final-toolkit

independent insurance agents of iowa
agency resource toolkit
Toolkit contents
- agency internet branding
- DAta breach
- disaster planning
- E&O Risk management
- perpetuation
- social media
- trusted choice® branding
- virtual university
For more information contact:
Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa
515-223-6060 or 800-272-9312
www.iiaiowa.org
2015
independent insurance agents of iowa
agency internet branding TOOLKIT
WHY YOU NEED THIS TOOLKIT
Have you ever Googled yourself? What about your organization or insurance in your town? We suggest you
do this.
If you search by name, you should be at the top of the list. But what if you search by your specialty instead?
Your agency may not be as high on the list as you'd like. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
comes into the picture. Agency owners are often intimidated by SEO, or they assume they can't afford it. That
is not true.
So how do you improve your websites searchability?
It starts by understanding the programs that move from link-to-link on the internet, grabbing content and
depositing it onto search engine indexes.
#1 Thing to Remember
Consistency is key - make sure all information is the same on all platforms. Your website and the information
on it - increases your agency website's internet presence.
Factors not on your website - Inbound Links & Citations
You are probably familiar with inbound links - links from another domain to your site. Citations are different they are mentions of your business name and address on other sites. A citation doesn't necessarily contain a
link. Citations and external links are both important for SEO and you want as many of them as you can get!
- Inbound links are a great way to funnel people to your site.
- See who funnels to your site by visiting www.opensiteexplorer.com.
- It is also beneficial to have as many citations listed in as many places on the web.
**Claim your space on the following sites for FREE:
- Facebook - YP.com - Citysearch - YELP - Superpages - Foursquare - HotFrog - Acxiom - Infogroup
**Here are some that cost money - but may be worth it because they save you TIME:
- Localeze
- Universal Business Listing
- whitespark.ca
- ExpressUpdate
Do's and Don'ts of Search engine optimization
SEO DO's:
- DO build your site with measurement in mind. Use Google Analytics to see how users arrived at your site and
other valuable information.
- DO list your city & state in the title of your landing page.
- DO create separate pages for each product line and internally link pages to each other.
- DO ensure that your business name & contact information is written out in text form. Having this information
in an image in your header isn't searchable.
- DO link to your carrier sites and ask carriers to link to yours. See the "Factors not on your website" section
on the previous page for more information.
- DO optimize your website viewing on smart devices - enter your URL into this Mobile-Friendly Test at http://tiny.cc/xcuxux.
(Main reason to have your website be mobile friendly is more people are using their smart devices to look up websites.)
SEO DON'TS:
- DON'T have broken links. They lead to nowhere and are frustrating for users and Google.
- DON'T have a Flash-based site. These type of sites make it hard for search engines to pull the keywords we
discussed above.
- DON'T stuff every sentence with keywords. If certain keywords are applicable, use them, but make sure that
they flow with the sentence.
- DON'T get hung up on search term ranking. You may rank REALLY well for a term that isn't ideal for your
business. So you appear higher on search engines, get a ton of traffic, but then your website visitors realize
your agency is not what they're looking for.
- DON'T forget about your other locations. Provide contact information, hours, unique descriptions,
testimonials, etc.
Social Factor
This factor is changing the most. Your agency having a profile on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and
engaging with customers will increase your SEO.
- If you have an agent page on Facebook you can receive reviews from customers. These reviews will
populate in a search.
- All activity in the social arena will help - Likes, Shares, Comments, Mentions, and Check-ins.
- For more information on how to expand your reach on social media, check out our Social Media Toolkit.
REVIEWS OF YOUR BUSINESS
REVIEWS ARE HUGE! HAVING GOOD REVIEWS POP UP IN A SEARCH IS GREAT FOR BUSINESS.
Google loves reviews, and if you have at least 5, Google will start moving you to the top.
- It is okay to ask for reviews. If you have a happy customer, ask at the time of service for the review. Don't
wait 24 hours...they will forget.
- Make it easy for them to find your profile. . .send them a link to YELP or Facebook.
- If you get a bad review: Address immediately - it will show you care.
IIAI Tips
- Consistent spelling of your business name and contact information is critical.
- Getlisted.org is a useful tool to check for the consistent spelling of your local citations
across the web.
independent insurance agents of iowa
data breach toolkit
Why you need this Toolkit
Could your insurance agency weather a data security breach?
