UNITE
VOICE OF THE SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION
JANUARY 2010 |
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| CONTACT US |
PHONE 888-290-8436
FAX 386-257-0250 |
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| HAPPY NEW YEAR UNITE READERS |
HOPE YOU ENJOY JANUARY 2010 ISSUE OF THE NEW ELECTRONIC EDITION OF UNITE. WE WANT IT TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS AND BE THE VOICE OF SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION. PLEASE DIRECT ANY COMMENTS TO US AT
INFO@SPECIALTYINSURANCEAGENTS.ORG. WE ARE ADDING NEW AND EXCITING ARTICLES EACH AND EVERY MONTH. CHECK OUT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY ARE HERE TO SUPPORT THE UNITE MEMBERS AND HELP YOU BECOME MORE SUCCESSFUL |
| QUESTION OF THE MONTH |
WHAT IS FLORIDA MINIMUM WAGE RATE FOR 2010?
Florida's minimum wage will increase to $7.21 per hour and $4.19 for tipped employees.
Starting January 1st, all Florida businesses have to display a new Florida minimum wage poster in a conspicuous and accessible place where employees can see it.
This new poster contains specific language outlining the duty of employers to pay the minimum wage, employee rights, and the penalties for not complying with Florida's minimum wage law.
The rate of the minimum wage is recalculated yearly on September 30,
based on the Consumer Price Index. Every year on January 1, the new
Florida minimum wage takes effect.
An employer may not retaliate against an employee for exercising his
or her right to receive the minimum wage. Rights protected by the State
Constitution include the right to:
1. File a complaint about an employer's alleged noncompliance with
lawful minimum-wage requirements.
2. Inform any person about an employer's alleged noncompliance
with lawful minimum-wage requirements.
3. Inform any person of his or her potential rights under Section 24,
Article X of the State Constitution and to assist him or her in
asserting such rights.
An employee who has not received the lawful minimum wage after
notifying his or her employer and giving the employer 15 days to resolve
any claims for unpaid wages may bring a civil action in a court of law
against an employer to recover back wages plus damages and
attorney's fees.
An employer found liable for intentionally violating minimum-wage
requirements is subject to a fine of $1,000 per violation, payable to
the state.
The Attorney General or other official designated by the Legislature may
bring a civil action to enforce the minimum wage.
For details, see Section 24, Article X of the State Constitution and Section
448.110, Florida Statutes.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FUBA WWW.FUBA.ORG Email your questions to UNITE at | |
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| 21ST ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE FAIR May 13th-16th 2010 |
**FREE TRADE FAIR**
Specialty Agents of Florida has held an annual Trade Fair since 1989 where insurance companies and other vendors have exhibited their products to hundreds of agents in an endeavor to make agents knowledgeable, competitive and more efficient. A great networking environment is created and both seminars and Continuing Education classes are offered keeping agents informed of the latest products and legislation. The Association has developed a strong presence in Tallahassee and has attracted many prominent speakers from legislative leaders to the State CFO.
This year a big change, you asked for it and here it is no charge to enter the Trade Show.
We have also lowered the cost of the package for the convention and we have included the Trade Fair lunch in the SA spouse package.
