e-Insight - July 2021 - Special Edition - Non-Member by Big I Illinois

JULY 2021

INSIGHT Special Feature

Associate Member

Profiles Plus

Getting to Know

Dana Popish Severinghaus Acting Director - Department of Insurance

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Editor & Graphic Design - Rachel Romines

Advertising - Tami Hubbell

CONTENTS July 2021

Getting to Know Dana Popish Severinghaus Acting Director, DOI

18 57 62 63

By IIA of IL Staff

Special Feature Associate Member Profiles IIA of IL Makes Hiring Easier with CareerPlug CONVO 2021 - We’re Back! IIA of IL Awards - Nominations Being Accepted

In This Issue

The Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL) has been providing members with a sustainable competitive advantage since 1899.

7 8 10 31

President’s Message Brett’s Two Sense Government

e-Insight

61 64 65 66

Technology Committee Associate News IIA of IL News Classifieds

info@iiaofil.org | www.iiaofil.org | (800) 628-6436 or (217) 793-6660 | Fax: (217) 793-6744

2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2019 • 2020

Insight is the official publication of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL). The magazine is published monthly for the members of the IIA of IL, with the office located at 4360 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62711-7009; Consumer Website: www.ChooseIndependent.com. The IIA of IL welcomes letters discussing concerns of the insurance industry, articles, editorials, other matters of interest to the membership. The editor reserves the right to edit and select submissions for publication. Address submissions for review to Rachel Romines at rromines@iiaofil.org. For advertising information, contact Tami Hubbell at thubbell@iiaofil.org.

Board of Directors Executive Committee

Regional Directors

ADVERTISERS 68

APPLIED UNDERWRITERS

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY/GUARD INSURANCE CO

DONALD GADDIS COMPANY, INC.

ENVISION HEALTHCARE

EPAYPOLICY

GRINNELL MUTUAL REINSURANCE COMPANY

ILLINOIS CASUALTY COMPANY

INSURANCE PROGRAM MANAGERS GROUP

JC RESTORATION

JM WILSON

MERCURY INSURANCE

Cover Tip

OMAHA NATIONAL UNDERWRITERS, LLC

PROGRESSIVE

SECURA INSURANCE

SWISSRE

2 30

UNITED FIRE GROUP WEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.

Committee Chairs

IIA of Illinois Staff

Budget & Finance | Bennie Jones (312) 960-6200 | bjones@rmsoa.com

Director of Information and Technology Shannon Churchill - (217) 321-3004 - schurchill@iiaofil.org

Director of Government Relations Evan Manning - (217) 321-3002 - emanning@iiaofil.org

Education | Teresa Fleming, CIC, CISR (815) 849-5219 | tess@leffelmanassoc.com

Director of Education and Agency Resources Brett Gerger - (217) 321-3006 - bgerger@iiaofil.org

Office Administrator Kristi Osmond - (217) 321-3007 - kosmond@iiaofil.org

Accounting & Admin Services Tami Hubbell - (217) 321-3016 - thubbell@iiaofil.org

Director of Communications Rachel Romines - (217) 321-3024 - rromines@iiaofil.org

Director of Human Resources, Board Admin Jennifer Jacobs - (217) 321-3013 - jjacobs@iiaofil.org

Director of Membership Services Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA - (217) 321-3003 - tross@iiaofil.org

Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Mark Kuchar - (217) 321-3015 - mkuchar@iiaofil.org

Products & Services Administrator Janet White, CISR - (217) 321-3010 - jwhite.indep12@insuremail.net

Chief Executive Officer Phil Lackman - (217) 321-3005 - plackman@iiaofil.org

Director of Prof. Liability & Ins. Products Carol Wilson, CPIA - (217) 321-3011 - cwilson.indep12@insuremail.net

Central/Southern Marketing Representative Lori Mahorney - (217) 415-7550 - lmahorney@iiaofil.org

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president's message | INSIGHT

Legislative Session Ends, Summer Begins As Summer begins, we are thankful that many things are getting back to normal. As we get our social freedom back we have so much to look forward to both personally and professionally. I would like to take a step back and reflect on the Spring Illinois legislative session. The bad news is they snuck in a producer licensing fee increase of $35 into a Budget Implementation bill in the 11th hour. The great news is that four out of five bills the IIA of IL introduced and supported this year were passed. The bills that passed included SB 61, which requires auto insurance companies to reimburse taxes, title, and transfer fees in total loss 3rd party claims. The 2nd, is SB 1753, which cleans up some surplus lines language and better aligns surplus lines tax due dates. Next is SB 2112 that creates more clarity and protection for consumers involving life insurance cancels. Lastly, HB 241 that allows pre-licensing classes to continue to be held virtually. I would like to recognize and congratulate Evan Manning, IIA of IL Director of Government Relations, for all of his amazing work to persevere through all the adversity the last two years and focus on shepherding these bills through the legislative system. In this issue, Evan will provide more detail on the Spring session and this legislation. Overall, there were 6,000 bills introduced. There were 1,000 bills introduced that would have impacted the insurance industry or employers. Our IIAPAC dollars are vitally important, and every dollar works for you to protect against bad legislation and promote good legislation for our industry. Without political action and your help through donations, the staff would not be able to do what they do to protect our members from bad legislation.

An extreme positive for our association is the ability to hold virtual pre-licensing classes going forward. This legislation will provide all members very easy and consistent access to the Illinois Insurance Pre-Licensing Program. No more worry about geographic boundaries and dates that don’t align. The content that Brett Gerger and Lori Mahorney teach is organized and taught to create a tremendous pass rate for those attending. Please view the website (ILPrelicensing.com) for more information and scheduling details. Also, please be aware that we have introduced a special program that provides help to agencies hiring diverse candidates. Again, please see the IIA website (www.iiaofil.org/diversity) for those details. Lastly, I urge everyone to clear their calendar and attend our IN-PERSON convention this year in Springfield from October 5th-7th. The registration details will soon be posted. So please be on the lookout for all the CONVO 2021 details. We look forward to seeing all of your smiling faces in person in October. Have a wonderful 4th and great month. All the Best,

George Daly - IIA of IL President - (708) 845-3311 - george.daly@thehortongroup.com july 2021

insight

Special Feature

Associate Member

Profiles

In talking with carrier representatives and member agents over the past year, it has come to our attention that one of the biggest things missing for both is the opportunity to network and share information. When it became necessary to cancel our in-person tradeshow last year, we realized that access to new carrier information has not been as readily available to our members as it is over the course of a year of traditional networking. To support our mutual goal of providing agencies with the tools and information they need to be successful, we invited our associate members to submit information on their company. As a result, the following pages were compiled over the past few weeks to give IIA of IL members a brief look into our company partners until you see them again at our in-person CONVO, October 5-7, in Springfield. We hope you find this information valuable. 18

insight

july 2021

Diamond Level Member

Website: www.hanover.com Facebook: /hanoverinsurance Twitter: @The_Hanover LinkedIn: the-hanover-insurance-group Mobile App: Hanover Mobile

What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Selective appointment growth with the top independent agencies in the state.

Home Office Address: 440 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA Illinois Office Address: 333 W Pierce Rd, Ste 300, Itasca

Does your Company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes

What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products (i.e. independent agents, direct, Internet, assn. plans, etc.)? Independent Agents

Does your Company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Yes, our Brand Central website provides agents with digital and print materials for their marketing efforts.

% of Split Business

Written Premium

Commercial Lines

$1,700,000,000

Personal Lines

$1,900,000,000

Specialty

$ 949,000,000

Surety/Bonding

60,000,000

Number of agencies in Illinois: 130 Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting authority? Yes What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Continue to grow 6%-10% annually.

Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? Yes, our Accelerator program assists agents in becoming specialized in targeted industries to help them generate leads and close more business. How active is your company in the legislative arena on a state and national level? We are involved in several trade organizations at both the state and national level. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? The Hanover brings the power of product, technology and experience of the best national carriers coupled with the local presence and feel of a regional carrier. Working only with independent agents, we truly partner with our agents because their success is our success.

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Commercial Lines - broad appetite in Small Commercial and Middle Market with an expansive Specialty offering for a total account solution. Personal Lines - we target middle market and high value customer segments with industry leading products and services.

july 2021

insight

AGENTS OF

CULTIVATING A STRONG FUTURE, TOGETHER For independent agent Mark Gannon, insurance isn’t just a day job—it’s the family business. Creating great relationships with his carriers is the secret to his success. He says with Progressive, “the mixture of someone working with us—face to face, training our staff, presenting new technology and showing us how to use it—that’s been a winning combination.” A future built on strong partnerships. We couldn’t agree more.

AgentsofProgressive.com

MARK GANNON, GANNON ASSOCIATES | ATHENS, PA

Vehicle insurance is provided by Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Home and renters policies are provided and serviced by affiliated and third-party insurers who are solely responsible for claims. Prices, coverages, and privacy policies vary among these insurers.

Proud to be a sponsor of the IIA of Illinois.

Platinum Level Member

Website: www.progressive.com/agent Facebook: /progressive, /flofromprogressive, /progressiveadventure, /progressivecommercial, /progressivetruck Twitter: @Progressive, @itsflo, @pgrcareers LinkedIn: /company/progressive-insurance Instagram: /progressive Pinterest: /progressiveins YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/ UCzX4gPZ9x1iK29lv_sHhuDQ and www.youtube.com/user/progressivecareers Content Hub: www.progressive.com/lifelanes/ Home Office Address: 6300 Wilson Mills Rd., Mayfield Village, OH Illinois Marketing Reps Work From Home In which states do you do business? All 50 states and D.C. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents, Direct, Online Number of agencies in Illinois: 2,100 % of Split Business

Written Premium IL Premium

Commercial Lines

$5.3 Billion

N/A

Personal Lines

$35,069 Billion

$720 Million

Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting authority? No What commission percentage do you pay? Depends on book size. PL highest levels are: Auto: New 15%, Renewal 10% Home: New 15%, Renewal 15% Umbrella: New 15%, Renewal 15% Specialty Lines: New 10%, Reneal 10% Commercial Lines: BOP: New 15%, Renewal 15% Auto: New 10%, Renewal 10% What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Grow auto, home, CL, rec lines as fast as we can at a 96 CR What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Commercial lines, PL property, rec lines, truck, UBI, auto & home bundles

july 2021

What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Cautiously appoint What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? Depends on agency potential, number of staff, experience. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Highlight a techonology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out: Mobile app inprovements - customer text alerts, UBI updates, new CL and PL quoting platform for agents rolled out in 2019, 2020. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? We have 24/7 365 days a year customer support for all Progressive policy holders - alleviating any service work for agents. In addition, we have the same support for agents. We recently upgraded our mobile app for customers making it even easier for customers to get service/help. In 2020 we added photo claims - allowing customers to send in photos of their car damage directly to claims. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? We offer monthly CE classes led by our marketing reps. If an agency reaches a certain policy in force threshold they can receive free CE through a 3rd party on line vendor. What do you see as the largest threat to the IA system/ channel? The need for young people to join the industry and staffing for both agents and carriers. Finding quality talent to join our industry. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Our Apron Relief program that provides support for agents, communities, customers and employees. View details at https://tinyurl.com/ ApronReliefProgram. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Check out a few highlights at https://tinyurl.com/SucceedingTogether. This includes our updated vision statement that now clearly emphasizes our intention to become consumers’ and agents’ #1 choice and destination for auto, home and other insurance.

insight

Gold Level Member

Website: www.arlingtonroe.com Facebook: /arlingtonroe LinkedIn: arlingtonroe YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCYGv4LMXO02yNyL5ZIR3Tg

link. The proposal also includes claims examples and a glossary of cyber terms.