1. Data breaches are common among smaller businesses including insurance agencies.
2. Responding to a breach is not only costly - running an estimated $200,000 - it's complex.
3. You are obligated to protect data you collect.
4. Even if you outsource data handling, your exposure stays in-house.
5. The exposure is not just from hackers intruding on electronic systems.
Independent insurance agencies should develop a risk management plan for not only preventing data breach, but what
would your agency do about it if you had a data breach? For example, it could be a lost flash drive or a persistent attack
by hackers a world away. Every breach is different -- and every one requires a smart, strategic response.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED PRIVATE PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Individual states may define private personal information so a definitive definition is not available. However, in general it is
a combination of first and last name coupled with other data elements. These may include:
- social security number
- driver's license number, state or federal identification number
- financial account numbers or credit/debit card numbers along with security
- access codes, PINS or passwords
- health records
- common security information, such as mother's maiden name, date and place of birth
AGENCY EXPOSURES to identify
Exposure to a breach of data is posed by both internal and external threats. These threats can come from both physical
and virtual exposures.
Physical Threats
Internal protections start with the physical security of the data contained in the office. This includes the access to the
premises and work areas including security of computers, servers and network. While computer hacking is on the rise, the
majority of breaches occur from stolen or lost equipment.
Here are some risk management considerations to combat physical threats:
- Secure the building with a security system for authorized access only.
- File cabinets should be locked and work stations clear of hard copy personal information.
- Secure the area containing network servers and limit access (i.e.: locked server room, server securely attached to floor
or structure).
- Appropriately screen cleaning crews providing service.
- When employees leave the agency make sure that all agency owned security equipment (all keys) and computers are
returned and system access terminated immediately.
- All agency computers and mobile devices should require passwords.
- Passwords should be changed every 90 days.
- Employees should log off or lock their computers when left unattended.
- Staff should not share passwords and keep them secure.
- Implement encryption software on all laptops and password protect mobile devices.
Keep private personal information off of these devices to the maximum extent possible and audit employee devices to
make sure they are compliant with the agency's procedures. Implement software that can return PCs and mobile devices
to their original manufactured state, wiped clean of data, if lost.
- Don't keep personal information on hard drives of desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
- Don't permit the use of thumb drives to access agency systems.
- Don't leave portable devices unattended while out of the office, especially in cars.
Virtual Threats
Protecting data transmitted over the agency network and computers, portable devices, websites, and home computers is
critical. There is exposure to data loss from viruses, hackers, spam and malware. Specific attention needs to be paid to
securing emails and personal information that is collected from the agency website. Agencies handle insureds
applications on a daily basis where information is transmitted to the agency and then to carriers.
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from external threats:
- Use a network professional to ensure that your exposures are identified and addressed.
- Install strong firewall protection that is kept up-to-date to protect the agency network.
- Password-protect all agency WiFi connections.
- Implement virus and malware protection on servers, desktops, and portable devices. Periodically update them.
- All data back-ups should be password-protected and kept in a secured location.
- Employees should always connect to the office through a SSL/VPN connection.
- SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) & VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- If collecting personal information through your website or providing insureds with online access to policy information, be
sure you are using a secure SSL connection (https).
- Check with carriers to verify that data transmitted to them, including emails, is secure.
- Implement a solution to secure emails with both carriers and customers. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a good
solution for frequent communications between business partners, such as with carriers and MGAs, because once set up,
the business partners can continue to send email as usual and it will be secure. Agencies are also likely to need a
proprietary secure email solution for communications with most clients who are not likely to have TLS implemented.
(Basically secure email allows agencies-carriers or agencies-customers to communicate across a network in a way
designed to prevent eavesdropping and tampering.)
Even when you do everything right, having your agency protected with proper insurance can be key to surviving a data
breach event. If company's like Sony, Target, Home Depot & Anthem Inc. can be hacked, it can happen to you! Will you
be protected?
Beazley Breach Response Product
The Big "I" has teamed up to bring a Beazley Breach Response product that is tailored to
insurance agencies specifically and can only be obtained through Independent Insurance
Agents of Iowa. Coverage is very affordable, and we encourage you to give our E&O team a
call or go to www.iiaiowa.org and click on Products & Services - Cyber Liability (scroll to bottom
of page) to access the policy form, policyholder services, application and rates.