Hotel cost $99.00 per night. PackageFriday Night Reception, Saturday Trade Fair Lunch, Saturday Night Party and CE's included
$89.00 SA Member
$69.00 SA Spouse
$139.00 NON-Member
Golf Package (including Lunch)
OPEN TO ALL !!!!!!!!! $125.00
Purchase by item
CE Courses per Day
$30.00
Friday Night Reception
$30.00
Saturday Luncheon
$30.00
Saturday Casino Night Party
$40.00
Your registration does not include hotel reservations. You are responsible for making your own hotel accommodations. Your request must be received by April 23, 2010. After that date, the hotel will release all unreserved rooms for the sale to the public. Limited rooms at this price reserve early don't wait. Universal DoubleTree
1-800-327-2110 (Be sure to mention Group Code # SAT to receive the discounted rate). Hotel Rate $99.00per night,
plus taxes
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| WE ALL NEED CE'S |
DON'T MISS OUT CE'S AT THE 2010 CONVENTION
We already have a new 2 hour class on agency management approved for the 2010 convention. There are two other 3 hour classes pending. One is a class on homeowners insurance and the second class is on the subject of flood insurance. We are planning on a class dealing with auto insurance and another class on the subject of Comprehensive General Liability Coverage, the sub contractors coverage. Many of our members sell the CGL policies and need to know more about them. We always have several participants at the TRADE FAIR who offer the CGL policy as part of their programs. It can add to the agencies bottom line. If you are not currently selling the CGL coverage, plan on attending our class and learn how to add it to your product offering for your customers. The homeowners class is based on the subject of the proper coverage's needed by your customers before a hurricane. Action you and your customer should take before a hurricane. The personal information they need to have available before a hurricane. The claims information you need to share with your customers after a hurricane. There will be a discussion on company adjusters, independent adjusters and public adjusters. We will discuss what the mediation process is. We will have the mandatory classes, 3 hour ethics class and a 1 hour wind mitigation class to meet the requirement for 2-20 agents and a senior annuity ethics class for our life license members. Our flood class will discuss in depth the flood insurance program. We will discuss what is a flood, the WYO program, the SFHA and who is eligible for a flood policy. The National Flood Insurance Program has a co op program for yellow page ads. If you qualify and by using a NFIP ad, they will pay from 25% to 75% of the yellow page ad cost. We will have information to share with you on this program and how you can make it a part of your budget for yellow page advertising. Last year Progressive, Infinity and Nations Safe Driver participated in our CE offerings for you. We are looking forward to the biggest and best Convention and Trade Fair in 2010 and we are making plans right now to make it be important for you to attend. |
| COMPANY SPOTLIGHT |
| IF YOU WOULD TO HAVE YOUR COMPANY SPOTLIGHTED HERE CONTACT US.
COMING SPOTLIGHTS
February ASSURANCEAMERICA
March I. B. GREEN
BY FRAN COLUCCI SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENT ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER |
| ETI ACCORD FOR DUMMIES FREE |
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| SPECIALTY AGENTS FLOOD 20% COMMISSION |
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| FLOOD CO-OP MONEY |
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FLOOD AGENT CO-OP MONEY UP TO $10,000
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
Agent Co-Op Program
The NFIP Agent Co-Op Program provides agents with the advertising tools they need to help expand their flood insurance portfolios.
The Co-Op program helps agents:
Increase their buying power through media reimbursement - up to 75%
Develop an individualized marketing plan
Link their efforts to the NFIP marketing campaign
Interest and motivate customers.
Provide customers with agent contact information for flood protection
Program Highlights
No approvals needed for creative when using the templates provided
Simple reimbursement process
All Co-Op Program resources are available online at Agents.FloodSmart.gov
Types of Co-Op Ads
Advertising made simple - that's what the Co-Op program is all about. Agents choose from different categories of flood messaging and are reimbursement accordingly. Examples of the creative templates, as well as more information about the types of ads, can be found at Agents.FloodSmart.gov in the Advertising Toolbox.
Being FloodSmart Pays
It's easy to become FloodSmart:
Complete a state-approved continuing education (CE) course for at least three hours on flood insurance within the past 24 months.
Submit a copy of the certificate to the Co-Op Administrator.
For detailed training requirements, visit Agents.FloodSmart.gov
Co-Op Program Details
[75% reimbursement]
This creative is focused on flooding and directs consumers to contact the flood expert in their area. Template options include newspaper, magazine and Yellow Pages ads, and radio spots.
[50% reimbursement]
This creative promotes flood awareness, but allows agents the opportunity to highlight other lines of business. Template options include newspaper and Yellow Pages ads.
[35% reimbursement]
With this option, agents can design a message of their own and tag it with a flood message provided by the NFIP. This option is available for newspaper and Yellow Pages.
Get started with the Co-Op Program today, visit Agents.FloodSmart.gov.
Our streamlined reimbursement procedures are easy to follow.
1. Agents are now required to submit proof of flood insurance training to continue to receive reimbursement from the Agent Co-Op Program.
2. To receive reimbursement, all agents must submit a one-time-only Co-Op Program Participant Payment Form. (You should resubmit this form if are updating your payment address and/or tax information.)
3. Request pre-approval for ad reimbursement at least 7 business days prior to the run or air date of the first ad. You must request pre-approval for each ad you intend to use - without pre-approval, you will not receive reimbursement.
4. You can submit your pre-approval request online! Simply find the ad template you would like to use and click Request Pre-Approval.
