without authorization to non-public electronic communications. The court closely analyzed the law and concluded that Facebook posts are electronic communications within the meaning of the law. Additionally, the court concluded that because the employee had adjusted her privacy settings so that only friends could see her posts, her Facebook postings were non-public and therefore fell within the protections of the Stored Communications Act. Accordingly, her employer was prohibited from intentionally accessing her posts without authorization. Voluntary Authorized Access After finding the SCA protects the privacy of Facebook posts when individuals utilize privacy settings, the court next considered whether the access to the posting was unauthorized. In particular, the SCA contains an “authorized user” exception that permits access by individuals who were both authorized users of the communication service and who were intended recipients of the communication. The court found that the authorized user exception applied to MONOC’s viewing of the paramedic’s postings and its rationale provide insight for employers on how to handle reports of Facebook or other online misconduct by employees. The basis for the court’s finding that the access to the paramedic’s page was authorized was two-fold. First, her posting was accessed by someone that was a Facebook friend of hers and as a result had rights to view her postings. Second, the co-worker was not coerced or pressured to turn over the postings. In particular, the court found that the access to her Facebook posting was done by an authorized user because 22
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
her Facebook friend viewed and copied the postings voluntary and not based on any pressure or request by his employer. The court inferred that had the employer or one of its managers pressured the co-worker to provide copies of the paramedic’s Facebook posts the access would have been unlawful. The rationale behind the court’s finding was that if access to the Facebook postings had been made because of pressure from the employer, the employer would be the real entity accessing the postings and not an authorized recipient of the communication. When, however, a Facebook friend voluntarily turns over the information, he or she is an authorized user and intended recipient of the communication, and there are no restraints on his ability to share the communication with others. The law, according to the court, presumes that a Facebook user assumes the risk that what happens on Facebook does not stay on Facebook and that their Facebook friends can voluntarily share their postings with others. In the case of MONOC’s paramedic, the court ruled that the employer’s actions were lawful because access was made by an authorized user, her Facebook friend, and turned over to the Company voluntarily. Accordingly, it was permissible for the Hospital to review the postings and take lawful disciplinary action against the paramedic. Supervisor “Requested” Access is Not Authorized The MONOC case is contrasted with a 2009 decision wherein a court found that a restaurant violated the Stored Communications Act by viewing employees’ posts on a password-protected social networking website. In that case, a supervisor learned that employees had been posting negative comments on the website. The supervisor directed one of the employees to log-in and allow him to view the content. The employee did as requested, and the employer terminated two employees based on the online content. The terminated employees sued alleging, in part, that the employer violated the Stored Communications Act. The court agreed with the employees and found that voluntary access had not been given by an authorized user. Instead, the employer gained access through duress and pressure on the employee, and therefore violated the SCA. Best Practices for Handling Facebook Follies The MONOC case is a good reminder that it is important for employers to pause before taking any action based upon content posted on a social networking site and ensure that its access to the information is lawful. If an employer becomes aware of a concerning post on a social media site, the first question it should ask is whether the post is accessible to the general public. If it is generally accessible to the public, then the employer can lawfully view it. If the posting is not generally accessible to the public, then the employer should consider how it learned about the posting
and whether any copies of the posting were voluntarily provided by someone who was authorized to see it. If access to the postings was made by someone who was not an authorized user, such as a supervisor or manager who “requested” an employee to provide access to the posting, then the employer should not view the posting or take any action based on it. As always, before taking any disciplinary action, employers should consider whether disciplinary action is consistent and lawful. The protections of Title VII and other antidiscrimination laws against discrimination and retaliation apply to disciplinary action taken based on online misconduct. Therefore, any disciplinary action taken should be consistent with employer’s policies and past practices. Finally, the National Labor Relations Act protects non-supervisory employees’ rights to discuss the terms and conditions of their employment in a concerted manner. Accordingly, if an employee is posting comments or concerns about topics such as his or her wages, hours or treatment by a supervisor (even if unflattering), those postings may be protected in some circumstances and disciplinary action would be unlawful. If you have questions about handling apparent online misconduct by an employee or would like to discuss implementing or updating a social media policy, please contact the authors. Hagood Tighe and Karen Luchka, attorneys with Fisher & Phillips, concentrate their law practice exclusively in the labor and employment area. Hagood Tighe can be reached at htighe@laborlawyers.com or (803) 255-0000. Karen Luchka can be reached at kluchka@laborlawyers.com or (803) 255-0000. Fisher & Phillips, founded in 1943, is one of the oldest and largest labor and employment law firms concentrating its practice exclusively upon representation of employers. For more information, please visit our website at www.laborlawyers.com Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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25
LARGE
E&O Claims Can Happen Could your agency survive a $48 million E&O claim?