*Agencies with revenue over $5 million or write high percentage of life/health (specific app)
require underwriting prior to obtaining a quote.
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF IOWA
Disaster planning toolkit
Preparing
your
agency
for
a
catastrophe
1. Estimate the number of claims expected.
2. Arrange for additional (temporary) help to answer in-coming calls.
3. Estimate the probable dollar loss.
4. Arrange extension of office hours as necessary to handle catastrophe claims reports.
5. Maintain an inventory of supplies needed following a disaster occurrence.
6. Assign an agency coordinator to work with claims personnel to review field reports.
7. Check with carriers and prepare a packet with catastrophe-specific insurance information for distribution to
policyholders affected by the occurrence.
Preparing to handle catastrophic claims
1. Keep a current list of established local contractors and experts.
2. Research phone service companies. Depending on severity of disaster, it may be necessary to install
toll-free phone numbers, additional local hard-wired voice and data lines and/or cellular phone service.
3. Keep current road maps, printed and electronic, for the general area.
4. Maintain current policy forms for companies that use proprietary forms.
What
to
do
in
a
Crisis
Situation
1. Do an assessment of the damage to your office/equipment and call in a claim if needed. Determine steps to
bring your office back on-line.
2. Assess the personal and financial impact of the disaster on your employees and make sure their needs are
being met, so that they can focus on agency operations.
3. Make your office area as safe as possible to accommodate walk-in traffic. If it is not safe, identify another
location to meet policyholders and post a sign to direct them. Post alternative location information on your
website. Set aside an area in the office to greet clients and start the information gathering.
4. Have things in place for your policyholders such as water, snacks and most of all friendly faces. Treat each
policyholder as if this were the only claim you received that day because it is their only one. Focus on the
policyholder's needs, even though everyone is likely to have been affected by the disaster in some way.
developing an agency disaster plan
1. Appoint a main point-of-contact responsible for communicating the Disaster Plan to employees, periodic
tests/updates to the plan, initiating phone tree and establishing media communication plan.
2. Establish an employee phone tree including each employee's contact numbers for home, cell, email
address, emergency contact person, etc.
3. List emergency outside contact information with name and phone numbers for fire; police; hospitals;
building/landlord; security; restoration companies; internet provider; agency management vendor; etc.
4. Document insurance carrier contact information list showing a contact person, address, phone, email and
fax number for all carriers including claims, billing & underwriting.
5. Maintain a client contact list including each client with phone; fax; email; and establish a plan for
communication; reporting claims; contacting agents; etc.
6. Back-up critical computer data.
7. Establish a disaster recovery plan for computer systems.
8. Plan for property protection systems i.e., sprinklers, smoke detection, security systems and generators.
9. Update information at least twice each year or when changes in personnel, vendors, etc. occur. Copies of
recommended lists should be kept offsite in a secure, but easily accessible location.
RESOURCES
Below are three member resources available to help you execute your disaster plan:
- Log in with your member ID and password on our website at www.iiaiowa.org to
download forms for pre-loss preparation. Click under the Resource Center/Members
Only tab and choose Agency Disaster Plan.
- Visit Virtual University at http://tiny.cc/txpnvx.
- Go to the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) link at http://tiny.cc/tyjlvx, click on
Planning and Security and then Disaster Planning for additional communications.
independent insurance agents of iowa
E&O risk Management TOOLKIT
ERRORS AND OMISSIONS EXPOSURES OFTEN KEEP AGENTS UP AT NIGHT!
This toolkit is designed to help you develop a risk management road map to reduce your exposure.
PREVENTION IS KEY
The areas that agencies should develop a risk management process or procedure for include:
*Communications - what you say, what you write and how you advertise impacts your E&O exposure.
*Consistency - is everyone in your agency following the same procedures and processes in a uniform way? All staff
should use the same procedures and processes.
*Documentation - record in a timely manner. The agency should have requirements for securing comprehensive
documentation in the customer file. A system whether paper or electronic files should do the following:
1. Let the file documentation tell the story. Anyone in your office should be able to open a file and follow along without having to request information or explanation from others.