5. Your request will be instantly available online from your Co-Op Program Summary page.
6. Send in your full reimbursement application within 90 days after the expense was incurred (indicated by a paid invoice) or the initial run or air date. All reimbursement invoices, ad slicks, radio station logs and training certifications should be sent to the NFIP Advertising Co-Op Program Administrator.
Payments are made directly to the agent and will be sent in 30 to 45 days. Reimbursement applications submitted after the 90-day deadline will be ineligible for reimbursement funds.
All discrepancies in reimbursement claims and/or amounts must be submitted within 30 days of the payment date.
The NFIP reserves the right to create spending limits for, modify, or discontinue the Co-Op Program at any time. The NFIP reserves the right to deny reimbursement if these procedures are not met.
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| SIAA AGENTS E&O |
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROGRAM CALL OR EMAIL TODAY
GRAVES & COMPANY
1-386-257-0595
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| E&O SITUATION HELP |
BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHICH EC YOU USE
When is it ok to use a exxisting Elevation Certificate?
An existing Elevation Certificate or EC may be available from the existing owner, on file with the municipality offices, with the original builder, or title agent. The property address on the EC should match the policy address or represent the legal address while the owners name may differ. To be useful, an existing EC must be matched with two NEW clear photos of the front and back of the property showing a clear view of the foundation line and elevation characteristics taken and dated 90 days prior to the date of the policy.
To determine if an existing EC can be utilized confirm three things:
Date Completed, Form Number and Vital Information.
Check Date Completed then Check Form Number then Check for Vital Information
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Completion Date |
Form Number |
Check for Vital Information |
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Current thru 1/1/07 |
On OMB 1660-0008 |
Confirm vital Information is supplied. |
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12-31-06 thru 10-1-2000
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On OMB 3067-0777
Extended |
Date completed must be prior to 12-31-06 If not, insured or agent should contact surveyor for re-write on correct form. |
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On OMB 3067-0077 |
Date completed must be prior to 7-31-02. If not, insured or agent should contact surveyor for re-write on correct form. |
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9-30-2000 thru 10-1-97 |
On any form number |
Confirm vital information is supplied. |
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On or Prior to 9/30/97
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On any form number |
Confirm vital information is supplied including, for elevated buildings with enclosure, diagram number and lowest adjacent grade. Without these two items, a new EC will be necessary. |
Vital Information to be supplied:
Exact address of property location*
Surveyor's signature, license number and date completed. (Surveyor's seal is not required if license number and other info is present.)
Lowest floor elevation
Flood zone
Lowest adjacent grade
Diagram number
If an EC is written on the wrong form (OMB number) or has missing information, the insured or agent can contact the surveyor to get the EC data transferred over to the correct form with completed information. If the surveyor is out of business or refuses to correct the altered EC then a new EC should be ordered.
When Should a New EC be ordered?
A new elevation certificate (EC) must be ordered if and when:
Items on the existing elevation certificate are altered, including items crossed out, additional items written on the form, or written over unless the surveyors initials are recorded for verification.
If an elevation certificate is missing items, completed on the wrong OMB, or has been altered and the surveyor is out of business or refuses to correct the EC.
Always check with your Flood Provider or NFIP to make sure you can use the Certificate you have.
Information provided by Fidelity Flood and NFIP.
Therefore, please BE CAREFUL you could be faced with an E&O situation.
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| PROGRESSIVE ATTRACT - AND RETAIN - MORE CUSTOMERS |
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| WORDS ARE POWERFUL AND MAGICAL |
It's Not What You Say; It's How You Say It!
by Michael Dalton Johnson
Words are powerful and magical things.