Home Office Address: 8900 Keystone Crossing Floor 8 Indianapolis, IN Illinois Office Address: 2000 S Batavia Ave #550 Geneva, IL In which states do you do business? We are licensed in all 50 states, our core states are IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH, TN, WI. Aviation is nationwide. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business

Total Written Premium

Illinois Only

Commercial

81%

$183M

$33M

Personal

19%

$42M

$6.9M

Are there counties/areas in Illinois that your company does not write in? No boundaries Number of agencies in Illinois: 894 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Aviation, Cannabis, Commercial Ag, Farm, Healthcare & Human Services, Trucking in addition to general business Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Property, Casualty, Personal Lines, Medical malpractice, Professional Liability, Cyber, Bonds, WC Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting Authority? No What commission percentage do you pay? We work with over 200 companies and all have different levels of commission. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Qualified growth. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? Depending on the geographic location, a minimum goal of $25k first year premium and 30% hit ratio. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Cyber comparative rater - receive up to 8 quotes in a comparative rater format with six basic pieces of information. Can be done by the agent with a simple 22

insight

What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? We have several quick quote forms to help with this and have a few online raters on our website. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Our agents have access to social media material to quickly share relevant content on their social media pages. Content may be insurance related or event (national pizza day) related. A complete marketing campaign calendar can be accessed as well. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? If so, please share information including any applicable links. We have a summer internship program available for college students majoring in insurance/risk management. We also sponsor agents to attend association events. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? We offer webinars in cooperation with several of our companies on a fairly regular basis to help train our agents on various products we offer. How active is your company in the legislative arena on a state and national level? We support IIA of IL and their legislative efforts. We regularly attend the IIABA National Legislative Conference and the state legislative events and annually give to the PACs to help with the Association’s initiatives. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? We are proud to be a family owned, third generation managing general agency & wholesale broker and our associates’ insurance knowledge and the breadth of our E&S and standard insurance markets. We emphasize our philanthropic efforts and partner with United Way, Adopt-A-Family, Scecina Memorial High School, Local food banks, Alzheimer’s Assoc, local animal shelters, and many more. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Insurance is a relationship business. We have worked with multiple generations in your agencies and strive to earn your business daily. Agents have choices when placing business and you turn to brokers who provide protection, knowledge and are easy to work with. We are a family owned broker agency who understands the challenges of placing difficult risks for our agents and their insureds. july 2021

Gold Level Member

Website: www.pekininsurance.com Facebook: /pekininsurance Twitter: @pekininsurance Instagram: @pekin_insurance Home Office Address: 2505 Court St., Pekin, IL Illinois Office Address: 120 N. Parkway Dr., Pekin, IL Metro Service Office: 4355 Weaver Pkwy, Warrenville, IL In which states do you do business? P&C and Life Products: AZ, IA, IL, IN, OH, WI Life Products Only: AL, AK, GA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, NE, PA, TN, TX, VA What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Total Written Businesss Premium

Illinois Only

46.3%

$291,445,615 $169,982,738

53.7%

$337,739,082 $143,337,940

Surety/Bonding

$987,856

660,880

Life

$198,000,000 $ 91,400,000

Number of agencies in Illinois: 550 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Contractors and Auto Service Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? No. We offer GL, Property, Auto, WC, BOP, & Umbrella Coverages What commission percentage do you pay? Personal Lines

New

Renewal

Auto

15%

10%

Home

15%

Umbrella

20%

Commercial Lines

New

Renewal

BOP

20%

Package

20%

17.5%

Property

20%

17.5%

20%

17.5%

Auto

20%

15%

Workers’ Comp

13%

Umbrella

15%

Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting authority? No

july 2021

What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? We continue to view Illinois as a growth state especially in the commercial lines area. We are targeting CL growth of 4.5% to 8.0% annually over the next five years. On the personal lines side, we are forecasting very minimal growth. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? We will be focusing our growth efforts on two primary industries: Contractors and Auto Service/Parts Stores. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Our plan is to maintain our current agency appointment numbers in the state of Illinois. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? Agency appointments are expected at minimum to achieve premium production requirements to qualify for our profit sharing program which are $50,000 in year 1; $100,000 in year 2; and $250,000 in year 3. Additionally, we expect all agencies to produce at least $5,000 of life insurance premium per year. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes. Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? Yes. All award winning agencies qualify for our 50/50 co-op program. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. We are nearing the end of a 5-year conversion to an entirely new administration system (Guidewire) including all three of their centers (Policy, Billing and Claims). What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? We are currently in the process of piloting a tool that will automate the intake of accord applications for all lines of commercial insurance. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Yes. We have a full library of marketing pieces available from brochures to social media ads. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? Yes, we provide a summer internship for college students and fund a scholarship for college students enrolled in continued... insight

continued... the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management at Illinois State University. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? The key challenges we face today are primarily in two areas: 1) employee retention and 2) serving the online customer. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? Internet Shopping. It is not going away and we must find a way into the IA channel to properly market to these clients. In that vein, Pekin Insurance is currently piloting several social media marketing campaigns that we look forward to sharing with our agency force soon.

What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Service to our community! From the support of organizations such as St Jude and the United Way to our local Chamber of Commerce Pekin Insurance takes very seriously our role as a community servant. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Pekin Insurance is first and foremost a relationship company. Yes, we are financially stable and, yes, we have great products, but the number one reason agents work with us is because of the trusting relationships we are able to build.

Pekin Insurance Celebrates 100 Years

By Dina Schultz

On April 1, 1921, a small group of farmers, who were all members of the Tazewell County Farm Bureau formed an organization in Pekin, Illinois for the purpose of bringing affordable automobile insurance service within their financial reach. Several farmers sought 250 applications as a required start for the new organization to be known as The Farmers Automobile Insurance Association.

We were able to achieve great results because of our guiding beliefs of honesty, integrity, continuous improvement, service and teamwork. With this centennial celebration, these beliefs have steered us down the path of 100 years of success. The dawn of our second century is filled with the promise of new opportunities. It will be up to us to rise to the challenge and make the most of them.

It has been a fascinating and challenging journey since the founding of Pekin Insurance in 1921, and today’s company operations bear little resemblance to those at its birth. The carrier now extends its mission to 24 states across the United States with several forms of important coverages.

We now take bold and persistent actions as we prepare for our future. We need the company to embrace change and move with fast-paced persistence so that our future remains bright. Our founders were bold in 1921 and there is no reason we cannot follow in their footsteps in 2021.

Thanks to its long-standing history, insurance products for individuals and business, and financial strength, Pekin Insurance has earned itself a reputation as a stable insurance provider with an A- excellent rating with a stable outlook from A.M. Best. As a trustworthy insurance carrier with 800 employees and $821 million in premium, Pekin Insurance is an excellent choice for insurance customers offering guaranteed, secure coverage.

The key to success is to monitor, anticipate and respond to the coming changes so that the company is well-positioned for the future. We must also maintain a focus on executing today’s plan so that the near-term objectives are met. It is not an easy assignment but we are well prepared, nonetheless.

As the company celebrates its 100th year anniversary, the leading provider of insurance services attributes this significant milestone to the loyalty and trust of valued agents, policyholders and employees deeming it a reflection of unwavering strength, commitment and service. 100th Year Anniversary Article for Insight Dina Schultz, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Pekin Insurance offers the following observations and perspective: Pekin Insurance is proud to continue its long-standing support of Pekin, Illinois and the place we’ve called home for 100 years. The strong partnerships we’ve built in the community have positioned us well to take action and foster a safe, strong and viable presence for the long-term. Pekin Insurance’s heritage celebrates 10 decades of milestones, achievements, and individual and collaborative contributions. The company’s legacy of success would not be possible without our most valuable assets: employees, agents and policyholders.

We are fortunate to have many talented and dedicated employees, a fiercely loyal agency force, along with a board of directors that embrace our company’s strategy. We do what is right for our policyholders, agents, and employees. To honor its employees in 2021, a new Century Center office complex was constructed. It offers a modern cafeteria, collaboration space and training center to its employees. A new strategic plan carries forward the best of our past and responds to the new challenges ahead. Our relationship-model has served us well and will be emphasized in future strategies as well. While analytics and innovation are changing the insurance game, we understand ours remains a people business. While it is fun to celebrate the company’s centennial, we are guided by wise advice to never confuse longevity with immortality. The fact that we’ve been around for 100 years means little for the next 100. It is what we do in the present that will determine our future. With that, we are determined to be here another 100 years doing what we do best: Providing Beyond the expected® service to our loyal agents and policyholders. Dina Schultz: dschultz@pekininsurance.com.

insight

july 2021

ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROGRAM Gain a valuable business partner All IIA of IL Associate Members receive: Access to over 1,000 Association members representing a total of 10,000 plus agency personnel Invitation to the Company Partners Meeting at our annual CONVO for discussion on key legislative issues Discounted member prices on IIA of IL education classes for all company personnel Complimentary subscriptions to all IIA of IL publications

GOLD $10,000 DIAMOND $20,000 • Listing with link to your website • Advertising in Insight magazine or e-Weekly (up to $3,000) • Exhibit booth plus two registrations to IIA of IL Tradeshow • Eight CONVO registrations plus full page color ad in program • Company logo on all CONVO materials • Company logo on CONVO mobile event app • Sponsorship of one IIA of IL CONVO event (up to $10,000) • Sponsorship of one Chicagoland IIA networking event

PLATINUM $15,000 • Listing with link to your website • Advertising in Insight magazine or e-Weekly (up to $2,500) • Exhibit booth plus two registrations to IIA of IL Tradeshow • Six CONVO registrations plus full page color ad in program • Company logo on all CONVO materials • Company logo on CONVO mobile event app • Sponsorship of one IIA of IL CONVO event (up to $8,500)

• Listing with link to your website • Advertising in Insight magazine or e-Weekly (up to $2,000) • Exhibit booth plus two registrations to IIA of IL Tradeshow • Three CONVO registrations plus full page color ad in program • Company logo on all CONVO materials • Sponsorship of one IIA of IL CONVO event (up to $5,000)

SILVER $8,500 • Listing with link to your website • Advertising in Insight magazine or e-Weekly (up to $1,500) • Exhibit booth plus two registrations to IIA of IL Tradeshow • CONVO registration plus 1/2 page color ad in program • Company logo on all CONVO materials

BRONZE $3,500 • Listing with link to your website • Advertising in Insight magazine or e-Weekly (up to $1,000) • Exhibit booth plus two registrations to IIA of IL Tradeshow • CONVO Program ad – ¼ page color

COPPER $1,000 • Listing with link to your website • Advertising in e-Weekly (up to $500)

Tom Ross • tross@iiaof il.org • 217-321-3003 • www.iiaof il.org

YOUR CUSTOMERS’ HARD WORK OUR REPUTATION Our word has meant something for over 110 years. Trust us when we say your commercial customers are well cared for with our Businessowners policy — and the customized coverages that come with it. Trust in Tomorrow.® Learn more today. AUTO | HOME | FARM | BUSINESS

grinnellmutual.com “Trust in Tomorrow.” and the “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2021.