A
By Big “I” Professional Liability Team
few years ago industry news publications covered the settlement of the largest E&O claims that we’ve ever heard, a whopping $48 million claim. That’s bigger than the total written premium that some agents’ E&O programs write in an entire calendar year. The claim involved a broker being sued for failing to secure requested coverage. The underlying policy driving the claim involved international political risk coverage stemming from an Argentina natural gas operation. Rather than go over the details of this astonishing claim, it is best to simply let it serve as a reminder to re-evaluate the agency’s limits of liability carried as well as think about some things your agency can do to mitigate E&O exposure. E&O claims are not settled overnight; they can take several years to settle and in general, an accident year is fully mature sometime around the eighth year of development. It is a considered a long-tailed business. Avoiding claims altogether can save you from a long and stressful ordeal. While an E&O carrier with plenty of expertise and experience may make the claim process easier, you are still involved in assisting them and following the proceedings. It can detract from focusing on your core business. In addition, the length of time from when an incident
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
■ HOMEOWNERS ■ FLOOD
To learn more about how Iroquois could further strengthen your agency, contact Jack O'Connell at 704-340-3768 or joconnell@iroquoisgroup.com and visit our website at www.iroquoisgroup.com
w w w. U P C I N S U R A N C E . c o m Innovative Coastal Insurance Solutions Since 1999
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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occurs and when it finds its way to the agent’s doorstep may be awhile so make sure your agency maintains an appropriate records retention policy. Finally, it is good policy to make your E&O carrier aware of any incident that may reasonably give rise to a future E&O claim. Many E&O carriers will consider the incident reported under the current policy year, which is beneficial for eliminating potential gaps in coverage from known prior acts when you are changing E&O carriers. There are so many potential areas within the procurement of insurance where an agent can make a mistake. These areas include failure to procure the coverage requested, not offering adequate limits and not reviewing the applications. Failure to procure coverage can be looked at on macro and micro levels. On a macro level a best practice for agents is to review the individual’s or business’s operation to determine their potential exposure to loss and any prescription of coverage available to transfer that exposure. Agents can use risk-exposure checklists and questionnaires to get a better understanding of the client’s operation and insurance needs. On a micro-procurement level, the insured may specifically ask you to add someone or something to coverage, in which case you must make sure that the addition is made and coverage is procured. The accurate completion of applications by the client is another area to carefully address. It is prudent that agency personnel review all new business and renewal applications prior to forwarding to the carrier in a timely manner. Misrepresentations on the application can provide an opening for primary carriers to deny claims, and we know that agent E&O claims are generated as a second resort to lack of primary coverage. Keep an eye out for questions on applications 28
that ask about prior claims or losses of the customer. You may realize that a client has a claims history, and they incorrectly completed the application. Another thing to consider from a risk-management perspective is to be careful how you market your services. Quite frankly, this is a balancing act because you want your marketing materials and website to be eyecatching and attract clients, but you also don’t want to overpromise above your current skill level. Holding yourself out to have special expertise may bring a higher standard of client care depending on the state. So could a $48 million E&O claim happen to your agency? Do you have adequate limits on your E&O policy to insure the long-term viability of your agency? The limits that your agency carries depend on the agency itself. You ultimately need to make that decision in a similar way that you assist your clients. A couple of guidelines to consider are: the make up of your book of business including the maximum limits of the exposures that you write, the mix of personal and commercial lines and the territory of risks. You should buy as much insurance as you think you can afford. Big “I” Professional Liability offers high limits, including an Umbrella product that also goes over the agency’s primary E&O. The reality is that E&O claims are going to happen. Agencies can still be sued when it hasn’t done anything wrong. The key is putting your agency on the best footing to avoid claims and defend the ones made. Create a culture within your agency that embraces E&O risk management. Assigning someone within your agency to review files to make sure proper and consistent procedures are being followed from a quality-control standpoint will instill an E&O mindset that can help you avoid E&O claims.
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
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Support young agents by sending them to this summer’s
Young Agents Conference
A
gency principals, are you properly supporting your agency’s young agents? Young agents are those age 40 or younger, and here at IIABSC we think of them as the future leadership of the industry. They span a variety of job descriptions and experience levels. They are the summer intern pursing a riskmanagement degree at the state university, the producer or CSR with a few years’ experience under their belts and the principal of the start-up ready for the rewards of ownership. Their specific needs vary, but have interest in leadership, sales, relationship building and participation in the political process along with the technical aspects of our industry. How do you know whether you are providing proper support to your young agents? The following are a few questions to help you determine. 1. Do you give your Young Agents a say in how they put in their mandatory 24 hours of continuing education, or is it understood that they are to take only the free or inexpensive options with a minimum amount of time away from the office? 2. Do you encourage Young Agents to get to know their competition, building a mutual admiration and professional relationship with the ones worthy of their respect, or do you think that times are simply too cutthroat to show any aspects of your agency to “the enemy”? 3. Do you have any form of a mentoring program for the Young Agents in your agency, or is there just too much to do for agency resources to be diverted in such a way? 4. Do you give your Young Agents (or any employees) the freedom to fail, or are they scared stiff at the possibility of making the slightest mistake? 5. Do you encourage Young Agents with agency resources to get involved and volunteer at local community events, or do you think such pursuits are for off-hours only? 32
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
We’re confident that agencies already making the investment of membership in a trade association understand the importance of supporting your agency staff. But what you might not realize that a great way to give proper support to your young agents is to encourage them to participate in IIABSC education and events. They may already know what programs are available but are hesitant to ask for the resources in tough economic times. Just mentioning it to them may be all the encouragement they need. You already know that membership and participation in IIABSC activities is how to build professional relationships with other agents that could last their whole careers. We have an entire curriculum built around the development of our future leadership, which includes the Young Agents Conference each summer as well as a few local events, educational courses and community service opportunities throughout the year.
“They may already know what programs are available and are just hesitant to ask for the resources in tough economic times. Just mentioning it to them may be all the encouragement they need.” This year’s Young Agents Conference will be held Aug. 7-10 at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, SC. This conference has become such a success the past few years that the North Carolina Young Agents are joining us this year, making it better than ever in the process. “Carolina on my Mind” is the theme, and some of the activities include the return of our drop-in reception and a full band on Saturday evening as well as expanded and improved “morning buzz” roundtables and beach games. Please consider sending your Young Agents and be confident that you are indeed giving them the proper support to succeed. Conference agenda is on the next page. Registration is now open on our website, www.iiabsc.com.
2014 Young Agents Conference Tentative Agenda (view website for up-to-date info)
Thursday, Aug 7
Saturday, Aug 9
4:00 – 6:00pm Registration open
8:00 am – Noon Registration/Exhibits Open
4:00 – 6:00 pm Drop-In: Welcome Reception Attire: Casual
8:00 – 9:30 am Continental Breakfast
Friday, Aug 8 8:00 – 9:30 am Registration/Exhibits Open 8:00 – 9:30 am Continental Breakfast 9:00 am – Noon CE Session NC/SC Young Agents Networking Event (TBD)
9:00 am – Noon CE Session – “Morning Buzz” Roundtables This interactive & informative session is made for all industry professionals. Attendees will participate in valuable roundtable discussions. Attendees will discuss relevant topics and win great prizes! 1:30 – 5:00 pm NC vs. SC Summer Games Enjoy some networking time in the sun and some friendly competition on the beach. We will provide Bocce Ball, Horseshoes, and Corn Hole for attendees. New this year is a
beach Volleyball tournament! Sign up at the registration desk for a team & time to play. Adults and Children are welcome. Shuttles to beach are also available. 7:00 pm- Midnight Reception, Dinner and Entertainment (Band) 7:00 – 11:30 pm Kid’s Event Option for children ages 1-12 who will not be attending the Banquet (Dinner/Entertainment). They must be pre-registered to participate. Professional child care is provided by Guardian Angels Sitting Service in addition to dinner, juice, games, and other activities.