"Words create impressions, images and expectations. They build psychological connections. They influence how we think. Since thoughts determine actions, there's a powerful connection between the words we use and the results we get." -Nan S. Russell
Successful salespeople know they will sell more by using positive language. Example: Instead of saying, "We can't ship your order until next Tuesday," they will say, "We can ship your order as early as next Tuesday." Put yourself in the buyer's shoes; which statement is more satisfactory? Simply changing or adding a few words to a statement can make it more compelling. "You will get a full 30 percent discount," blows away "We are offering a 30 percent discount." When you accentuate the positive and create imagery you will make more sales. I had to smile when I read the creative imagery of a restaurant menu that offered, not simply "bacon and eggs" but, " Two farm fresh eggs with country bacon." It's the same breakfast but one description sounds a lot more appetizing. Which would sound better to a buyer? "Our product will save your company 2500 a month" or, "You will save your company 30,000 dollars a year with our product." Obviously, the second statement is more attention-grabbing because 30,000 "dollars" is far more dramatic than 2500, even though they amount to the same savings. More importantly, "You will save your company...," makes the buyer both intelligent and a hero. Buyers want to save money. Buyers like to make smart decisions. Buyers love to be heroes. Because sales are all about what the buyer gets, "We offer excellent technical support" pales in comparison to "You will get world-class technical support." Instead of saying to a business owner, "Your employees will really appreciate this program," consider saying with a smile, "Your employees will stand up and applaud you for giving them this program." Don't worry; the buyer will allow this bit of poetic license. Even though he/she knows the employees won't really stand up and applaud, the mental image of them doing so is powerful. Reprinted with permission from www.SalesDog.com |
| LIQUOR LIABILITY A DOOR OPENER |
Liquor liability, who could or shall I say will be liable?
Due to the holiday season, I have chosen by Commercial Lines topic this month to be on Liquor Liability and Host Liquor Liability. Most states have statutes that hold servers of alcohol responsible for the actions of those whom they serve. Social-host laws hold private-event hosts liable for the actions of guests who become intoxicated at their events. Too many businesses go without it and too many agents never offer it. This could be a door opener for you for your commercial clients. Many of your clients will be hosting parties, weddings or other events. Many will serve alcohol. Who is liable in the event one of your client's guests drinks too much and gets into an accident on the way home and kills a family? Your client, the insured is liable. If you did not offer the client, liquor liability, who could or shall I say will be liable? You, the agent, via your E&O for not having offered the coverage. So, how do you stop this from happening? Understand the coverage and offer it to all of your commercial clients and have them sign a waiver if they do not want the coverage. Host Liquor Liability covers businesses that normally do not serve alcohol, in the event of a claim against that business which is related to liquor served by that business. This coverage is excluded on the insured's General Liability policy. Bars, Restaurants and Taverns have Liquor Liability coverage endorsed to their GL policies but for businesses who normally do not serve alcohol but who decide to host a party or event which serves alcohol quite often don't even give it a thought. This is an excellent way for you, the agent, to increase your income and to provide protection for your insureds. Keep in mind that if liquor is served to a minor there would be no coverage. Quite often, employees are excluded from the policy. With Liquor Liability, many carriers give a credit, which reduces the premium, if the servers take a training course such as TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures). However, before you tell your insured to have their servers take this course, see if the carrier has their own course available. One carrier I know of offers the training for under $15 per server and will give the insured up to 15% credit for 3 years even if the servers change. Here is what you should look for in a Liquor Liability policy: 1. Assault & Battery Coverage - this very necessary coverage is sometimes excluded from the form and will need to be endorsed back on. Some carriers do not allow it to be endorsed back on so make sure you choose a carrier who either includes it or allows you to endorse it back. 2. Defense Costs - Try to find a policy with defense costs outside the limits. 3. Employees - see if you can find a carrier who will include employees as patrons. 4. Definition of Damages - Some policies exclude mental anguish and psychological damage. 5. Reduced Premium for Safety Training of Servers - many carriers offer this credit In closing, always remember that offering your clients the best protection for their business, protecting your E&O, and finding ways to increase your income are essential to be a successful agent. Byline: Deborah Grey, CIC Questions or comments: dgrey3@tampabay.rr.com
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| ARE YOU CURRENT? |