Silver Level Member

Website: www.grinnellmutual.com Facebook: /mygrinnellmutual LinkedIn: grinnellmutual

The company is committed to continuous improvement and is always looking for ways to improve both the agent and the policyholder experience.

Home Office Address: 4215 Hwy 146, Grinnell, IA

Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Yes. Marketing materials (brochures, highlight sheets, sell sheets, etc.), co-op reimbursement for co-branding, ad slicks/radio ads/TV commercials (can be tagged), custom design (no fees), printing (no or low fees).

In which states do you do business? Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Wisconsin What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Number of agencies in Illinois: 493 % of Split Total Written Businesss Premium

Illinois Only

38.85%

$220,732,574 $35,434,331

61.15%

$347,392,418 $35,683,019

Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? No Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Personal, Comm & Farm Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting authority? No What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Continued growth going forward. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Personal, commercial, and farm-related accounts. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? We plan to continue to expand our independent distribution in Illinois. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies?. Grinnell Mutual gives agents co-op dollars according to a formula based on their written premium for Grinnell Mutual from the previous year. We reimburse at 50 percent for qualifying, co-branded advertising (print, radio, TV. outof-home, digital) and merchandise. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Claims has rolled out several tools to make submitting claims, particularly auto claims, easier and faster. Grinnell Mutual offers online rating as well as report access for Personal and Commercial lines products. Multiple online resources are also available for easy agent access. july 2021

Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? Students: Road to Success scholarships for teen policyholders; NAMIC scholarships Agents: Face-to-face and virtual training with sales managers; self-serve training materials. Annual product and industry training events for agency staff that may be attended in person (pre-pandemic) or virtually (currently). Events each qualify for continuing education credits and are offered at no cost to any attendee. The company supports the scholarship fund of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, which offers scholarships to students interested in insurance and risk management studies. Numerous scholarships are provided by Grinnell Mutual for students who are policyholders or dependents of our farm mutual membership. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? Webinars, on-site academies. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? Automated vehicles. What impact will they have on insurance companies? Will liability insurance be shifted directly to car manufactures or will companies provide that coverage? Lots of unanswered questions. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? We believe our biggest threat is the number of individuals who chose to purchase insurance directly, as opposed to purchasing through independent agents. Grinnell Mutual remains focused on using independent agencies to sell our products. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Our commitment to our independent agents and their customers! In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Grinnell Mutual is a relationship company. Agencies have dedicated, assigned underwriters, making it easy to establish trust and to work with agents in a customized way. insight

Silver Level Member

Website: www.imtins.com Facebook: /imtinsurance Home Office Address: 7825 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA In what states do you do business? Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Number of agencies in Illinois: 168 Illinois Marketing Representatives: Pat Allee Northern Illinois Pat.allee@imtins.com Mike Sebben Central Illinois Mike.sebben@imtins.com What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? We have set a 3% growth in premium goal for 2021.

Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? IMT offers co-op dollars to our agencies that are willing to advertise and try to grow their business with IMT. We usually co-op on a 50/50% basis. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? IMT provides Marketing Tools to our agents to help promote IMT’s products. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? IMT puts a huge emphasis on Community Involvement and Charitable Giving. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? IMT Insurance has been around since 1884. IMT offers personal and commercial insurance products and exceptional service through Independent Insurance Agents throughout our six-state territory - Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. IMT takes pride in our relationships and partnerships with our Independent Agents.

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? We are targeting Personal Lines and Commercial Lines business for 2021. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We are always willing to look at appointing a profitable and active agency that is compatible with IMT.

insight

july 2021

Silver Level Member

Website: www.thesilverlining.com Facebook: /wbsilverlining Twitter: @wbsilverlining LinkedIn: West Bend Mutual Insurance Instagram: @wbsilverlining YouTube: West Bend Mutual Insurance Company Mobile App: West Bend (Apple & Android) Podcasts: Safety Bytes: https://anchor.fm/wbsilverlining West Bend Cares: https://anchor.fm/westbendcares Home Office Address: 1900 S 18th Ave., West Bend, WI In which states do you do business? AZ, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WI What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Total Written Businesss Premium

Illinois Only

37.2%

$543MM

$108.5MM

32.5%

$475MM

$71.5MM

Specialty

20.9%

$306MM

$40.5MM

Surety/Bonding 1.1%

$15.5MM

$3.5MM

Monoline WC

$121.5MM

$14MM

8.3%

Number of agencies in Illinois: 360 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Generalist, Specialty Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? P&C All Lines Illinois Marketing Representatives: Daniel Buss, CIC - State Sales Manager Territory: State of Illinois (262) 365-2914 - dbuss@wbmi.com Stephanie Kiehl, CIC - Senior Regional Sales Manager Territory: Northern Illinois (262) 365-2917 - skiehl@wbmi.com Brad Thompson - Senior Regional Sales Manager Territory: Central Illinois (262) 365-2163 - brthompson@wbmi.com

Do they have underwriting authority? No Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? If yes, please provide a short description of your co-op program. Yes. West Bend has an extremely flexible co-op program utilizing a variety of different types of advertising including social media, digital, print, radio, etc. Agents work directly with their Regional Sales Manager to develop and execute an effective marketing campaign. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. West Bend uses Duck Creek Distribution Management (DCDM) Agency SelfService which allows agencies to update agency and producer information and make agency contract changes electronically with the use of e-signatures. West Bend also uses eDocs which allows for a more streamlined workflow in the agency, especially in a paperless environment. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? West Bend continues to listen to the needs of our agency partners and is focused on innovation. Some examples include our service center, additional online rating capabilities, express quote team, Bond Store, eDocs, policyholder portal and mobile app, claims texting platform, e-signatures, DAIS, agency management system integration, and application reader/data prefill technologies. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? If yes, please provide details. Yes. Examples include leads lists, customized design and print of marketing materials, co-op advertising. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? West Bend has a robust agency education platform with a broad selection of education programs for agents at all stages in their insurance career, from CSR and producer development, to agency management. We also work closely with the National Alliance to offer CIC, CISR, Dynamics, etc. courses on-site at our office.

Jim Stevens - Senior Regional Sales Manager Territory: Southern Illinois (262) 335-7031 - jstevens@wbmi.com Rob Albinger, CPCU - Regional Sales Manager Territory: Statewide (262) 334-6374 - ralbinger@wbmi.com july 2021

insight

It shouldn’t take a storm of immense proportions to find out who your customers can count on.

BUT SOMETIMES IT DOES. And that’s the Silver Lining®.

e INSIGHT -

online journal at www.iiaofil.org/Resources/Insight

JU LY 20 21

INSIGH T Special

Assoc

Feature

Profiltee Member s Plus

Gettin

Dana Pg to Know op Acting Directo ish Sev eringh r - Dep ar tm ent of

Insura

aus

nce

In this month’s e-Insight.

The Value Add In its simplest form, the value add is the ability to see your business through the eyes of your customer. By Heath Shearon july 2021

insight

Bronze Level Member

Website: www.ajwayne.com Facebook: /AJWayneAndAssociates Twitter: @AlexanderJWayn1 LinkedIn: AJ Wayne & Associates, Inc. Instagram: ajwayne1 YouTube: AJ Wayne & Assoc

Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes

Home Office Address: 2551 N. Clark St., Ste 601, Chicago

What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Online quoting. Online payments.

In which states do you do business? All 50 states. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents, Online, Association Plans, Other % of Split Business Commercial Lines

95%

Specialty

Surety/Bonding

Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? No Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Professional Liabilty Lines (E&O, D&O, EPLI, Cyber, Fiduciary) Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting authority? No What commission percentage do you pay? Specialty Lines: 10+% What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? We are always looking for independent insurance agents or specialty groups via direct contact, online or social media. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? All industries except collection agencies and all professional liability lines (E&O, D&O, EPLI, Cyber) What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We want to grow our appointments in IL.

Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. We have some online quoting capabilities, which can be expanded if needed.

Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? If yes, please provide details. We can provide electronic and printable marketing materials for our services and specific insurance products. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? We can provide some training for insurance agents from time to time or as needed. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? We are able to provide webinars and risk control classes. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? We are always trying to find new ways to grow the business and provide exceptional service and expertise to our agents and Insureds. Effective marketing and new business generation can be a challenge sometimes. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? Providing insurance products online directly to Insureds without having Insureds with appropriate knowledge, expertise or experience. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Exceptional service and expertise. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Generous commissions, no premium volume requirements, no contracts, exceptional service, expertise, great reputation, more than 170 years of combined experience by our staff.

What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? We do not have any premium volume requirements. Agency must be properly licensed and carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in E&O coverage.

insight

july 2021

Bronze Level Member

Website: www.amerisafe.com Facebook: /AMERISAFEworkerscomp Home Office Address: 2301 Hwy 190 West, DeRidder, LA Illinois Office Locations: Pekin & Peoria In which states do you do business? 27 Primary states + 15 others. All states except: Connecticut, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Washington and Wyoming. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? High Hazard for small to medium sized businesses Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Mono-line WC Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Illinois is a mature state for us. We are hoping to continue our steady growth in the state. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? High Hazard industries: Roofing, Trucking, Farming, Lumber, Manufacturing, Services, Oil & Gas, Marine, and Wholesale.

Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Co-branding flyers. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? WC industry related education of safety, claims, emods. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? COVID-19 has been a challenge for the whole industry. New pathways of communication have formed and will continue to evolve. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? Mergers and Aquisitions.We are in what appears to be a “Bigger is Better” mindset. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Discipline. While not very “sexy”, our disciplined approach had kept us from having to lay off employees during this pandemic and maintain our excellent service standards. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Our old fashioned “high personal touch” focus. Agents and policyholders are more that just a number or statistic. We bring our personnel face to face to policyholders from 3 different departments - audit, claims, safety and to our agents from our sales and safety departments.

What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Maintain. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? As a niche carrier, we look for 2-4 new organic binds a year per agency. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? No What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Online services: -direct deposit of commissions -receive policy holder monthly reporting forms -pull loss runs -Policy holder access to safetyvideos on demand

july 2021

insight

Website: www.guard.com Facebook: /guard Twitter: @GUARDInsurance LinkedIn: /company/berkshire-hathaway-guard Mobile App: BHGUARD Ins. Co. Mobile App Home Office Address: PO AH, 39 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA In which states do you do business? Countrywide What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business Commercial Lines

80%

Personal Lines

20%

Number of agencies in Illinois: 300+ Do you marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? We are excited about our continued growth in Illinois (~81% over the past five years) as we continue to roll out new products for our agents and insureds. The latest editions to our state portfolio include a Commercial Package Policy and new personal lines coverages, specifically Homeowners and Personal Umbrella, which have been very well-received. When combined with our other lines like Workers’ Compensation, our Businessowner’s Policy, Commercial Auto, and Professional Liability coverage, we’ve created a “one-stop shop” for our agents’ insurance needs. That continues to be our vision. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Our targeted industries for commercial coverage include: artisan contractors, auto services, habitational, hotels/motels, lessor’s risks, light manufacturing, professional offices, restaurants, retail stores, the service industry, and wholesalers/distributors. For personal lines, we look to insure traditional homeowners, condo/unit owners, landlords, and renters. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We are always eager to partner with independent insurance agencies that share our commitment to quality coverage and superior service and that have an appetite similar to ours. We do have openings in select areas of the state. Interested agents can send us an inquiry via www.guard.com/apply/. 34

insight

What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? We are interested in being one of the top three markets for our agency appointments, so we typically require a $75,000 to $100,000 first-year premium commitment with a good split between commercial and personal lines business. Of course, premium expectations will ultimately depend upon the size of the agency. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? If yes, please provide a short description of your coop program. We do not offer an official co-op program, however, we provide a full range of marketing resources that can be easily co-branded and used by our agents for in-person consults as well as over many digital platforms. We do consider supporting special opportunities presented to us by our agents to reach more clients on a case-by-case basis. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Our mobile app for policyholders (which syncs up with our online Policyholder Service Center) offers a wide range of self-service features for our customers. Functionality includes online payments, claims reporting and photo upload, e-audits, and the ability to download materials for loss control, vehicle insurance ID cards, and more. This technology alleviates many of the service responsibilities normally handled by our agents, and they seem grateful for the help. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? In addition to our mobile app, our agents enjoy an ease of doing business with us through GUARD E-Z rate our online submission process; “Automatic Underwriting” which provides straight-through processing for many popular classes; upload/download functionality; and participation with various third-party comparative rating systems. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Our online Agency Service Center contains a Tools & Resources portal that offers all kinds of product and service materials for use by our agents with their clients. In addition to co-brandable flyers, we offer a “Social Share” with posts ready for Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter that can be shared with the click of a button. Our next effort includes a series of short industry-specific videos that agents can post just as easily to draw in new clients.

july 2021

Bronze Level Member

What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? All of our new agents undergo a thorough, hands-on training session which covers our products, services, and technology. Ongoing information is provided via our Agency Service Center as well as via emails, and our sales staff regularly contacts our agents in-person or by phone to relay the latest news and offer reminders about our product and service enhancements. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? Covid-19 impacted the world, and the insurance industry is no exception. While our premium growth over the past several years has averaged +20-25% year over year, 2020 slowed us down a bit, though we still grew by 7%. The Workers’ Compensation line was hit especially hard due to decreasing payrolls and continued downward rates. We hope this trend will lift in 2021 and we are cautiously optimistic about getting back to our normal growth trajectory.

What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? We are proud to be part of the Berkshire Hathaway Group which is recognized for its outstanding ethical standards as well as financial strength. When the pandemic hit, we pledged to assist those customers undergoing hardship by providing payment relief measures such as grace periods, fee waivers, suspension of cancellations, and even returned premiums in some cases. We also modified a number of our underwriting guidelines to provide expanded coverages that we wouldn’t necessarily consider under normal circumstances. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies are all rated A+ “Superior” by A.M. Best and backed by the financial strength of the Berkshire Hathaway Group, one of the strongest organizations in the world. In challenging times, consumers need to rely on a company with a strong balance sheet and not worry about how claims will be paid.

Workers’ Compensation We distinguish our Workers’ Compensation coverage by providing value-added services before, during, and after a claim. We’ve been successfully protecting our policyholders and their employees since 1983. Up-front loss control measures Responsive claims handling Facilitation of quality medical care (when an accident does occur) Browse all of our commercial and personal line products at www.guard.com. Our Workers’ Compensation policy is available nationwide except in monopolistic states: ND, OH, WA, and WY.

APPLY TO BE AN AGENT: WWW.GUARD.COM/APPLY/ AmGUARD • EastGUARD • NorGUARD • WestGUARD

july 2021

insight

Bronze Level Member

What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We are open to new appointments.

Website: www.colinsgrp.com Facebook: /ColumbiaInsuranceGroup Twitter: @colinsgrp LinkedIn: @columbia-insurance-group Home Office Address: 2102 White Gate Dr, Columbia, MO Illinois Office Location: Bloomington In which states do you do business? MO, AR, IL, SD, IA, NE, KS, OK, TX, MS, AL, GA, TN, KY What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Total Written Businesss Premium

Illinois Only

Commercial Lines

85%

$170M

$7M

Personal Lines

15%

$875K

$127K

Number of agencies in Illinois: Around 120 agency locations Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Generalist Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? All commercial lines, Personal Auto and Personal Umbrella Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? Yes

What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? We want to partner with agencies that have that focus on Commercial Lines and have the ability to get to $300,000 in the first 2-3 years of their appointment. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? Yes, for our Pinnacle agencies (volume and loss ratio requirements). What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? We recently introducted TouchPointNOW which allows certain BOP risks and their associated lines to automatically be issued if criteria are met. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? As a regional carrier, we pride ourselves on truly partnering with agents. Our agents have the same Underwriter regardless of size of account or where it’s at in the policy life cycle. We have the ability to listen and understand about accounts to help place more business than just letting a computer handle the decisions.

What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? We are currently on a three-year plan to grow our WP to $10M in IL. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Our sweet spot is small to mid-size commercial risks.

insight

july 2021

Bronze Level Member

Since 1886, Continental Western Group® (CWG) has specialized in commercial insurance and has been proud to work to understand our clients’ unique businesses. We are committed to partnering with our agents and customers to provide coverage written specifically to their needs. We understand businesses are not cookie cutter and believe insurance shouldn’t be either. Throughout our Midwestern footprint, CWG provides tailored solutions to meet the needs of your unique commercial business. Website: www.cwgins.com Facebook: /cwgins Twitter: @cwgins LinkedIn: /company/51273 Home Office Address: 11201 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA In which states do you do business? IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, WI, MO, CO, WY, NE, ND, SD, KS What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Target Markets: At a high level, CWG is designed to create deeper relationships with our customers and agency partners. We serve a wide range of customer vertical markets from agribusiness and manufacturing to construction and retailers. The CWG footprint is focused within 13 Midwestern states and has the ability to write for many of our target markets in 40 states. Our associates live and work throughout our footprint, and are engrained in the communities in which we serve. Most importantly, at CWG, we underwrite to the individual customer, not just a class of business. This is how we all win. Specialty Lines: Continental Western Group has built several specialty programs for businesses and entities that fall outside of traditional insurance programs. CWG understands that in certain industries, customers need a provider that will focus on their unique needs. Our Specialty Lines include: Fire/EMS Pak: Specialty insurance program designed to address the highly technical and hazardous nature of services provided by fire departments and emergency medical services organizations provide. Public Entity PAK: Specialty insurance program designed to address the unique nature of small public entities and special districts. Telecommunications: From telephone and cable companies to internet and cellular providers, the CWG july 2021

Telecommunications program is designed for rural communities. This program bundles property, general liability, business auto, inland marine, and crime coverage in one simple and convenient policy. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Our focus is limited distribution and we want to provide our agents franchise value in the marketplace. Relationships with our agencies is so important since we aren’t contracted with every agency, we feel this helps to set us apart from our competition. Does your Company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Community Involvement: Giving back to the communities where we live and work is an important part of our culture at CWG. Employees throughout the company give their time and talent as well as dollars and donations. Most recently, we have supported organizations across our 13 state footprint including United Way, Habitat for Humanity, NAMI, JDRF, and multiple local food-related organizations including local pantries and Feeding America. Continental Western Group, in partnership with W. R. Berkley Charitable Foundation, actively supports 501(c) (3) organizations within our communities. Our funding decisions are based on a program’s demonstrated efficiency, support by company volunteers, and advancement of employee and community well-being. Funding emphasis is placed on Health & Human Services, Community Betterment, Youth Development, Education, and Arts and Culture. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? At CWG, our priority is protecting our customer’s business operations, employees and customers. We work as extensions of their operation, developing effective risk management solutions based on the unique needs and concerns of each customer – not a pre-established checklist. Our team of customer-focused advisors and technicians have the knowledge and technical expertise to help manage risk, reduce the potential for losses, and let customers focus on the business of business. In Closing: We are committed to using our collective talents, knowledge, and unique perspective to find innovative solutions. We find solutions that others can’t or won’t. That’s the magic of our team. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our agency partners and remind you that our commitment is to continue to Find Greater for you and our shared customers for years to come. insight

insight

july 2021

Bronze Level Member

Website: www.gaddiscompany.com Home Office Address: 21 S. Evergreen Ave., Ste 220 Arlington Heights, IL In which states do you do business? All States What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Total Written Businesss Premium Commercial 100% Lines

$33,000,000

Illinois Only $27,000,000

Number of agencies in Illinois: 400 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? No Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? E&O/D&O/Cyber and hard to place P&C Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? We continue to add professional staff and carriers as necessary to service the needs of independent agents on hard to place P&C, Illinois Liquor Liability, D&O, E&O, Cyber, Media and Crime coverages. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Our target has always been commercial lines of business independent agents are having difficulty placing with their standard markets, or on lines where they need special expertise. This can vary from year to year. Right now, we are seeing a lot of opportunity on D&O, EPL, Cyber, excess/umbrella, Illinois liquor liability, vacant buildings, cat exposure, and contractors. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We plan to grow our Illinois agency appoints. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? We have no minimum premium volume requirements. Our goal is to earn business from our agents, rather than require it.