Sunday, Aug. 10 9:30 – 11:00 am Continental Breakfast
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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?
maximizing
Are you your Big “I” membership benefits with Trusted Choice®
“
By Tom Bates, IIABSC Trusted Choice® Chairman Now, what is Trusted Choice®? How is that different from the Big ‘I’?” Is a question that I get over and over again as I talk to other agents when they see the Trusted Choice® logo on the door of our agency or my business card. I never get tired of answering, because I appreciate Trusted Choice® and what it has done for my agency, and I believe it can do just as much for your agency without diminishing its value to mine. In fact the more agencies that participate in co-branding with Trusted Choice®, the better. I can say with absolute certainty that if your agency has not added the Trusted Choice® logo to their agency sign, website and business cards, you are not getting the full benefit of IIABSC membership. What is it exactly? Trusted Choice® is the brand of independent insurance agents, created by our national association. It’s not a market-access program, and it’s much more than just advertising and public relations resources, although Trusted Choice® include both. Branding is your identity and relationship with the consumer. Trusted Choice® is not meant to replace your agency’s unique identity, but instead supplement it with the message of why consumers should choose an independent agent in the first place: Choice, Customization and Advocacy. In fact, retaining your agency’s identity and everything that makes it special is the point. Seeing the Trusted Choice® logo associated with a diverse group of professionals only reinforces its message. We’re independent. We aren’t tied down to one policy or one provider’s rates. We aren’t required to serve the consumers that a corporate office in Washington, D.C. decided upon from hundreds of miles away. The only thing that we are required to do is to uphold the standards of service stated in the Pledge of Performance. The rest is up to us to do as we see fit. This talk of freedom leads us to one of the newest opportunities that co-branding your agency with the power of a national brand can bring your agency, participation in the new national Freedom Campaign. Our national association invested a lot of resources to develop this campaign, more than any of us could have done on our own. Campaign materials (print ads, digital banner ads, letters, postcards, self mailers) feature images of professionals bound in cages, chains, ropes and clear
34
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
but solid boxes asking “Is your agent free to get you a better deal? Independent Agents are free to do what’s best for you.” All of these materials are available to you at no charge from the Agents Resource Website, www.trustedchoice.com/agents, customizable with your agency’s information. Not only was this campaign developed alongside advertising professionals, but it was consumer tested as well. Eighty-four percent of the test subject agreed after viewing campaign materials that independent agents were better suited to meet their insurance needs. Seventy-eight percent were more likely to use Trusted Choice® independent agents. Another major investment of the Trusted Choice® brand is its consumer website, trustedchoice.com. Used in conjunction with the Freedom Campaign, It offers information consumers can use in their search for coverage along with the ability to get an online quote, which is a process that leads to the selection of a local independent agent to advocate on their behalf. The website promotes the benefits of using independent agents while helping your agency meet the needs of the next generation of insurance consumers, those who research insurance coverage online. Worried about the expense involved with adding another logo to your agency’s materials? You don’t have to replace everything all at once, and national has a Marketing Reimbursement Program to help you get some of your expenses back. The program is first come, first served with no lifetime limits. That means that in the first year you could add Trusted Choice® to your agency website and get a portion of your expenses back, up to $250. The next year you could replace your agency sign. The next year you can update the agency letterhead and business cards as they run out. As long as there is money in the program every year you could get a portion of your co-branding expenses back. There are other ways to co-brand your agency with Trusted Choice® that doesn’t involve any expense at all, only the time of training your agency to update a few procedures and build a new habit. For example, one big agency in the Upstate has everyone answer the phone with a greeting and the agency’s name followed by “Your Trusted Choice® agency.”
IS YOUR INSURANCE AGENT FREE TO GET YOU A BETTER DEAL? AN INDEPENDENT AGENT HAS FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
With access to many different providers, Trusted Choice® Independent Agents have more options at their fingertips. They can competitively shop around for you and put together a plan that suits both your needs and your budget. The only one they answer to is you.
Find your independent agent. Find a better deal at trustedchoice.com
Free to do what’s right for you.
SM
FPO
LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT FREEDOM OF CHOICE CAN DO FOR YOU.
FPO
Jane Sullivan 800-123-4567
Above is a template from the Trusted Choice® Freedom Campaign, which offers print ads, digital banner ads, letters, postcards and selfmailers for your agency to use in communications with local prospects. The campaign was developed by professionals and is consumer-tested.
Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance Trusted Choice® agencies are insurance and financial services firms whose access to multiple companies and commitment to quality service enable us to offer our clients competitive pricing, broad choice of products and unparalleled advocacy. As a Trusted Choice® agency, we are dedicated to you and are committed to treating you as a person, not a policy. This commitment means we shall: •
•
Work with you to identify the insurance and financial services that are right for you, your family or your business and use our access to multiple companies to deliver those products. Guide you through the claims process for a prompt and fair resolution of your claim.
•
Help you solve problems related to your coverage or account.
•
Explain the coverages and options available to you through our agency, at your request.
•
Return your phone calls and e-mails promptly and respond to your requests in a timely manner.
•
Provide 24/7 services for our customers, offering any or all of the following: emergency phone numbers, Internet account access, e-mail and call center services.
•
Use our experience and multiple company relationships to customize your coverage as needed.
•
Commit our staff to continuing education so they may be more knowledgeable in serving you.
•
Treat you with respect and courtesy.
•
Conduct our business in an ethical manner.