2. What type of communications should be in the customer file? Summary of in-person discussions, phone calls, emails, instant messages, live chats, faxes, text messages, website and social media correspondence should be saved. Daily activity logs, copies of change orders, premium adjustments, audits, applications, declaration pages and access to
all policy forms described on the declaration pages should be in the file and easy to access.
3. Characteristics of proper documentation.
- Documentation should be clear and concise.
- Don't use random abbreviations or jargon that could be misunderstood.
- Documentation should include date and time.
- Customer signatures should be on all applications. Initials or signature on what additional coverages were
accepted or rejected.
COVERAGE SALES CHECKLISTS AND PROPOSALS
A comprehensive checklist of coverage provides a roadmap of products to offer and gives the agent a tool to document
the coverage. IIAI provides access to some checklists; you can find these on our website at www.iiaiowa.org and clicking
on Quick Links under the Resource Center/Members Only tab.
Another great sales resource while at the same time reducing E&O exposures is the Big "I" Advantage Virtual Risk
Consultant (VRC) Program available at a discounted cost of $250 annually up to 15 users and $500 annually more than
15 users. Agents who have used this proven tool tell us they are selling more and sleeping better at night. The VRC
provides a Commercial Lines & Personal Lines Risk Exposure System. We encourage you to check out this great
insurance sales tool at www.iiaba.net/vrc.
OFFICE PROCEDURE MANUAL & JOB DESCRIPTIONS
We do suggest the agency have a procedure manual. But, nothing could be worse than having a manual and not
following it! Engage staff in helping develop and update your procedures manual and do the same with job descriptions.
HANDLING EXPIRATIONS, RENEWALS AND CANCELLATIONS
Every agency should have standard procedures to issue renewal policies prior to expiration. While most Personal Lines
policies are sent directly out by carriers, maintaining an expiration list to check off that policies are being received is an
important process. Commercial policies often will require meeting with clients and a coverage review session.
Cancellation requests should always have signature confirmation. Agents would be wise to establish confirmation with
clients who are terminating a policy or coverage when other coverage remains with agency. Take the extra minute to
confirm the client's intent. Don't interfere with carrier's right to notify an insured of cancellation/non-renewal.
RECORD KEEPING
The heart of every independent agency is its records. While procedures will
go a long way towards developing strong and defensible records, having a
guideline for what needs to be kept and for how long is critical. IIAI has a
documentation retention schedule available which can be found by logging
onto our website at www.iiaiowa.org and clicking on Quick Links under the
Resource Center/Members Only tab.
CLAIMS HANDLING
Always report any and all client claims as soon as possible. Carriers
determine coverage at the time of loss. While it is good to explain to an
insured their duties at the time of a loss, refrain from making blanket
statements about coverage. While agents advocate for their clients, make
your case for why a claim is covered to the company not the client. Develop
a procedure for filing claims and following-up on their status.
PARTICIPATE IN E&O SEMINARS and WEBINARS
E&O Risk Management classroom seminars are offered twice a year and now monthly through online webinars. Agents
may qualify to receive discounts on their premiums for attending these seminars. More importantly, claim data indicates
agencies that attend risk management classes have fewer E&O claims and the claims they do have are less in severity.
USE E&O HAPPENS WEBSITE
The Big "I" Risk Management website www.iiaba.net/EOhappens provides Articles, Quick Tips, Prevention Tools,
Webinars and Podcasts. Some agencies use information from this site for agency/staff meetings.
E&O PROCEDURAL AUDIT-ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
A self-audit by an agency staff member that includes a plan to review files and processes is a
great tool and highly recommended. Some agencies prefer to bring in an outside consultant to
conduct an agency E&O procedural audit. These auditors/independent consultants come into
the agency to review the agencies operations which can help reduce E&O exposures, improve
customer service and establish strong agency procedures. Although there is an upfront cost,
it can be considered an investment in the future of the agency to have an outside party take a
look at the operation of the agency and possibly earn a premium discount. Contact IIAI for a
list of consultants who conduct audits.
Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa
Perpetuation Toolkit
YOUR AGENCY IS YOUR LEGACY AND AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE.
Now is the time to start thinking about how you will prepare to harvest that wealth and keep your legacy alive. By doing
so you are also helping to keep the independent insurance agency system thriving. It's never too early to begin preparing
a perpetuation plan. Consider the age of principals with 20%+ ownership in their agency. Where do you fit in? Agency
principals as young as 40 should be thinking about their succession.
