Insurance Illustrated | December 1, 2023

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for the week of December 1, 2023

Education + Analysis for the Independent Agent

Categories Included In This Week's Edition

Special Feature * Advantages of Big 'I' Membership * Personal Lines * Back to Basics * Commercial Lines * Agency Management * Insurance Laws & Statutes/Coverage Resources

Special Feature

Reducing Workers’ Compensation Claim Frequency and Severity is Critical to Reducing Your Client’s Experience Modification Factor

No matter the size of your client’s workforce, their management of the organization’s workers’ compensation injuries can be challenging. Every organization struggles to find new ways to reduce the number of injuries (frequency) and decrease the amount paid on claims (severity). Here are some suggestions that you can use in guiding your clients toward improved workers’ compensation claims avoidance and management.

Advantages of Big 'I' Membership

E&O Guardian

The Big “I” E&O Guardian insurance agency risk management web site is designed to arm Big "I" agents with information and tools to mitigate agency errors and omissions. Big "I" members can tap into a variety of educational materials designed to safeguard your agency. Explore the site and dive into specialty agency risk management articles on a wide variety of topics, recorded webinars, sample checklists, sample letters, an archive of newsletters, and more. Some content is available to all Big "I" members, with certain resources reserved for exclusive access by Swiss Re policyholders.

Personal Lines

Auto "Gap" Coverage

Getting a new car is usually fun and exciting. But having a total loss on a new car causes a double-whammy: the extreme disappointment of the loss of a new car, plus the shocking realization that the loan or lease balance can be greater than the amount of the claim payment.

2022 ISO Homeowners’ Changes in Chart Form

Charts are probably the most helpful resource for keeping track of key Homeowners’ policy provisions. Being able to see key information in one, easy-to-read form aids in memory and retention; besides, it allows easy recall because the charts can be printed for easy reference. ISO’s release of its 2022 multi-state homeowners’ filing requires two different charts based on the edition date of the policy form being used.

Protect Yourself Against Holiday/Winter Fires

The holiday season is brightened with creative decorations using candles and electric lights, and colder weather offers the chance to finally start cozy fires in unused fireplaces. Unfortunately, winter is also a prime time for fire-related injuries, property damage and even deaths. Trusted Choice® agents and spokespeople can help families prepare for fire risks and hazards that may come during the colder months.

Back to Basics

Important Flood Resources Agents Need

Flood insurance is a victim of politics. Information learned a few years ago may no longer apply. Stay current.

Commercial Lines

ISO's Professional Liability Forms

Effective June 1, 2017, Insurance Services Office (ISO) introduced the new Miscellaneous Professional Liability Policy (MI 00 01) along with a multitude of endorsements. This is the first in a series of insurance programs designed to address the professional liability needs of various risk types. These new forms are housed in Division Sixteen – Professional Liability – Other Than Medical of the ISO Commercial Lines Manual.

Contractors Professional and Pollution Liability Coverage: A Gap-Filling Necessity!

Contractors’ Professional and Pollution Liability is the contractor’s coverage solution. Often referred to as either the Contractors Pollution and Professional Insurance, the Contractor’s Protective Professional Indemnity coverage, or simply “CPPI,” this multi-peril form specifically addresses and closes the majority of pollution and professional liability coverage gaps resulting from the limited breadth of protection provided by the CGL Coverage Part A. Now more than ever, pollution liability coverage is a win for even the smallest contractors.

CGL "Designated Premises" Coverage

Based on the number of "Ask an Expert" questions we're getting, there appears to be an increasing use of the the CGL "Designated Premises" endorsement. Generally speaking, this is something your insured wants to avoid. On top of that, we're seeing it used for the wrong reason and/or used to accomplish something the insurer thinks it accomplishes but really doesn't.

Agency Management

3 Sales Measurements Every Agent Must Understand

If it’s not measured, it can’t be managed. Every agent and agency must be able to measure specific sales ratios to effectively plan for the future. Two commonly measured ratios are retention ratio and closing ratio; but a new metric not often discussed is the “effective production time.”

Should the COI Contain Policy Limits or Contractually Required Limits?

How should agents manage a COI in situations where the insured carries limits higher than those required by the contract between their client and the upper tier contractor? Should the limits required to meet the contractual requirements be listed, or should the actual policy limits be listed? Doing it one way is misrepresentation and the other is, well, misrepresentation. How does the agent avoid misrepresentation?

Personal Lines Producer Program

For years we have been struggling to identify and pay PL producers. Once you differentiate the Order-Takers from the Relationship Managers among your producers, here’s the way of rewarding them properly and profitably to build the agency’s PL book of business.

Insurance Laws & Statutes / Coverage Resources

Valued Policy State List

Download this Valued Policy State list for easy reference.

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