What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? We want working with us to be as easy and seamless as possible. We strive to eliminate “red-tape” or duplicative information requests whenever possible. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? We provide informational material to assist agents with explaining and marketing specialty coverages. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? We periodically conduct seminars for our agents on specialty coverages and working effectively with wholesalers. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? Consolidation at the wholesale and retail level presents both a challenge and an opportunity for us. We believe responsive, knowledgeable wholesalers who add value will continue to thrive. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? Complacency. All intermediaries at every level need to be efficient, service oriented, highly skilled, and add value to their clients and carriers to remain viable. Agents who do this will continue to prosper, especially as mega-agents move away from highly individualized client service toward service centers. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? We have remained proudly independent and family-owned through extreme challenges from soft markets and extensive mergers among our agents and competitors. We have an amazing team of seasoned, caring and dedicated professionals with virtually no turnover, and we are privileged to work with some fantastic agents, who are not only trusted partners, but also good friends. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? For the same reason an independent agent is often the best option for an insured, so too is an independent wholesaler often the best option for an agent. You’ll work with an experienced, responsive and competent professional whose focus is on doing the best possible job for you and your clients.

Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? We do not have a specific program, but are happy to discuss mutual opportunities to support our agents with their marketing efforts.

july 2021

insight

Bronze Level Member

Website: www.donegalgroup.com Facebook: /DonegalGroup Twitter: @Donegal_Ins LinkedIn: Donegal Insurance Group Instagram: @donegalinsurancegroup Home Office Address: 1195 River Road, Marietta, PA In which states do you do business? Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Maryland, Delaware What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Number of agencies in Illinois: 37 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Contractors, Distributors, Garages Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? All lines Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No What commission percentage do you pay? Commercial Lines

New

Renewal

BOP

17.5%

15%

Package

17.5%

15%

Property

15%

12%

Auto

14%

Workers’ Comp

12%

Umbrella

12%

What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Donegal is focused on growing in the state of Illinois and executing our business plan. That is to continue to partner with the right commercial-driven agencies and grow our market share profitably.

insight

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Donegal offers a very competitive and comprehensive commercial lines product. We target a number of different commercial industries, but have a focus on contractors, distributors, garages, restaurants and mercantile. We also have a new manufacturing product coming out in 2021 which will allow us to focus more on light-to-medium manufacturing risks. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We currently have 37 agencies appointed in Illinois. Our goal is to appoint agencies that desire to work with a strong regional carrier that is more focused on commercial lines. Donegal’s goal in Illinois is to selectively appoint strategic agencies that align with our values and goals. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? If yes, please provide a short description of your coop program. Donegal has a program called Agency of Distinction. Within this program there are benefits for Advertising and Sponsorship, along with increased revenue opportunities. There are written premium requirements that need to met to be eligible for the program, but these dollars increase in value as an agency grows with Donegal. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Donegal provides an online rating platform for Commercial Lines called WriteBiz. We continue to enhance our the platform by offering straight through processing. This streamlined process offers less agency input for qualification and binding. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? If yes, please provide details. Donegal has a program called Agency of Distinction. Within this program there are benefits for Advertising and Sponsorship, along with increased revenue opportunities. There are written premium requirements that need to met to be eligible for the program, but these dollars increase in value as an agency grows with Donegal. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Donegal has been doing business since 1889. Donegal is committed to consistently delivering superior service and fulfill our commitment to our customers to be there when it matters most. Donegal is also 100% committed to the independent channel and that is the only way we distribute our product.

july 2021

Bronze Level Member

Website: www.emcins.com Home Office Address: 717 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA Illinois Office Address: 1815 Meyers Rd Ste 500. Oakbrook Terrace, IL In which states do you do business? Licensed and filed in all states with exceptions in several states. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Written Business Premium Commercial 100% Lines

IL Only

$1,800,000,000 $68,000,000

Number of agencies in Illinois: 115 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Manufacturing, Wholesale, Distributors & Small Contractors Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? All Lines

Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? We can offer co-op dollars with our agents. We would discuss these on an agency level. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. We will be implementing a new Agent Facing platform late 2021 early 2022. This will provide EOB for our agents. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Our new platform will give agents the ability to quote & issue without UW referral. There will be pricing guidelines built in with +/- IRPM available. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? We have the ability to provide Leads List based on geography and SIC code. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? EMC has a strong Intern Program in many Branch offices and Corporate Office.

Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Manufacturing, Wholesale, Distribution, Small Contractors, BOP What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Grow

july 2021

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Bronze Level Member

Website: www.indianafarmers.com Facebook: /indianafarmersinsurance Twitter: @indianafarmers LinkedIn: indiana-farmers-insurance Instagram: @indianafarmersinsurance Home Office Address: 10 West 106th St. Indianapolis, IN In which states do you do business? IN, IL, OH, KY What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products)? Independent Agents % of Split Business Commercial Lines

29%

Personal Lines

57%

Farm

14%

We are writing commercial lines, farm lines, private passenger auto, and commercial auto to support the farm. Are there counties/areas in Illinois that your company does not write in? We are building our business in the central region of Illinois currently. Number of agencies in Illinois: 19 Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Commercial Lines / Farm Lines What commission percentage do you pay? We offer a strong base and contingency commission program. What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Our plan is to grow steadily and consistently in Illinois. We have consistently exceeded our growth goals in Illinois since entering the state in 2019. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Farm Lines including grain, confinement, other commodities. Commercial lines lessors risk, ag, commercial auto, workers compensation, BOP business, mainstreet commercial risks. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We will continue to grow our agency footprint in Illinois for many years to come. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? We set growth expectations individually with our agency partners annually. Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? Each field marketing manager has co-op dollars available to him/her to work with his agency partners and promote new business / branding. 42

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Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out. We have a home-built rating system (VelociRater) which is intuitive and we consistently improve with input from our agency partners. Constant enhancements are being implemented. We will be adding additional straight-through processing of various endorsements in the near term as we continually improve our ease of doing business. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? We continue to improve our rating platforms in speed, design and functionality. Currently we are improving the Personal Umbrella and Commercial Umbrella rating systems to make them more intuitive and user-friendly. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Yes, we offer artistic support, design support, and we offer an advertising resource to our agents - the character is recognized by 95% of people on the planet! Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? We support various university scholarships in Indiana at Ball State, Indiana State and Butler. We offer training to agency staff on products/ systems and an annual CE event for CSRs and CSAs. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? Price adequacy, changing technology, attracting young talent to the business, growing market share against the direct writers to name a few. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? Providing an exceptional customer experience during the insurance transaction process. Independent agents marketing themselves and their businesses effectively. Carriers who go direct and undercut their business partners. Agents ability to keep up with technology, to name just a few. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? We have a vision that focuses on the member. Everything we do focuses on improving the customer experience, which we believe helps our independent agency partners retain members as we work to mutually serve them to the best of our abilities. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? We are fully invested in the IA channel. We offer competitive products, intuitive rating systems and a partnership approach with our agents towards writing business. We have strong direct and contingency commission programs. Our aforementioned vision focuses on consistent improvement of the customer experience, helps us understand what our members want, measures our success in delivering a superior experience and helps focus us on best serving our members.

july 2021

Bronze Level Member

Website: www.jmwilson.com Facebook: /jmwilsonmga LinkedIn: /company/jmwilson/ Home Office Address: 8036 Moorsbridge Rd, Portage, MI Illinois Office Address: 85 W. Algonquin, Ste. 300 Arlington Heights, IL

In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Our CustomersFirst philosophy drives the culture throughout all 8 of our offices with a focus on the experience that our agents and carrier partners can expect when working with JM Wilson underwriters and support staff.

In which states do you do business? Most states, exceptions based on line of business. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? Yes What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Commercial transportation, property & casualty, professional, brokerage, marine, personal lines, surety What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? No minimum premium volume requirements for appointed agents with JM Wilson, we are a resource for agents whenever they have the need for E&S business and realize that may be to a small degree for some agents. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Our agency portal on the JM Wilson website allows appointed agents with a log in to access production figures, rating programs from various carriers, ability to submit claims, endorsements and applications and obtain quotes for financing. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Our agents will always receive confirmation that their submission has been received as well as confirmation when coverage is bound. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? We are proud of being a third generation, family owned and operated MGA for over 100 years. The company was founded by our President’s grandfather.

july 2021

2021 JM Wilson CF Insurance Insight.indd 3

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43 PM 4:19

Bronze Level Member

Website: https://business.libertymutual.com/ Facebook: /libertymutual LinkedIn: /company/liberty-mutual-small-commercial/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCNa2jl24QeBpH_ Bm8q79krA Home Office Address: 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA Illinois Office Address: 27201 Bella Vista Parkway Warrenville, IL In which states do you do business? Liberty Mutual Business Lines is filed in 49 States other than Hawaii. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Liberty Mutual has a generalist appetite. Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Multi-Lines Insurer What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Liberty Mutual Business Lines is looking to grow in Small to Mid-sized Business, Farm, and Inland Marine. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Small Commercial, Inland Marine, Farm and Complex larger accounts in Manufacturing, Distribution/Wholesalers, Contractors, and Lessors Risk.

Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Liberty Mutual provides our agency partners with print, digital, and video marketing materials that can be co-branded by the agent. In addition, Liberty Mutual provides over 33 on-line training programs specifically focused on agency marketing through our Agent Learning Center. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? Through our Agent Learning Center we provide our agency partners with coverage, product, marketing, sales & service, and professional development training courses. In addition, we provide access to a Producer Development Program, a CSR Development Program, and a Marketer Development Program. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Liberty Mutual is very proud of the impact that Liberty Mutual has on our local communities through Liberty Mutual Corporate, Employees, and our Independent Agency Partners. Our 2020 Impact $64 million+ Total Corporate and Employee Giving $11.5 million+ Give with Liberty, Employee Giving $1.375 million given through our Agent Giving programs 39,438 Volunteer with Liberty, hours logged

What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We are looking to grow our Agency Plant throughout the State of Illinois. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? Varies based on agency. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Liberty Mutual has introduced eCLIQ Simple BOP and Auto products that offers a faster, and easier way to quote , bind, and issue coverage for small business owners. With over 160 classes for contractors, retail and service businesses, you can tailor protection to meet the specific needs of your small business clients in only minutes.

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july 2021

Bronze Level Member

Website: www.mercuryinsurance.com Facebook: /MercuryInsurance Twitter: @MercuryIns LinkedIn: mercury-insurance Mobile App: Mercury Insurance Home Office Address: 4484 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Illinois Office Address: 100 S Saunders Rd. Ste 150/Office 110 Lake Forest, IL

In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Since its formation in 1961, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing competitive rates with excellent customer service. We provide comprehensive coverage options for auto, home, condo and renters. We take pride in providing smooth and efficient claims resolutions.