Age Principals with 20% Ownership
20%
18%
17%
51-55
56-60
61-65
14%
46-50 Age
How
to Prepare your agency for perpetuation
Preparing for perpetuation starts years in advance of the actual event. It is an ongoing process that begins with building
value and remaining profitable and ends with choosing the right successor within a sound perpetuation plan.
Drivers of agency Value
An insurance agency must build value over time. The owner needs to nurture the business and run the operation in a
manner that creates value. It is important to understand what drives value and how you apply these to your agency. Start
now by taking a look at your:
- Brand/Reputation- Quality of Leadership
- Quality of Staff
- Compensation Structure for Producers & Staff
- Continual Investments in Producers
- Current Technology
- Specializations/Niche Markets
- Restrictive Covenants
- Profitability- Client Retention
a well-crafted perpetuation plan
A solid perpetuation plan is vitally important and cannot be one-sided. The plan should allow the seller to achieve
retirement goals and enable the successor to achieve their own business goals. The plan:
- Should be created well in advance of the actual event
- Passes ownership interest efficiently
- Is not a transaction, but a process
- Creates value for both seller and buyer
Your perpetuation plan should include
- Advice from industry-specific consultants (IIAI can assist you in finding a consultant).
- Agency valuation (IIAI has evaluation information at this link http://tiny.cc/3ea2vx under Part 3).
- Description of how control of agency will be passed on.
- Financing and loan structure or will you accept a contract for payment.
- How taxes will be minimized for both the buyer and the seller (a CPA and an attorney who understand agency
buy/sell is very important).
Finding the right lender
When shopping for a lender for your agency, you should look for an institution with insurance industry knowledge. The
more a lending institution's decision-makers recognize the unique aspects of the agency business and their intangible
assets, the more likely they will be able to create a financing solution for your perpetuation transaction.
A knowledgeable lender will recognize that no two agencies are alike, therefore, the financing structure should be just
as unique. A good lender is like a good insurance agent; each looks at the whole picture of a situation, considers the
client's objectives and prepares a professional recommendation based on experience and expertise.
what a lender will consider
A lender that understands the insurance agency will ask about the following to make an informed decision:
- A well crafted perpetuation plan that includes all the information previously mentioned.
- Strong business financials and personal financials of the buyer.
- A business analysis and projections.
- Adequate collateral (A bank knowledgeable about insurance agencies will recognize your intangible assets).
- A third party valuation.
- Your mix of business, which is just as important as your volume of business.
- The effciency of your operations - minimize expenses and maximize revenues.
- Your carrier relationships.
Accessing Capital
Capital for the perpetuation deal can come from different sources including the seller, banks, personal resources of the
buyer other institutional sources or some combination of these.
The structure of the deal should benefit the individual needs of both parties and can include the following:
- Gifting Stock
- Personal Buy-Out
- Trusts
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- Stock Redemption
- Leverage ESOP
- Recapitalizations
concepts to remember
- A financially sound agency has more options, is more valuable and has an easier time obtaining financing.
- Valuable agencies are more likely to be successful with their perpetuation plan.
- Building value is a continual process. See the Drivers of Agency Value section on the previous page.
- Agencies are all unique and each merger and acquisition requires an independent approach.
- Be willing to seek the help of experts.
- Consult with good advisors: CPA, Attorney, Banker, Agency Consultant.
- Arrange financing before you need it by obtaining a line of credit.
insurbanc - a great resource
When successful agencies need capital for agency acquisition and perpetuation, many
agencies have turned to InsurBanc. This is a great member resource worth checking out!
Visit www.insurbanc.com or call (866) 467-2262.
IIAI is here to help
We are a phone call away if you would like to discuss ideas or how to evaluate your agency.
Call us at 1-800-272-9312 and ask for Bob Skow
Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa
Social Media Toolkit
SOCIAL NETWORKING MAY SEEM COMPLICATED OR INTIMIDATING, BUT. . .
The activities that take place on social networks aren't any different than the activities we engage in everyday!
Being an insurance agent or broker relies on building trust! The rise of tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
and Google+ tells us that customers want to do business with people who they feel like they know.