We pledge this to you, our clients and ask that you let us know if we fail to meet our commitment, so we may take corrective action. Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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Thank you, Millennium Club
Jon Jensen, Correll Insurance Group
Centennial Club
Julius Anderson, Anderson Ins Assocs Tom Bates, Herlong Bates Burnett Ins. Gus Brabham, Regions Ins. John Braddy, Braddy Ins. Ashley Brady, First Charter Co. Curtis Bull, Turner Agency Peter Burrous, Johnson & Johnson, Mgrs. CMGA Gary Cornell, AFCO/Prime Rate Prem. Finance Ken Finch, Countybanc Insurance Kathy McKay, McKay Insurance R. Scott Moseley, Irmo Insurance Agency James Rowe, Kinghorn Insurance Services G Frank Sheppard, IIABSC Terry Tadlock, Coastal Plains Insurance James Taylor, Kinghorn Ins. Agency of Beaufort Andrew Theodore, Theodore & Associates Ins. C Ross Turner III, Turner Agency Cary Wilson, Smart Choice Agents of SC
Gold Club
Harrison Cline, The Furman Co. Ins Agency John Cook, John T Cook & Assocs James Galloway, Peoples First Ins. Kimberly Gore, HUB International Southeast Dana Groome, Peoples Underwriters Rudy Painter, Countybank Insurance Bill Silcox, C. T. Lowndes & Company Paul Steadman, The Steadman Agency Richard Walker, Cormell Streett & Patterson
Pioneer Club
Jim Bost, Johnson & Johnson, Mgrs. CMGA William Bowers, Russell Massey & Co. Faye Bradham, Bradham Ins Agency Edward Bynum, Bynum Ins. Jay Campbell, Cormell Streett & Patterson Stephen Cannon, Law Ins. Agency Mike Carriker, Waccamaw Ins. Services Beth Chastie, IIABSC David Cyphers, Sifford-Stine Ins. Agency Charles Dorton, Russell Massey & Co Kent Edwards, Correll Insurance Group Mark Felk, Brown & Brown of SC Jim Gill, Gill Insurance Agency Paul Grich, Cormell Streett & Patterson Michael Hogan, BB&T Puckett Scheetz & Hogan Roger Jordan, Cormell Streett & Patterson Victor Jowers, Upchurch & Jowers Ins. Agency Larry Joyner, CWS Ins Agency Charles Midgley, Midgley Agency Vance Stine, Sifford-Stine Ins. Agency Chris Tidwell, Tidwell Agency
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
2013 InsurPAC Contributors
John Vann, BB&T/ Carswell Ins. Services Daniel Walker, Palmetto Ins. Matthew Wiseman, Peoples Underwriters - MB Phillip Wright, Smart Choice Agents of SC
Founders Club
Christina Barker, Coastal Plains Ins. Leighton Besse, C. T. Lowndes & Co. William Braddy, Braddy Insurance Jeff Brice, Tilghman Ins. of Myrtle Beach C. Fletcher Carter, Pinckney-Carter Co. James Carter, Pinckney-Carter Co. W. Cooper Carter, Pinckney-Carter Co. Laura Cornell, IIABSC Ben Correll, Correll Ins. Group Pamela Day, Correll Ins. Group Ed Elliott, Correll Ins. Group Haley Everett, Jackson, Sumner and Associates Rob Hammett, CWS Ins Agency Wade Hardin, CWS Ins Agency Michael Herlong, Herlong Bates Burnett Ins. Melody Herring, Russell Massey & Co. Harry Lovelace, Correll Ins. Group Rebecca McCormack, IIABSC Felix McLellan, Dillon Ins. Agency Charles Paul Midgley, Midgley Agency Benjamin Myers, Russell Massey & Co. Gloria Spivey, Howard B. Smith Agency Randy Stec, Countybank Ins. Thomas Suggs, Keenan & Suggs Robbie Templeton, Countybanc Ins. John Thomason, Correll Ins. Group Tonya Thomason,David A Crotts & Associates Nate Toms, CWS Ins Agency Rae Whisenant, CWS Ins Agency Stephen Williams, CWS Ins Agency Arthur Yex, CWS Ins Agency Teresa Yount, Correll Ins. Group
General Contributors
Debra Adams, Correll Ins. Group Jeff Althoff, Lowcountry Ins. Services Tara Anderson, Chandler Ins. James Ashley, Clover RE Development & Ins. Christine Baker, Adams Eaddy & Associates Carol Ballenger, Correll Ins. Group Angele Barker, Coastal Plains Ins. Linda Barnes, Countybank Ins. Maria Barrantes, Correll Ins. Group Stephanie Barton, Chandler Ins. Ruth Ann Betham, Citizens Ins Agency Christina Biddle, Lowcountry Ins. Services Kymberley Bigda, Coastal Plains Ins. Gina Bloomer, Correll Ins. Group Jeanette Bloss, IIABSC William Boswell, Capstone Ins. Services
Peggy Bowers, Countybanc Ins. Barbie Bradham, Bradham Ins. Agency Ruth Brady, First Charter Co. Tammy Braithwaite, John T Cook & Associates Melinda Branton, Peoples Underwriters Ann Bridges, Correll Insurance Group Tammy Brookshire, Countybanc Ins. John Broyles, Standard Premium Finance Kassie Bryant, Coastal Plains Ins. Robert Bryant, Robert Bryant & Son Tammy Bryant, Chandler Ins. Marcus Buchan, Radius Ins. Agency Jolene Buchanan, Coastal Plains Ins. Lee Bugay, US Ins. Services Inc. Connie Bullard, Braddy Ins. Amy Bunton, The Steadman Agency Mark Burdette, Chandler Ins. Christina Burnett, Coastal Plains Ins. Lynne Burnett, Correll Ins. Group Sammy Butler, Vista Ins. Group Heather Callahan, Lowcountry Ins. Services Candy Campbell, Correll Ins. Group Chris Campbell, Adams Eaddy & Associates William Carpenter Debra Carter, Countybanc Ins. Barbara Causey, Braddy Ins. Ronnie Causey, Peoples Underwriters-MB Derrik Chandler, Chandler Ins. Sanford Chandler, Chandler Ins. John Chapman, Coastal Plains Ins. Mildred Chavis, Countybanc Insurance, Inc Richard Chiaviello, Lowcountry Ins. Services Paul Clark, Adams Eaddy & Associates Sharon Clark, Adams Eaddy & Associates Kevin Clegg, Coastal Plains Ins. James Coleman, The United Agency Jeffry Colet, Russell Massey & Co. Debbie Collins, John T Cook & Associates Rhonda Conner, Lowcountry Ins. Services David Coulter, Preferred Specialty Carrie Cox, John T Cook & Assocs Angela Craven, The Steadman Agency Levi Crawford, Anderson Ins Assocs Ryan Creamer, Chandler Ins. Ashleigh Damico, Coastal Plains Ins. Ann Daniel, Correll Ins. Group Jennifer Davis, Braddy Ins. Shane Dennie, William R. Timmons Agency Mollie Dent, Adams Eaddy & Associates Scott Derrick, Derrick Ins Agency Alex Dickson, Adams Eaddy & Associates Doris Dillard, Lowcountry Ins. Services Connie Dolan, Coastal Plains Ins. Ginger Douglas, Adams Eaddy & Associates Christian Dubuque, Lowcountry Ins Services Ken Dunnett, Risk Innovations continued on page 38
A new logo for a new era.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
GUARD
INSURANCE COMPANIES
Upon our acquisition by National Indemnity Company/Berkshire Hathaway in October of 2012, a new and improved GUARD emerged. A year later, we are pleased to introduce a new logo that better reflects our ENHANCED GUARD BRAND. As you can see, we highlight the immense resources available to us through our ultimate parent as we continue climbing to the top of our industry . . . while retaining reminders of the steps behind us – an assurance that the best of our old values still remain. Join us as we reach new heights: visit www.guard.com/apply
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies are rated A+ (“SUPERIOR”) by A.M. Best Company and specialize in small- to mid-sized accounts – featuring Workers' Compensation coverage in 35 states and complementary Businessowner's Policy (BOP), Umbrella, and Commercial Auto products in select jurisdictions.