In which states do you do business? Arizona, California,Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey,New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Number of agencies in Illinois: 456 What commission percentage do you pay? Personal Lines

New

Renewal

Auto

14%

12%

Home

15%

Umbrella

15%

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Homeowners, Condo, Renters, Personal Auto and Umbrella What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We plan to continue to appoint new agencies in IL.

Proud Supporter of Illinois Independent Agents

The Mercury Advantage in Illinois • One of the fastest and easiest point-of-sale systems • Lower down payments and more billing options • Competitive pricing for a wider variety of risks • Generous compensation plans • Financial stability

Does your company offer a bonus or profitsharing arrangement? Yes Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Flyreel DIY Home Inspection. Mercury Advantage PPA Mercury Home 1.0 planned release in 2022 AgentCenter 2.0 planned release in 2022 What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? AgentCenter, Mercury Service Center Support, Customer Mobile App, Mercury Requote for Home and Personal Auto.

Susan Stone Janczewski

Kristen Savage

Karen Clark

Tom Duprey

Patricia Lee

Dir. Regional Sales Development (405) 621-6588 Sales Development Manager (847) 257-9696 Sr. Marketing Rep. (847) 816-4354

july 2021

Sr. Marketing Rep. (847) 816-4321

Marketing Account Rep. (405) 621-6690 Marketing Account Rep. (405) 621-6603

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Bronze Level Member

Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. We recently launched a new agency and customer portal to input and service Previsor policies as well as MEM policies.

Website: www.previsorinsurance.com Facebook: /previsorinsurance Twitter: @previsorins LinkedIn: @previsor-insurance Podcast: www.mem-ins.com/podcast Home Office Address: 101 N Keene St, Ste C, Columbia, MO In which states do you do business? Backed by the financial strength of Missouri Employers Mutual (MEM), Previsor writes business in AR, IA, IL, KS, NE and TN. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business Commercial Lines 100%

Written Premium

IL Only

$9.3 million

$ 3.4 million

Are there counties/areas in Illinois that your company does not write in? Focus is central and southern IL. We do not want to write in Cook County. Number of agencies in Illinois: 124 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? No, we have a broad appetite. Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? WC only What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Previsor began writing in IL in 2019 and our plan is to grow our midwest states significantly over the next few years. Since we are starting from a small base, 100% growth for the next several years would be our goal. Initially we required payroll in MO to write a Previsor policy in IL, but those guidelines have been removed and we are ready to appoint and grow in IL. What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Automobile Related Operations; Healthcare Operations; Restaurants and Food Services; Landscaping, Janitorial Services; Artisan Contracting operations; Healthcare operations. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? Consistent submission flow. Goal is $100k in a 12 month period. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? We currently have a Signature Partner program where a co op program is available among other rewards.

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What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Previsor recently introduced a new agency and customer portal making the quoting process faster and improved turn around times. Does your vompany provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Marketing assistance is available through our Signature Partner program. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? CE Training is available to our agents and we currently have webex training for new producers and those that need fundamental WC training. Currently approved for CE credits in IL. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? Continuing Education courses approved in IL include: Basics of Audits, Emod Explained; Managing difficult WC claims, Uninsured Subcontractors & WC; what is WC and WC Fraud. We consistently review and update CE opportunities for our agency partners. What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? Monoline WC continues to be very competitive. However, we are growing and opening new states with Previsor. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? Consolidation is increasing and those that can’t keep up with automation and customer expectataions will suffer long term. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Previsor (along with Missouri Employers Mutual) has a long reputation of keeping workers safe. We are here to help your policyholders build a culture of safety. We have built a reputation for outstanding service and support. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Workers compensation is all we do. We are specialists in this line of business and can help improve results with our extensive Risk Control and Claims services. We are fully backed by Missouri Employers Mutual which holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best Company. Our safety and claims services help protect policyholders employees and their business. july 2021

Copper Level Member

Website: www.afgroup.com Facebook: /AFGroupIns Twitter: @AFGroupIns LinkedIn: @afgroup-ins Home Office Address: 200 N. Grand, Lansing, MI In which states do you do business? AF Group brands have the ability to write workers’ compensation in all 50 states. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Workers’ compensation Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? Yes

Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Virtual ergonomic assessments using artificial intelligence and motion capture technology Does your Company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Online Resource Library with downloadable marketing collateral, loss control resources (tip sheets, posters, training manuals), claims info, etc. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? www.afgroup.com/education/ What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? www.afgroup.com/education/continuing-education/

Does your Company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes

july 2021

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Copper Level Member

Website: www.fmcmutual.com Home Office Address: 312 N Main St, Mt. Carroll, IL Illinois Office Location: 305 Decatur St, Lincoln, IL In which states do you do business? Illinois What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business

Written Premium

Personal Lines 40%

$7 million

Farm

$9 million

60%

Number of agencies in Illinois: 200 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Ag

What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? 50,000 in three years Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? Yes, 50/50 Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Vastly improved help text in our quoter. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Provided stable markets through all types of challenging economic/weather environments. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Our friendly responsive service.

Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Farm/Rural Property Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No What commission percentage do you pay? Personal Lines

New

Renewal

Home

15%

Umbrella

15%

What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? 5% growth What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Agriculture What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Cautious Growth

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july 2021

Copper Level Member

Website: www.thehelpfulpeople.com Facebook: /GrandGeneralAgency LinkedIn: GrandGeneralAgency Instagram: GrandGeneralAgency Home Office Address: 1240 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI In which states do you do business? We can write in 45 of 50 states, with a concentration in MI, WI, IL, IN, IA, OH, MN, and MO. What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business Commercial Lines

30%

Personal Lines

70%

What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? We have an education page on our website with training videos for several products and carriers available through us as an MGA. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? At Grand General, we pride ourselves on providing better service than you receive anywhere else. We want you to work with us in a manner that makes the most sense for you. If you like to call for quotes, our licensed agents will answer the phone. If you prefer to prepare your own quotes, we offer carrier logins whenever possible. We are “The Helpful People.” It is not just a slogan- it is our goal.

Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Property & Casualty Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? All lines What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We are an insurance wholesaler looking to continue to grow and add new agencies in Illinois, as well as the other states we write in. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? We do not have any quotas or minimum volume requirements. Does your Company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? No

july 2021

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Copper Level Member

Website: www.HSB.com Facebook: /HartfordSteamBoiler Twitter: @htfdsteamboiler LinkedIn: /company/hsb Home Office Address: 1 State Street, Hartford, CT Illinois Office Address: 1011 Warrenville Rd, Suite 400 Lisle, IL In which states do you do business? All 50 states What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents, Other Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? No Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Equipment Breakdown, Cyber and Identity Recovery Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? HSB is a multi-line specialty niche insurer and reinsurer. Products currently available for monoline placement by independent agents include Equipment Breakdown insurance, Cyber liability coverages and Identity Recovery insurance. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. HSB’s Applied Technology Solutions delivers industry-leading IoT (Internet of Things solutions inside small commercial businesses & across campuses such as apartment complexes & universities. This early warning system monitors water, temperature, and power conditions 24/7, analyzes the data, and issues alerts when changes suggest trouble in order to reduce and minimize losses for policyholders.

ACORD form. IVANS Markets is another online platform that is free for agents to use. HSB participates in this platform so that agents can see the types of risks that are within our appetite for Equipment Breakdown, Cyber and Identity Recovery coverages. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? HSB provides agents with access to our marketing materials via an online application in HSB Front Door. Agents can easily search for materials that can help them promote coverages to their clients. In addition, agents who become strategic partners may receive access to customized or cobranded materials to drive business results. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? HSB proudly supports the national Big “I” InVEST program whose aim it is to attract top talent to the independent agency channel. InVEST offers scholarships to program graduates who want to pursue a career in insurance. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? HSB offers appointed agents free continuing education webinars on these important coverage topics: Equipment Breakdown Insurance, Cyber Insurance, and Identity Recovery. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? With our 150 year history, HSB sets the standard in specialty insurance to help you stay ahead of emerging risks in a complex world. HSB is rated A++ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, and as part of Munich Re, we have the ability to leverage a global knowledge base to develop and deliver innovative, forward-thinking risk solutions. We offer first-class inspection services, loss reduction and engineering-based risk management consultation.

What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload onagents? HSB has teamed up with Appulate to deliver a better, faster and more efficient quoting process. It’s one of the many ways we’re adding new digital capabilities that make it easier for independent agents to do business with HSB and keep their clients ahead of emerging risks. Agents can quote, rate and bind Equipment Breakdown and Cyber coverages without rekeying data already entered in an

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july 2021

Copper Level Member

Website: www.ilcasco.com Facebook: /ICClnsurance Twitter: : @ICC Insurance LinkedIn: Illinois Casualty Company Instagram: @ICClnsurance Mobile App: ICC2Go

Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? No

Home Office Address: 225 20th Street, Rock Island, IL

What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Maintain

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Food and beverage industry, cannabis dispensaries.

In which states do you do business? Illinois, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin

What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? $350,000

What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents

Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes

% of Split Business: Commercial Lines - 100%

Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? Yes

Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Food and Beverage Industry Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? BOP, LL, WC, UL

In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Specialist in the niche since 1950.

h g i h s n o i t a t pec

FOR

cannabis dispensary coverage Let’s get blunt: your customers need coverage they can count on. At ICC, you’ll find we don’t just set high expectations – we exceed them, day-in and day-out with quality coverage for retail cannabis dispensaries in Illinois. Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

july 2021

www.ilcasco.com

Download our app: ICC2Go insight

Copper Level Member

Website: www.methodinsurance.com Home Office Address: 13810 FNB Parkway Suite 200 Omaha, NE In which states do you do business? All non-monopolistic states except NY, MN, and ID What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business: Commercial Lines - 100% Number of agencies in Illinois: 22 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? Construction, manufacturing, transportation, ag, healthcare

Do your marketing representatives have underwriting authority? Yes What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Workers compensation with a focus in Construction, Transportation, Manufacturing, Ag, and Healthcare. What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Grow Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? We help with challenging risks while providing top notch service.

Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Work Comp

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july 2021

Copper Level Member

Website: www.roushins.com Facebook: /roushins Home Office Address: 18077 River Road, Suite 107 Noblesville, IN In which states do you do business? Indiana, Illinois, Ohio What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business Commercial Lines

71%

Personal Lines

18%

Specialty

11%

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Our agency offers a wide range of commercial and personal lines products and can tailor coverages to meet the needs of various applicants. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? We have no volume commitment and welcome the opportunity to assist all independent agents with excess and surplus lines market placement. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. Roush Rater offers 24/7 online firm quotations for our exclusive Roush Dwelling Program with a fillable application. We also offer online artisan contractor indications and some pass-through P&C quoting.

july 2021

What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? Submissions can be emailed to quote@roushins.com for prompt handling. Online account payment is available. A new customer portal with expanded capability is planned for 2022. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Marketing fliers for a variety of products are available upon request. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? We plan to offer in-person and livestream CE in our new state-of-the art conference room in 2022. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Our agency is family-owned and continues to thrive independently after being in business for over 30 years. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? We are commited to providing independent agents with superior customer service while demonstrating excellence in underwriting. True to our vision of being ‘Special Risk Professionals’, we have binding authority with top carriers, access to a variety of brokerage markets and experienced, knowledgeable staff members who share our passion for the industry.

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Commercial | Personal | Farm-Ag | Specialty

Betsy V. Commercial Lines Underwriter

Matthew B. Illinois Sales Manager

Tyler H. Agribusiness Lines

Underwriter

Honest relationships SECURA’s team of insurance experts is making insurance genuine. They are here to support you and your clients. Our underwriting teams are quick to reply, open-minded, and know their stuff. Plus they are backed by our caring claims group who will get your clients back on their feet.

Interested in building a relationship? Contact us at secura.net/IL-agents.

Tyler S. Specialty Lines Underwriter

Tricia B., Personal Lines Underwriter

Hear from our experts. Want to learn more about what SECURA has to offer? Scan the QR code or visit secura.net/IL-agents for more information about the SECURA team.

Copper Level Member

Website: www.secura.net Facebook: /securainsurance Twitter: @SecuraInsurance LinkedIn: /company/secura-insurance/ Instagram: @secura_insurance

What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Illinois is SECURA’s third largest state in terms of written premium. Our business plan calls for continued growth in all lines of coverage for the foreseeable future.

Home Office Address: 1500 Mutual Way, Neenah, WI SECURA has claims, risk managment, underwriting, training, and sales associates located in Illinois.

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? SECURA offers a broad range of competitive commercial, personal, farm, nonprofit, and special events products.

In which states do you do business? Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Wisconsin What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Written Business Premium

IL Only

48%

$375 million

$38 million

23%

$185 million

$ 8 million

Specialty

10%

$ 80 million

$10 million

Farm-Ag

19%

$145 million

$ 6 million

Number of agencies in Illinois: 130 Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? SECURA is a generalist writing a wide range of accounts with our independent agents. Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? No, we write all lines in IL. Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting authority? Yes What commission percentage do you pay? Personal Lines

New

Renewal

Auto

15%

Home

15%

Umbrella

15%

Commercial Lines

New

Renewal

BOP

20%

15%

Package

20%

15%

Auto

15%

Workers’ Comp

Variable

Umbrella

15%

Specialty Lines

20%

15%

july 2021

What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We plan to appoint new agencies across the state as our business opportunities align. We do not have a specific number of agencies targeted for new appointments. However, we do anticipate that we will continue to grow our agency representation as our premiums and policy counts increase. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? Ideally, SECURA would like to be a top three carrier with all of our agency partners. Sometimes that is not a realistic expectation, so our hope is to reach $1 million in total writings as quickly as possible with each agency. We begin paying out profit sharing dollars at the $250,000 premium level so that we can provide additional revenue to support the growth efforts of the agency. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Does your company offer co-op dollars to your agencies? SECURA does not have funds available for a co-op program with our agents. Over time, the cost to embed SECURA’s, or our agent’s, value proposition has become prohibitive. We choose to invest our expense dollars in training for our agents and sales resources for our product lines. Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. One of our most recent technology initiatives we’ve rolled out is our online rater for small business, SECURA BizLink. We’re continually adding more classes available to be quoted using BizLink and making improvements based on agent feedback. We’re excited to have this tool available to our agents to make doing business with SECURA even easier. continued...

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continued... What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? We’re always looking for ways to make doing business with us easier. Within the last year, we rolled out our online rater for small business, SECURA BizLink. We listen to agent feedback to guide where we can make improvements in our processes or implement new tools. We also value direct conversations with our agents to help alleviate extra work for them. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? We offer marketing resources (postcards, handouts, brochures, etc.) for all lines of business in our online Sales Resource Center for agents. Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? We offer training for SECURA agents via in-person training classes, live webinars, and self-study training. Training is only available to SECURA contracted agencies. What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? We offer training for SECURA agents via in-person training classes, live webinars, and self-study training. Training is only available to SECURA contracted agencies. We have a plethora of training with continuing education credits attached and training without continuing education credits attached. How active is your company in the legislative arena on a state and national level? SECURA relies on its state and federal insurance trade associations as its primary means of legislative education and advocacy. We support the efforts of the trade associations through participation in various programs and activities. SECURA’s contact for legislative/ regulatory matters is Dan Ferris, SECURA’s Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary.

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What concerns, changes or challenges does your company face now and in the future? The challenges we face are to stay ahead of the accelerating change in technology to service our agency partners and policyholders. Retiring legacy systems is challenging, time-consuming, and costly. We are committed to our agency partners and will work with them to stay on top of services and products to serve their customers and policyholders. What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? The independent agent system has shown incredible resiliency. 2020 highlighted the independent agent systems’ ability to adjust to change. We are incredibly proud to partner with our independent agents and for how they were able to serve their customers during the pandemic. Being nimble and reinvesting into their organizations allowed successful agencies to service their customers from their offices, homes, or in person when appropriate. We believe complacency is the most significant threat to the independent agent system. Not reinvesting in themselves to stay on top of technology and training to better serve customers and provide increase customer experience and services is a challenge for all of us. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? SECURA was founded in 1900. Over the past 121 years, we’ve been able to ride out storms and continue to stay a strong company while keeping relationships at the core. Our focus is on making insurance genuine and providing exceptional service. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? SECURA offers a broad range of competitive commercial, personal, farm, nonprofit, and special events products. Our teams know the importance of strong relationships and providing exceptional service. Plus, SECURA is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best for our excellent ability to meet policyholder obligations and is a Ward’s Top 50 company for outstanding results in financial performance and consistency over a five-year period.

july 2021

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Website: www.stateauto.com Home Office Address: 518 E Broad St, Columbus, OH In which states do you do business? A map of our operating states can be found here: http://www.stateautomarketing.com/connect/pdfs/all/ SMSA-14.pdf What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents Illinois Marketing Representatives: Laurel Matthews Laurel.Matthews@StateAuto.com - (217) 216-0548 Crystal Linnzeman Crystal.Linnzeman@StateAuto.com - (733) 678-8639 Joshua Wankovsky Joshua.Wankovsky@Stateauto.com - (224) 856-7252 Number of agencies in Illinois: 400+ Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? We do separate personal and commercial underwriters. Underwriters are trained on all lines of business. We also have underwriting technical specialists who do specialize in specific industries. Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? For Commercial Lines we have Underwriting Technical Specialists who do focus on specific lines of business. What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? Per A.M Best we are top 5 growing carriers in Home, BOP & BAP. Each line has a plan of double digit growth.

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What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? Personal Lines: Auto, Home, Dwelling Fire, Umbrella, Other Personal Lines Commercial Lines: Businessowners (BOP), Commercial Package (CPP), Commercial Auto, Workers’ Compensation, Umbrella, Inland Marine & Other Commercial Lines. Industries: Contracting, Distribution/Wholesale, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail, Services, Manufacturing* eligible for Commercial Package, Commercial Auto and Workers’ Compensation Farm: Farm & Ranch, Farm Auto, Farm Workers’ Compensation, Farm Umbrella, Other Farm What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? Our farm and State Auto Connect reps are appointing new agents in Illinois! What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? Please reach out to our marketing reps for details. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? Yes Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. We rolled out a new quoting platform for all of our lines of business in Personal Lines, Commercial Lines and Farm & Ranch. It’s fully digital, allowing for quoting, signing and making payments online. On average it takes only 5 minutes to quote a BOP, Business Auto or Workers’ Compensation policy in the Small Commercial space. Nearly 80% of our Small Commercial policies go straight through! Which means the system underwrites it! We’ve also implemented self-guided inspections for homes & BOP restaurants.

july 2021

Copper Level Member

What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on the agents? State Auto’s policies are digital, meaning everything is online, quoting, signatures and making payments. We’ve added features & will continue to add features to our 24/7 self-service for State Auto policyholders in managing their accounts with the intent to allow agents more time to focus on non-administrative items, such as prospecting and writing business. We’re in the process of implementing new dashboards for CSR’s. We have digital claims capabilities for Auto and Property, including virtual estimates and payment capabilities. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Agents may access State Auto’s marketing materials here: https://stateautomarketing.com/connect/ Does your company provide training opportunities or scholarships for students, independent agency producers, or CSRs who are new to the industry? State Auto has a proven, exceptional producer and CSR program called Pacesetters. This program celebrated it’s 25 year anniversary in 2021! For more information: https://pacesetter.stateauto.com/

What do you see as the largest threat to IA system/ channel? Getting new producers. State Auto has a program to train them called Pacesetters. It is award winning. The producers that graduate our year long program, earn 30% more other new producers. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? State Auto cares about it’s communities and has actively been involved for 100+ years. State Auto associates consistently provide more than 4,000 volunteer hours in our communities. The State Auto Foundation & Jack C Boyle Matching Gift fund donated nearly $500,000 in 2019. We’re working to reduce our carbon footprint 75% by 2025. This level of care carries over to our company operations. For example State Auto’s Workers’ Compensation claims has a 99% success rate of getting employees off of opioids within 90 days. We’re literally saving lives and getting employees back to work healthy. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? State Auto is fully committed, solely, to the independent agency channel as a way to do business. We’ve had record sales, we’ve had record agent payouts and we ONLY DO BUSINESS through the INDEPENDENT AGENCY CHANNEL.

What type of continuing education is offered to your agents on products, sales, and other topics? We offer webinars on our personal lines, commercial lines and farm products on a regular basis. We have ongoing weekly product webinars and offer numerous additional product and system webinars outside of this space.

july 2021

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Copper Level Member

Website: www.gotapco.com LinkedIn: Tapco Underwriters, Inc. Home Office Address: 3060 S Church St, Burlington, NC Illinois Office Location: Naperville In which states do you do business? AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY What methods do you use to distribute your insurance products? Independent Agents % of Split Business

% of Split Business

Commercial Lines

52%

Personal Lines

27%

Vacant & Builders Risk

21%

Do you focus your underwriting in any specific industry? E&S Do you focus your underwriting in any specific line of coverage? Property & Casualty Do Marketing Representatives have underwriting authority? Yes What commission percentage do you pay? Personal Lines

New

Renewal

Home

12.5%

Umbrella

12.5%

Specialty Lines

12.5%

Commercial Lines

New

Renewal

Package

12.5%

Property

12.5%

Umbrella

12.5%

Specialty Lines

12.5%

What is your business plan for Illinois regarding projected growth in premium? We offer fast and courteous telephone phone quotes and binders, as well as instant email copies of the quotes and binders. With just a single 5 minute call our underwriters have the ability to search the market for all available companies for your account, navigate you through multiple quotes collected from a multitude of carriers, and narrow the selection to best fit the needs of your client.