Why FACEBOOK?
Showcase your agency by using Facebook, it is a great way to connect with your clients on a more personal
level. Facebook pages are searchable and enable consumers to find your agency!
Steps to Create Your Page
1. Go to www.facebook.com/pages/create.
2. Click "Choose a Page" category.
3. Select more specific categories from the drop-down menu & complete required information.
4. Click "Get Started" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Do's and Don'ts of Facebook
- DO follow the 80/20 rule 80% social but industry related and 20% products and services.
- DO be Prompt - respond to posts in a timely manner, even to just say "thanks".
- DO limit your posts to 1-4 times per week.
- DON'T sell, sell, sell - constantly posting promotions can cause followers to flee/ignore posts.
- DON'T ignore your audience - there should always be a human behind the "social" media platform.
- DON'T clutter your newsfeed - 73% of social media users "unliked" a brand because it posted too often.
WHY LINKEDIN?
LinkedIn is a social network for business professionals and also offers online groups
for individuals who share common interests and goals. Additionally, it serves as an
effective recruiting platform for young and upcoming industry talent in your area.
Steps to Create Your Profile
1. Go to www.linkedin.com.
2. Provide the required information.
3. Once you have confirmed your account, complete your profile.
WHY TWITTER?
Your followers will be able to view messages on their screen instantly in real-time. Tweet company
announcements, ask for feedback, answers questions or share relevant website links.
Steps to Create an Account
1. Visit www.twitter.com.
2. See "Sign Up" on the right hand side of the
page.
3. Provide the following to register for a
Twitter account - Full name & User name.
HASHTAG - word or phrase prededed by a hash or pound sign & used to identify messages on a specific topic.
WHY Google+?
While Google+ has social strengths like segmenting communications to customers using Circles and
Hangouts, the main benefit to insurance agencies is the local search optimization. Google+ acts as an online
business directory and is an effective way to capture prospects.
Steps to Using Google+
(if you already have a Google account, skip to step 2)
1. Create a Google account (it doesn't have to be Gmail, you can use any email address).
2. Go to https://plus.google.com and click sign in.
3. You'll then be prompted to create a Google Profile.
4. Claim and verify your Google+ listing.
- Check to see if your business already has a Google+ listing.
- Go to www.google.com and enter your business address & phone number.
- If you find your business page, click "manage this page".
- You will then be prompted to verify your page.
5. Review listing for accuracy and make sure you're using the identical name, address & phone number for
your agency across all directories on the internet and your agency website.
Google Tips
- Populate your Google+ profile with meaningful and thoughtful content.
- Legitimize your page with reviews.
- Remember, this is a Google product so you want to make your profile to be as optimized as possible in order
to appear high in search results - See SEO Toolkit.
SOCIAL
MEDIA TIPS
- Make your agency easy to recognize, use office image, staff image, Trusted Choice® logo.
- Find the right balance - inform but don't bore, find new customers but don't bug.
- Add personality to your posts! Customers want to know you're human & can find a common interest.
- Spread the word about your social media networks by linking it to emails, website,
facebook, etc.
It's also OK to use a Third-Party content such as:
- IIAI website & IIABA website
- IIAI Viewpoint Magazine
- Insurance Journal
- Insurance Information Institute
- IIAI Blog
- Websites & Social Media pages from carriers
- Trusted Choice.com
independent insurance agents of iowa
Branding toolkit
Applying for MRP dollars is easy!
TEIR 1 - $100 LIMIT
1. Marketing dollars may be used
towards stationary, business cards,
brochures, shirts, folders, a sign,
decals, insurance card holders,
newsletters and give-a-ways.
2. Evaluate or develop a website or
mobile app. You can use Trusted
Choice® dollars to give your web
presence a fresh new look and add
the Trusted Choice® logo/pledge.
3. Find a vendor. Any local vendor
will produce printed materials for
your website. Just be sure to
forward your vendor of choice the
logo signature guide.
4. Fill in the blanks. Download the
Marketing Reimbursement
application and send the completed
application along with a professional
proof of your items to:
Trusted Choice®, Attn: MRP
127 South Peyton Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Or email the information to:
www.TrustedChoice.iiaba.net
TEIR 2 - $750 LIMIT
1.Trusted Choice® developed the
Freedom Campaign.
anchor
2. Log onto www.trustedchoice.
com/agents and find the Filing
Cabinet. Locate Advertising Files
DUCT tape
and access the Freedom
Campaign folder advertising for
templates. See Freedom
Campaign Ads Flyer.