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
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InsurPAC Contributors, continued Ryan Eaddy, Adams Eaddy & Associates William Eaddy, Adams Eaddy & Associates William Paul Eaddy, Adams Eaddy & Associates Bill Eagen, Woodbury & Co of SC Susan Edenfield, Anderson Ins Assocs Mary Ellis, IIABSC Deanna Ermson, Correll Ins. Group Barbara Farnaby, Peoples Underwriters Tim Faulhaber, Correll Ins. Group Susan Finley, Herlong Bates Burnett Ins. Ray Finocchio, Peoples Underwriters-MB Patty Floyd, Peoples Underwriters Alex Fournil, Vista Ins. Group Cecilia Fournil, Vista Ins. Group Will Fowles, Adams Eaddy & Associates Kristen Free, HUB International Southeast Bill Fuge, Kinghorn Ins. Agency Debbie Galloway, Universal North America Mackall Gantt, Palmetto Moon Ins Agency Sarah Garman, Genesee General/ GSB Jan Garrett, The United Agency Rhonda Garrett, Countybanc Ins. Christopher Gibson, Lowcountry Ins. Services Debra Gist, Correll Ins. Group Thomas Glaz, Adams Eaddy & Associates Shannon Graham, First Charter Co. Jane Greene, Lowcountry Ins. Services Pat Gregersen, Adams Eaddy & Associates Charles Griffin, Regions Insurance George Hagood, Hagood Ins. Agency Kelly Hall, Davis-Garvin Agency Alice Hamm, Auto-Owners Ins. Edmund Hardy, Adams Eaddy & Associates Angelee Harris, Countybanc Ins. Kia Harvey, Countybank Ins. Wendy Harvey, Coastal Plains Ins. Jacque Headden, Frank B Norris & Co Brook Heider, Field Ins. Agency Meredith Helms, Lowcountry Ins. Services Kristie Hendrick, Peoples Underwriters Robert Hiers, John T Cook & Assocs Elizabeth Hinen, Adams Eaddy & Associates Christy Hobson, Upstate Ins. Group of SC Lynn Hodge, Adams Eaddy & Associates Darrell Hood, Correll Ins. Group Angela Horton, Correll Ins. Group Joey Huckaby, Huckaby & Associates Jim Hudson, Coastal Plains Ins. Megan Huebner, IIABSC Amy Huellmantel, Countybank Ins Trudy Huffstetler, Peoples Underwriters Irene Huggins, Braddy Insurance Nick Hunt, Lowcountry Ins. Services Pat Hurst, Correll Ins. Group Vicki Hurst, Adams Eaddy & Associates
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
InsurPAC is the political action committee of our national association. Funds are raised through voluntary personal contributions from independent agents and brokers across the country. With these funds, InsurPAC helps elect candidates and re-elect members of Congress who share our business philosophy.
For m For more ore on on InsurPAC, InsurPAC, contact contact Gus Gus Brabham Brabham gbrabham@frankbnorris.com, 803.256.7555 Joyce Hyder, Landrum Ins. Agency Marion Inabinet, Taylor Agency Davis Inabnit, First Southeast Ins Services Marla Jackson, Adams Eaddy & Associates Warren Jeffords, Jeffords Insurance Agency Colan Johnson, Palmetto Ins & Financial Svcs Colin Johnson, Peoples Underwriters Galaxy Johnson, John T Cook & Assocs Renee Johnson, Regions Insurance Holly Jones-Pickerell, John T Cook & Assocs Sara Jo Kent, Adams Eaddy & Associates Marshall Keys, Palmetto Ins. Associates Amy Kinasch, Coastal PlainsInsurance Ron King, Coastal Plains Insurance Christina Lambert, Braddy Insurance Amanda Lanford, Peoples Underwriters Martha Lavigne, IIABSC Tammy Lawhorn, Chandler Insurance Barbara Jo Leopard, Countybanc Ins. William Lesemann, Lesemann Ins. Agency Elizabeth Lester, Statewide Ins. Group, Inc. Stephanie Lockwood, Coastal Plains Ins. Margie Long, John T Cook & Assocs Julie Low, John T Cook & Assocs Jackie Lutz, Regions Insurance Suzanne Lysak, ICW Group Ins. Companies Melyssa Mappus, Coastal Plains Insurance Brandy Maxey, The Steadman Agency Amy McCabe, John T. Cook Ashley McCarson, Citizens Ins. Agency John McClintock, The United Agency Myra McClure, Correll Ins. Group Kelly McGee, John T Cook & Associates Ruth Mickler-Williams, Chandler Ins. Heather Midyette, National Ins. Services Debbie Miner, Lowcountry Ins. Services Gail Mishoe, Peoples Underwriters Katherine Mishoe, HUB International Southeast Lonnetta Morelock, Correll Ins. Group Susan Morich, John T Cook & Assocs Andy Nason, Adams Eaddy & Associates Tyler Neely, Herlong Bates Burnett Ins. Teri Newmark, Correll Ins. Group Margaret Nowlin, Coastal Plains Ins. Steve Ochocinsky, Adams Eaddy & Associates Eleanor Oswald, Anderson Ins Assocs Lynn Owens, Aiken & Co. Marilyn Pack, Landrum Ins. Agency Lori Painter, Landrum Ins. Agency Dennesia Peterson, Correll Ins. Group Adam Phelps, Russell Massey & Co. Jeffery Phillips, Countybanc Ins. Jennie Plumley, Correll Ins. Group Tish Pollard, Correll Ins. Group Joseph Powell, First Charter Co.