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What is your plan for agency appointments in Illinois? Grow/reduce/maintain? We are looking to sign up any agency that needs help placing E&S buisness quickly and efficiently. What are your minimum premium volume requirements and/or expectations for an agency? There are no minimum premium volume requirements. Does your company offer a bonus or profit-sharing arrangement? No

Number of agencies in Illinois: 200+

What products and/or industries do you currently target or plan to target? We are an Excess and Surplus Lines MGA that agemts can access quickly for markets they may not have access to otherwise. Our in-house authority exists for all types of Commercial Property, General Liability, Special Events, Inland Marine, Personal Liability, Dwelling Fire, Homeowners, Vacant Properties, Builder’s Risk, Excess/Umbrella, Professional and Liquor Liability.

Highlight a technology initiative you’ve rolled out recently or plan to roll out. We offer phone quoting and the ability to quote over 40 classes of business through our web portal. What technologies has your company implemented, or plan to implement, that will alleviate the workload on agents? If a phone quote is offered, we do not require applications until time of binding. Once issued, we offer emailed copies of policies. In the future, downloads through IVANS will be available as well. Does your company provide tools and resources to your agents to use in their marketing efforts? Yes, our marketing reps are equipped with guides to help make placing business with Tapco as easy as 1, 2, 3. We also offer a $10 per policy bonus loaded to a VISA debit card for every new and renewal policy placed with TAPCO. What is one thing your company has done that makes you most proud? Tapco has been able to help a lot of independent agents place hard to place business quickly and efficiently. Not only can we quote and bind efficiently, but we can also handle all administrative processes like accounting, policy issuance, endorsements, certificates of insurance, claims, etc. efficiently for our agents on all accounts placed with TAPCO. In your opinion, what is the biggest reason agents should place business with your company? Ease of business is the largest reason agents come to Tapco for quotes. We are able to take the information by phone, enter it into our proprietary internal rater and provide agents with the best quote possible in a 5 minute phone call.

july 2021

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Meeting the technology needs of IIA of IL members.

SECURITY ALERT Finance & Insurance is now the third most highest targeted sector for cyber crime of all industries.

12%

37 Million

of all data breaches attributed to Finance & Insurance industries.*

Number of records exposed in 2020.

Hackers are focused on targeting insurance industry systems to access valuable data. And now, these bad actors are trying to get your agency credentials - IDs and Passwords - using them to access quoting systems to obtain the data. We are seeing major carrier data breaches where agency credentials have been used to access online quoting/rating systems. We are confident that attempts will only increase to target acquiring agency credentials to access all tpes of rating systems; carrier agent portals, agency rates, web-based consumer quoting. * Source: Risk-Based Security, Data Breach Trends in 2020

SAFEGUARD YOUR ID/PASSWORD COMBO Develop a protection process.

DO NOT SHARE PASSWORDS AMONG STAFF

BEWARE OF SOCIAL ENGINEERING

CHANGE PASSWORDS FREQUENTLY

NEVER POST ID/PASSWORDS

Where an external source can pose as a trusted entity to gain access.

And immediately after staff turnover.

On sticky notes, spreadsheets or anything that can be seen.

TAKE ACTION! • Invest in a solid agency security process for ID’s/passwords. Use industry resources to ensure cyber preparedness, like ACT’s FREE Agency Cyber Guide 3.0. • Investigate the use of a password manager. • Support industry password initiatives, such as ID Federations’s SignOn Once. The IIA of IL Technology Committee, along with ACT and the Big “I,” have many free agency resources for members.

www.iiaofil.org/technology july 2021

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iia of il

! k c a

B e r ’ e W

! n o s r

e P n

October 5-7, 2021 Crowne Plaza, Springfield ILConvention.com 62

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july 2021

Awards Agency

of the Year

Agent

AWARD WINNER YOUR NAME HERE

of the Year

Young Agent

of the Year

In an effort to fully recognize the talent, professionalism and dedication displayed by our member agents and agencies, the IIA of IL has developed several awards to recognize you, our valued members. These awards will be presented during our annual CONVO, October 5-7, 2021 in Springfield, IL. We are seeking applications and encourage ALL IIA of IL members to apply. Nominations accepted through August 1.

www.iiaofil.org/IIA-of-IL-Awards july 2021

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INSIGHT | associate news Thank you to our Associate Members.

Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Progressive Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Gold Level AAA Insurance Arlington/Roe Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL Keystone Insurance Group, Inc. Pekin Insurance

Silver Level Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company Imperial PFS

IMT Insurance West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.

Bronze Level A. J. Wayne & Associates AMERISAFE Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Badger Mutual Insurance Company Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies Columbia Insurance Group Chubb Columbia Insurance Group Continental Western Group CRC Group Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. Donegal Insurance Group EMC Insurance Encompass Insurance Encova Insurance Foremost Insurance Group Forreston Mutual Insurance Company Frankenmuth Insurance Grange Insurance Homeowners of America Insurance Company Illinois Mine Subsidence Ins. Fund Illinois Public Risk Fund Indiana Farmers Insurance 64

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Insurance Program Managers Group J C Restoration J M Wilson Kemper Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance Madison Mutual Insurance Company Marsh, Berry & Company, Inc. Maximum Independent Brokerage, LLC Mercury Insurance Group MetLife Auto & Home Midwest Insurance Company Nationwide Previsor Insurance RT Specialty - Naperville ServiceMaster DSI Society Insurance Specialty Risk of America Travelers UIG - The Agent Agency United Fire Group W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement Western National Insurance Westfield july 2021

iia of il news | INSIGHT

Education Classes july

7 7 8 8 14 14 15 15 19 19 20 21 28 28

Pre-Licensing-P&C Virtual E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto Webinar

august

Agents E&O Webinar E&O-Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements Webinar CISR-Insuring Personal Auto Exposures Virtual E&O Roadmap To Cyber & Privacy Insurance Webinar Ethics: Essentials for the Insurance Producer Webinar E&O Identity Theft, Red Flags, Money Laundering Webinar Pre-Licensing-L&H Virtual E&O Risk Management – Challenge of Change Webinar CISR-Elements of Risk Management Virtual CIC-Ruble Virtual E&O - Roadmap to Policy Analysis Webinar CISR-Agency Operations Virtual

New Members member agencies BOS Insurance Services Springfield

2 3 4 11 11 12 17 17 17 19 24 25 25 26 26

E&O-Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements Webinar Pre-Licensing-P&C Virtual E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Ins Webinar CISR-Insuring Commercial Property Springfield E&O Roadmap To Cyber & Privacy Insurance Webinar Agents E&O Webinar Pre-Licensing-L&H Virtual CISR-Elements of Risk Management Rolling Meadows Culture, Ethics, and E&O Webinar E&O: Identity Theft/Money Laundering Webinar Flood Insurance and the NFIP Webinar CIC-Commercial Casualty Chicago Suburb E&O - Roadmap to Policy Analysis Webinar CISR-Insuring Personal Auto Exposures Springfield E&O Risk Management – Challenge of Change Webinar

D&P Insurance Services, LLC dba / Truck Insure Service Princeville Roy Thomas Insurance Agency Burr Ridge Sauk Valley Insurance Services, Inc. Dixon Schultz Insurance Services, Inc. Mundelein july 2021

For information regarding IIA of IL membership or company sponsorship, contact Tom Ross, Director of Membership Services, at (217) 321-3003, tross@iiaofil.org. insight

INSIGHT | classifieds for the insurance professional by the insurance professional

OPPORTUNITIES/SPACE AVAILABLE/RETAIN OWNERSHIP

13. We are a 100 year old Northbrook agency looking to discuss any mutually beneficial opportunity. Our producers, mergers, clusters and agency purchases receive 50% commissions on new and renewal business without any expenses. We can provide: office space, phones, agency management system, service renewals and changes. The companies we represent are: Badger Mutual, Employers Mutual, General Casualty, Guide One, Hartford, Kemper, Progressive, Rockford Mutual, Safeco, State Auto, Travelers and Met Life. Contact:

Nancy Solomon Martini, Miller & Schloss, Inc. (847) 291-1313 Ron@martini-miller.com

AGENCY/AGENTS/PRODUCERS WANTED

02. Forest Park/Oak Park agency for over 60 years, will meet your needs by providing space, markets, marketing & sales support, automation, merging with or purchasing your agency. Perpetuation/ Succession Plans, BuySell Agreements also available. We have experienced, educated and dedicated staff for you and your clients. Have access to our numerous companies, office services and many other resources. Retain ownership in your book with contingency. Please look closely at us- we are an agency you want to do business with! We’ve done it before, we know how- we make it easy! Visit our website at forestagency.com/agents.html, or call for a confidential discussion and a list of Agency benefits.

AGENCY WANTED

20. Since 2004, Central Illinois Agents Group LLC has been providing independent agents with a variety of markets with contingency opportunities. Agents have availability to several markets that they may not be able to sustain or maintain on their own. We have markets for personal, commercial, agricultural and crop insurance lines. Let us help you get to the next level.

Visit www.ciagonline.com for contact information.

AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

27. Insurance Brokers Incorporated (IBI) Welcomes GAINSCO as a Carrier Partner Insurance Brokers Incorporated (IBI) is pleased to announce the addition of GAINSCO Auto Insurance as an IBI carrier partner. GAINSCO is a nationally recognized market leader with outstanding service to the specialty auto insurance market. The partnership will provide distribution for GAINSCO Auto Insurance products and will provide increased sales opportunities for IBI agency customers. Please contact us at marketing@GoIBI.com.

Bill Coughlin IBI Insurance Brokers, Inc. (547) 797-9577

Dan Browne will provide an agency evaluation/appraisal at little cost to you. Please call:

Dan Browne or Cathy Hall Forest Insurance (708) 383-9000 www.forestinsured.com/mergers-acquisitions

Diversity Scholarship Program

To invest in the future of the insurance industry and independent agents in Illinois, and create long-term opportunities for minorities considering a career in insurance, the IIA of IL now offers Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships.

Scholarship Includes:

Pre-Licensing Course • Reimbursement for Licensing Exam and Fee New Hire Training • EDGE Conference Registration for Two Years

For more information, go to www.iiaofil.org/diversity 66

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july 2021

When you know you have the best E&O protection, you can focus on growing your most important asset - your business.

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a subsidiary of IIA of IL

Agents Insurance Services, Inc.

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