3. For additional information
contact: Joanne.Buckley@iiaba.
net or call her at (703)706-5412.
4. Fill in the blanks. Download the
Marketing Reimbursement appli- bird cage
cation and send the completed
application along with a
professional proof of your items to:
rope
Trusted Choice®, Attn: MRP
127 South Peyton Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
lasers
Or email the information to:
www.TrustedChoice.iiaba.net
box
TEIR 3 - $750 LIMIT
1. Trusted Choice® will offer digital
advertising/marketing services that
are managed by Trusted Choice®.
They can help with digital advertising
and social media advertising
assistance.
2. Campaigns run in three (3) month
timeframes.
3. Ability to select 3-5 zip codes for
ads to appear in.
4. See the Digital Media advertising
package options.
5. For more information contact:
Kiescha.Cherry@iiaba.net
or call her at (703)706-5443.
Information is also avaliable at www.iiaiowa.org, Resource Center/Members Only, Trusted Choice
independent insurance agents of iowa
virtual university toolkit
*free membership to agency members*
What is Big “I” Virtual University?
This allows members and subscribers to have access to insurance, business and technology articles, full
sample ISO forms, white papers and information on issues affecting today's insurance marketplace. Our
cutting-edge online services make it possible for today's agencies to get the critical information they need,
wherever and whenever they need it. One of the ways that the Big "I" accomplishes this is by providing access
to a unique combinations of industry knowledge and experience available only at the Big "I" Virtual University.
How to access THE
Visit www.iiaiowa.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. In the gray box under Education find Virtual
University and select.
ASK AN EXPERT
Sometimes you need answers to questions that can't be found. To help
with these "just in time" issues, we have assembled a faculty of leading
experts from around the country who can answer your questions. Simply
fill out a short form and our experts will work to get you a response within
3-5 business days but often sooner. This service is available ONLY to
Big "I" members!
VU Faculty
The VU faculty has responded to well over 50,000 questions ranging from insurance coverage and claims
problems to compensation and agency valuation questions and are often content providers for the VU. Learn
more about the power and expertise behind the VU through the faculty biographies.
Agency Management: Everything you need to KNow
In this section of VU, you'll find everything you need to know to operate your business in the most effective way
possible. Topics include: carrier evaluation; employee compensation; E&O loss control; perpetuation; agency
procedures; valuation; advertising; business planning; sales; customer service; human resources, and more.
Insurance:
All the articles you'll ever need
The Big "I" Virtual University offers an extensive number of articles that include coverage analysis. Many of the
articles are based upon real-life questions received by the "Ask an Expert" service. This service ensures that
our information is current and topical. When the VU experts become aware of major coverage gaps, they are
quick to present analysis, usually via the free VUpoint newsletter. If we see trends like a particular question
being raised repeatedly, we know it's ripe for presentation as an article. For major issues such as certificates of
insurance, we may develop a white paper. To subscribe to the VU Newsletter go to http://tiny.cc/k1fxux.
VU Newsletter
The VUpoint is the VU's FREE bi-weekly email
newsletter that is emailed every other week to
subscribers in U.S., Canada and over 70 countries.
Each Issue Includes:
- From the Editor
- "Ask an Expert" Briefs
- Personal Lines Coverages
- Commercial Lines Coverages
- Agency Management
Monthly Special Features:
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer Service
- Technology and the Internet
FREE: You do NOT have to be a Big "I" agency member or VU subscriber to subscribe to the newsletter,
though there are features only available to members/subscribers.
VU Tools You Can Use
- Best Practices - if you are looking to take your agency's performance to another level - going from good to
great - you have to continue not only to grow but also continue to improve the job your doing for your
customers, improve the quality and capabilities of your employees, and provide to your employees the carrier
relationships, tools, resources and organization needed to serve your customers.
- Flood - This is a great resource for articles to help you and your clients stay above
water.
- Customer Service - This online guide provides direction that will help you to
confidently and efficiently provide meaningful, valuable and profitable customer service
as a foundational component for your business.