Davis Powers, Vista Insurance Group Bonita Rabon, Adams Eaddy & Associates Kristin Rainey, Coastal Plains Ins. Maria Rains, Correll Ins. Group Diane Ray, Adams Eaddy & Associates Claire Reynolds, Coastal Plains Ins. John Richards, Lowcountry Ins. Services Amanda Roof, Peoples Underwriters Rebecca Rotureau, Adams Eaddy & Associates Edward Rutledge, Adams Eaddy & Associates Robert Sanders, Preferred Specialty R. Rhett Sansbury, HUB International Southeast Shelley Schommer, First Charter Co. George Schwab, Correll Ins. Group Nicole Seaford, Correll Ins. Group Hill Shaw, Atlantic Shield Ins. Group Cliff Shealy, Midlands Insurance Center Lisa Skinner, Capital E&S Brokers Dianna Smith, Ellis Realty & Insurance Agency Gabrielle Smith, Chandler Ins. Karen Smith, Correll Ins. Group Kathy Smith, Smith Insurance Agency Katrina Smith, Correll Ins. Group Brenda Snyder, Countybanc Ins. Linda Sorrow, Correll Ins. Group Alan Spachman, Belmont Ins. Services Eileen Spielmeyer, Coastal Plains Ins. Paul Stewart, Adams Eaddy & Associates Alisa Stokes, Keenan & Suggs Kay Summerlin, Braddy Ins. Matthew Tadlock, Coastal Plains Ins. Curtis Taylor, Herlong Bates Burnett Ins. Virginia Taylor, Anderson Ins Assoc of Pawleys Is Bill Thomason Jr, Citizens Ins. Agency Meredith Thomason, Citizens Ins. Agency Jason Thompson, Regions Ins. Marshall Todd, Peoples Underwriters Marjorie Toms, Adams Eaddy & Associates Anita Trevino, IIABSC Jack Trnavsky, Correll Ins. Group Lisa Vliet, The Hartford Grace Von Harten, Lowcountry Ins. Services Robert Walker, Landrum Ins. Agency Joye Wall, Anderson Ins Assocs. Jack Walters, Lowcountry Ins. Services Cameron Ward, Coastal Plains Ins. Chase Warrington, Johnson & Johnson, CMGA Lori Watkins, Correll Insurance Group Maxie Welch, Enterprise Insurance Agency Danielle White, Capstone Insurance Services Karen White, The United Agency Stephen Wickliffe, Summit Consulting Becky Williams, Adams Eaddy & Associates Derrick Wrigley, Adams Eaddy & Associates Courtney Young, Adams Eaddy & Associates
June 30 - July 1 Orangeburg, SC
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“At FCCI, we keep our customers informed. I get to know agents and policyholders and they get to know me, so they know who to call for help. They know I’ll give them great service!” Katrina Turner Senior Underwriting Technician FCCI Southeast Region Duluth, Georgia Now, let’s talk about your business. General liability • Auto • Property • Crime Workers’ compensation • Umbrella Inland marine • Agribusiness • Surety Coverage available in 18 states. © 2014 FCCI
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2:26 PM39 Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent 2/14/14 & Broker
40
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
Member News
Welcome New Agency Members
Welcome New Associate Members
Advisors Insurance Agency, LLC Greenville, SC
Access Home Insurance Baton Rouge, LA
InsureSign.com Beaufort, SC
John Roberts Insurance Anderson, SC
AgencyCapital.com Cornelius, NC
Jenesis Software Forest City, NC
Lexington National Property & Casualty, LLC Lexington, SC
Assurant Specialty Property Atlanta, GA
Twenty First Sevices, LLC Baton Rouge, LA
Project CAP selects IIABSC member InSite Support Services for consumer website agency and consumer support Project CAP is using IIABSC corporate associate member InSite Support Services, Inc. as call-center support for the enhanced TrustedChoice.com consumer website. InSite provides 24-7 call center support to both agencies needing to maintain their portal presence and consumers shopping online for accurate, real-time quotes for home and auto insurance from multiple insurance companies. “Providing consumers with 24-7 live agent support to complement the comprehensive online services available to them through TrustedChoice.com ensures the highest level of customer service in the industry” says Michael Hunter, President of InSite. “Allowing independent agents to meet the demands of the immediate response required by today’s consumer by essentially staying open at all times enables them to not only compete with direct writers and captive agent companies, but we believe gives them an advantage due to the personal relationship that follows the initial transaction. This is sure to be a game changer for independent agents.” For more information about InSite Support Services, please visit their website, www.InSiteSupport.com.
you
Utica National starts with Since our humble
beginnings in 1914, we’ve been at the forefront of providing the products and services customers need. One hundred years later, we are still a leader in niche products and offer cutting-edge products like: Right Pay, E-surity and an easy-to-use small business platform. What we haven’t moved away from? Listening to you, understanding what is important to you and delivering on that expectation. Utica National focuses on our
agent-customers and being here for you, in all ways. Call today to discuss how we can partner together to add value to your agency.
Mark V. Poindexter, Senior Marketing Representative Tel: 301-249-6728 • Cell: 301-395-7366 mark.poindexter@uticanational.com Thomas M. Garcia, CPCU, Senior Marketing Representative Tel: 804-739-4190 or 804-560-6681 thomas.garcia@uticanational.com
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
41
Thank you,
Palmetto Partners The Palmetto Partners program was created as a simplified way for companies, brokers and vendors to support the association and all our major conferences and events on an ongoing basis.
Diamond Level
Johnson & Johnson Progressive Insurance United Property & Casualty IIABSC Agency
Platinum Level
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Gold Level
Jackson Sumner & Associates Safeco Insurance St. Johns Insurance Company
Bronze Level
Silver Level
AFCO/Prime Rate Premium Finance American Strategic Insurance Bankers Insurance Group Frontline Insurance Imperial PFS Main Street America Group National Security Fire & Casualty Preferred Specialty Prime Insurance Co. RPS Southern Cross Underwriters Travelers
Access Insurance Co. Accident Fund Ins. Co. of America Amerisafe Auto-owners Insurance Co. Berkley Southeast Insurance Group Capitol Preferred Insurance Co. & Southern Fidelity Central Insurance Co. FirstComp Genesee General Hanover Excess & Surplus Insurance House 42
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
The Hartford J.M. Wilson Lighthouse Property Insurance Corp. Mid-Continent Group Phenix Mutual Fire Ins. Co. Penn National Insurance Risk Innovations, LLC Southern Insurance Underwriters State Auto Insurance Co. Stonewood Insurance Underwriters Tapco Underwriters Westfield Insurance
Calendar m m
View up-to-date calendar, course descriptions and register using our online Education & Event Calendar at www.iiabsc.com/education
CLASSROOM COURSES WEBCAST/WEBINAR - no test required for CE Credit
April
22
Personal Lines Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
22
Retirement Planning and Annuities, 2 L&H
22
Data Privacy Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
22
An Errors & Omissions Mock Trial, 2 hrs. P&C
22
Insuring Coastal Exposures, Myrtle Beach, 7 hrs. P&C
23
CISR Elements of Risk Management, 7 hrs. P&C, Greenville
28
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
23
CISR Commercial Property Exposures, 7 hrs. P&C, Columbia
29
Young Agents Charleston Rooftop Reception, Charleston
23
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
24
E&O Risk Management, Meeting the Challenge of Change
June
Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
04
CISR Personal Lines Miscellaneous, 7 hrs. P&C, Columbia
24
E&O Risk Management, Meeting the Challenge of Change
05
Hot Topics in Personal Lines, 2 hrs. P&C
Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
09
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
24
Insurance and the Property Lease, 2 hrs. P&C
10
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
25
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
10
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
10
Commercial Lines Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
10
Business Income: Beyond the Basics, 3 hrs. P&C
May 06
E&O Risk Management, Meeting the Challenge of Change, Myrtle Beach,
10
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
3 P&C & 3 Ethics
11
CISR Personal Auto, Rock Hill, 7 hrs. P&C
07
Agency Management Based E&O and Ethics, 3 hrs. Ethics
17
Those Kids and Their Cars!, 2 hrs. P&C
07
CISR Commercial Property, Florence, 7 hrs. P&C
17
CISR Life and Health Essentials, Charleston, 7 hrs. L&H
07-08
Commercial Lines Nuts & Bolts, 12 hrs. P&C
18
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
08
Building Codes are BAD for Your Insureds, 2 hrs. P&C
19
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
08
COPE: Property Underwriting & Eff. Loss Control, 2 hrs. P&C
18-20
CIC Personal Lines Institute, Charleston, 20 hrs. P&C
08
Business Auto Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
19
Insurance and the Property Lease, 2 hrs. P&C
12
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
19
Retirement Planning and Annuities, 2 hrs. L&H
13
AIAM Day 5, Charleston, 6 hrs. P&C
19
CISR William T. Hold Seminar, Hilton Head, 7 hrs. P&C
13
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
24
CISR Personal Residential Property, Greenville, 7 hrs. P&C
13
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
26
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
13
Liability Issues to Worry About, 2 hrs. P&C
26
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
14
AIAM Day 6, Hilton Head, 3 Ethics, 2 P&C
26
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
14
Estate Planning Techniques: Gifts, Trust & Life Ins., 2 hrs. L&H
14
Top 5 life Insurance Uses, 2 hrs. L&H
July
14
An Errors and Omissions Mock Trial, 2 hrs. P&C
08
COPE: Property Underwriting and Effective Loss Control, 2 hrs. P&C
14
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
08
Data Privacy Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
15
E&O Risk Management Meeting the Challenge of Change, Greenville,
08
Building Codes Are BAD for Your Insureds, 2 hrs. P&C
3 P&C, 3 Ethics
08
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
19
Directors & Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
08
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
20
Insuring Coastal Exposures, Hilton Head, 7 hrs. P&C
14
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
21
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
15
AIAM Day 1, Columbia, 7 hrs. P&C
21
Insuring Coastal Exposures, Charleson, 7 hrs. P&C
15
Top 5 Life Insurance Uses, 2 hrs. L&H
22
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
15
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
22
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
16
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
43
16
Estate Planning: Gifts, Trusts & Life Insurance, 2 hrs. L&H
09
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
16
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
10
Estate Planning Techniques: Gifts, Trusts & Life Ins., 2 hrs. L&H
16
SC Insurance Rules & Regulations, Columbia, 4 hrs. P&C
10
Data Privacy Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
17
An Errors and Omissions Mock Trial, 2 hrs. P&C
10
CISR Commercial Casualty I, Rock Hill, 7 hrs. P&C
17
Business Auto Claims that Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
10-11
Personal Lines Nuts & Bolts, Columbia, 12 hrs. P&C
17
CISR Agency Operations, Myrtle Beach, 6 P&C or LH, 1 Ethics
11
Business Auto Claims that Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
22
Liability Issues to Worry About: Indemnity Agreements & Additional
16
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
Insureds, 2 hrs. P&C
16
An Errors & Omissions Mock Trial, 2 hrs. P&C
22
Agency Management Based E&O and Ethics, 3 hrs. Ethics
16
AIAM Day 6, Charleston, 3 Ethics, 2 P&C
22
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
17
Top 5 Life Insurance Uses, 2 hrs. L&H
22
SC Insurance Rules & Regulations, Charleston, 4 hrs. P&C
17
Hot Topics in Personal Lines, 2 hrs. P&C
23
SC Insurance Rules & Regulations, Hilton Head, 4 hrs. P&C
17
CISR Personal Auto, Hilton Head, 7 hrs. P&C
23
CISR Commercial Property, Greenville, 7 hrs. P&C
17
CISR Commercial Property, Charleston, 7 hrs. P&C
24
Hot Topics in Personal Lines, 2 hrs. P&C
18
Agency Management Based E&O and Ethics, 3 hrs. Ethics
24
Personal Lines Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
18
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
24
E&O Risk Management, Meeting the Challenge of Change, Columbia,
18
Liability Issues to Worry About: Indemnity Agreements & Additional
3 P&C & 3 Ethics
Insureds, 2 hrs. P&C
24
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
18
CISR William T. Hold Seminar, Columbia, 7 hrs. P&C
24
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
23
Personal Lines Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
23
Ten Questions that Drive Me Crazy about the BAP, Charleston, 6 hrs. P&C
24-26
CIC Commercial Casualty Institute, Myrtle Beach, 20 hrs. P&C
August 07
Business Income: Beyond the Basics, 3 hrs. P&C
25
Ten Questions that Drive Me Crazy about the BAP, Charleston, 6 hrs. P&C
11
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
26
Ten Questions that Drive Me Crazy about the BAP, Greenville, 6 hrs. P&C
12
E&O Risk Management, Meeting the Challenge of Change, Rock Hill,
25
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
3 P&C & 3 Ethics
25
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs.
12
Data Privacy Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
Ethics
12
Commercial Lines Claims that Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
12
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
October
12
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
02
AIAM Day 2, Greenville, 6 hrs. P&C
13
E&O Risk Management, Meeting the Challenge of Change, Florence,
02
Business Income: Beyond the Basics, 3 hrs. P&C
3 P&C & 3 Ethics
02
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
13
SC Insurance Rules & Regulations, Greenville, 4 hrs. P&C
09
Those Kids and Their Cars!, 2 hrs. P&C
14
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
09
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
14
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
13
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
19
Those Kids and Their Cars!, 2 hrs. P&C
13
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
19
CISR Commercial Casualty I, Columbia, 7 hrs. P&C
14
Commercial Lines Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
20
CISR Personal Auto, Charleston, 7 hrs. P&C
14
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
21
Insurance and the Property Lease, 2 hrs. P&C
14
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs.
21
Retirement Planning and Annuities, 2 hrs. L&H
Ethics
21
SC Insurance Rules & Regulations, Myrtle Beach, 4 hrs. P&C
15
CISR Personal Residential Property, Myrtle Beach, 7 hrs. P&C
22
Hot Topics in Personal Lines, 2 hrs. P&C
15
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
26
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
16
CISR Commercial Casualty II, Greenville, 7 hrs. P&C
27-29
CIC Commercial Property Institute, Columbia, 20 hrs. P&C
16
CISR Personal Auto, Florence, 7 hrs. P&C
28
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
22
E&O Risk Management Meeting the Challenge of Change, Hilton Head,
28
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
3 P&C & 3 Ethics
22
Retirement Planning and Annuities, 2 hrs. L&H
September
23
Insurance and the Property Lease, 2 hrs. P&C
04
Building Codes Are BAD for Your Insureds. 2 hrs. P&C
23
Hot Topics in Personal Lines, 2 hrs. P&C
04
COPE: Property Underwriting and Effective Loss Control, 2 hrs. P&C
23
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
04
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
23
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs.
08
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
Ethics
08
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
28
44
South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
Data Privacy Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
November 04
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
05-07
CIC Life and Health Institute, Hilton Head, 20 hrs. L&H
10
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
10
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
11
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
11
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs.
Ethics
RELATIONSHIPS IT’S WHY WE STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
12
CISR Agency Operations, Columbia, 6 P&C or LH, 3 Ethics
12
An Errors & Omissions Mock Trial, 2 hrs. P&C
12
Estate Planning: Gifts, Trusts & Life Insurance, 2 hrs. L&H
“Relationships are the key to
13
Business Auto Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
everything I do. The ability to
13
Data Privacy Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
17
Directors & Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
be open and honest with
18
CISR William T. Hold Seminar, Charleston, 7 hrs. P&C
customers allows me to
18
Liability Issues to Worry About, 2 hrs. P&C
provide them with what
18
Top 5 Life Insurance Uses, 2 hrs. L&H
19
AIAM Day 4, Hilton Head, 2 P&C, 4 Ethics
they need and lets them
19
Agency Management Based E&O and Ethics, 3 hrs. Ethics
20
E&O Risk Management Meeting the Challenge of Change, Charleston,
3 P&C, 3 Ethics
20
Personal Lines Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
20
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
20
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
20
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
25
COPE: Property Underwriting & Loss Control, 2 hrs. P&C
25
Building Codes are BAD for Your Insureds, 2 hrs. P&C
December 04
Hot Topics in Personal Lines, 2 hrs. P&C
08
SC Surplus Lines License Review Course, 3 hrs. P&C
09
Certificates of Insurance, 3 hrs. P&C
09
Commercial Lines Claims That Cause Problems, 2 hrs. P&C
09
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
09
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
10
CISR Personal Lines Miscellaneous, Greenville, 7 hrs. P&C
10
Those Kids and Their Cars!, 2 hrs. P&C
11
Business Income: Beyond the Basics, 3 hrs. P&C
11
NFIP Basic Course w/2013 Updates, 3 hrs. P&C
16
Retirement Planning and Annuities, 2 hrs. L&H
16
Professional Ethics in the Insurance Industry, 3 hrs. Ethics
17
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, 2 hrs. P &C
18
Insurance and the Property Lease, 2 hrs. P&C
18
Data Privacy Insurance, 2 hrs. P&C
18
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 1, 3 hrs. P&C
18
E&O Risk Management Meeting Challenge of Change Part 2, 3 hrs. Ethics
know they can trust what I do for them.”
Leon Hilaski Transportation Manager
Call me for a quote today! 866.294.2107
Managing General Agency Since 1920
800.666.5692
jmwilson.com
Property/Casualty • Professional Liability • Surety Commercial Transportation • Personal Lines • Premium Finance
Spring 2014 • South Carolina Agent & Broker
45
2014 Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairman Kenneth A. “Ken” Finch, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AAI Countybanc Insurance Greenwood, SC kfinch@ecountybanc.com
Directors
National Director Jon A. Jensen, AAI, AIP Correll Ins Group Spartanburg, SC jjensen@correllinsurance.com Immediate Past Chairman Ashley Brady, CIC First Charter Co., Inc Marion, SC abrady@firstcharterins.com
Chairman Elect/ Treasurer R. Scott Moseley Irmo Insurance Agency Irmo, SC scott@irmoins.com Secretary Tom Bates, Jr. Herlong Bates Burnett Greenville, SC tom@hbbins.com
11716 WA IIABA ad.pdf
William J. Bowers, AIP (Will) Russell Massey & Co., Inc. Columbia, SC will@russellmassey.com
James B. Galloway (Ben) Peoples First Insurance Rock Hill, SC bengalloway@peoplesfirstinsurance.com
Angus M. Brabham, IV, CIC (Gus) Regions Insurance Columbia, SC gus.brabham@regions.com
Dana D. Groome, CIC, CPCU, CISR, ACSR Peoples Underwriters Inc. Conway, SC danag@peoplesunderwriters.com
J. Robert Bryant, Jr. (Bobby) Robert Bryant & Son, Inc. Orangeburg, SC bobby@robertbryantandson.com Stephen B. Cannon, PhD, CPCU (Steve) Law Insurance Agency, Inc Spartanburg, SC scannon4@juno.com
1
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3:55 PM
Harrison G. Cline, CIC, AIP The Furman Co. Insurance Agency Greenville, SC hcline@furmanco.com
Willard A. Silcox, III, ACSR (Bill) C.T. Lowndes & Company Mt. Pleasant, SC bsilcox@ctlowndes.com James G. Taylor, Jr., CIC (Jay) Kinghorn Insurance Agency of Beaufort Beaufort, SC jtaylor@insurancebeaufort.com
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South Carolina Agent & Broker • Spring 2014
M. J. Kelly of North Carolina
Join the Best Network in the South
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