Agency Licensing Renewal Florida Law requires all Life and Health and Property and Casualty licensed agencies to renew their license every three years for the original issue date. Florida Law does not require registered agencies to renew their registration or Title agencies to renew their license. Agency licenses must be renewed online at the Department of Financial (DFS) website http://www.myfloridacfo.com/agents . Click on MyProfile, then "Insurance Agency," and log in using the agency's FEIN and license number. If your agency is licensed as a sole proprietor, log in using your Social Security Number and agency license number. Once logged in, select "Renewal" and proceed with the renewal process. There are no fees required to renew an agency license. A new agency license wall certificate will be mailed to your agency within three (3) days after you submit your agency renewal application to DFS. Currently, DFS mails a renewal notice to all agencies 90 days before the expiration date of the agency license. A licensed agency can renew their agency license between the date they receive the renewal notice and the expiration date of the license. In the near future, DFS will no longer mail renewal notices; instead, they will send an e-mail notification to the e-mail address they have on file for the agency. It is very important that you keep your agency's e-mail address updated with the DFS. In the near future, DFS will communicate with your agency exclusively by e-mail. Additionally, please ensure that all licensees in your agency keep their individual e-mail addresses updated with the DFS. DFS will also be communicating with individual licensed agents exclusively by e-mail in the near future. Individual licensees can update their e-mail addresses by logging in to MyProfile using their individual login. If your agency is closed or no longer transacting business in Florida, please send a cancellation notice signed by the owner or an officer stating the agency would like to cancel its license. You can find the notice by visiting: http://www.fslso.com/goto.aspx?id=250
Failure to renew your agency license will result in the agency license expiring and losing the authority to transact business in Florida. Transacting insurance business without a license will result in disciplinary action. To assist you with the agency license renewal process, DFS has created a video tutorial to walk you through each step of the agency license online renewal application. To view the tutorial, please visit: http://www.fslso.com/goto.aspx?id=249 |
| NATIONS SAFE DRIVER ROAD TO SUCCESS |
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| AUSLEY RUNNING FOR CFO |
DEMS GET A CFO CANDIDATE
By JOHN KENNEDY
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Jan. 12, 2010....Former Tallahassee Rep. Loranne Ausley jumped into the Cabinet race for chief financial officer Tuesday, drawing support from the party's political establishment for her bid to beat likely Republican contender Jeff Atwater, the Senate president.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, former Sen. Bob Graham, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, and current CFO Alex Sink all weighed in praising Ausley's candidacy, hinting at the lobbying effort that went into convincing her to run.
"It's obviously a big step, but it's the right step," Ausley said.
Atwater on Tuesday reported having collected $523,000 in the last three months of 2009, bringing his campaign total to $1.6 million. Atwater faces a primary challenge from state Rep. Pat Patterson, R-Deland, but seems to be drawing consensus support from Florida Republican leaders.
Ausley told the News Service of Florida that the fund-raising difference is daunting, but said that having in her corner "legacy" leaders of the state Democratic Party would allow her to catch-up swiftly.
"I wouldn't be in it if I didn't think I'd win it," Ausley said. "Having Sens. Graham, Nelson and others behind me convinces me I can get a lot of help doing what I need to do statewide."
There are two virtually unknown Democrats who have filed to run for the seat as well, Joshua Larose and Ken Mazzie.
She said the wide-ranging scope of the CFO job, which includes financial regulation and Cabinet duties that touch child care, foreclosure issues, and workers' compensation policy, is appealing because it holds such influence over the lives of Floridians.
In trying to retain Democratic control of the CFO post, Ausley is abandoning her run for the Senate seat being vacated by term-limited Sen. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee. Ausley's departure leaves that Democratic-leaning district to a primary contest between former Rep. Curtis Richardson and Bill Montford, a former Leon County school superintendent, with John Shaw, the lone Republican in the race.
Ausley served eight years in the state House before leaving under term limits last fall. She had collected $274,000 for her Senate run, making her the contest's leading fund-raiser and said Tuesday she is looking to see how much she can transfer into the CFO campaign.
In a statement accompanying her announcement, Nelson said "Democrats are united behind Loranne.
"Just as important - Floridians from all over the state are supporting her candidacy because she has the experience and record cutting waste and abuse we need in Tallahassee."
Graham praised Ausley's "passion for looking out for taxpayers," and promised to "work hard to help her become our state's next great leader."
Democrats have struggled to find a contender to hang onto the CFO seat won in 2006 by Sink, now a candidate for governor. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Bud Chiles, son of the late governor, and Palm Beach County Sens. Ted Deutch and Jeremy Ring are among those who had either been courted or took a look at the race and declined.
Lawson, himself a candidate for Congress, last month said he was looking at running for CFO - but the glance lasted less than 24 hours before he recommitted to challenging fellow Democratic U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd.
--END--
1/12/2010
Independent and Indispensable
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| WE HAVE A NEW FRAUD DIRECTOR |
CFO Sink names John Askins as new Division of Insurance Fraud director
Florida CFO Alex Sink on Wednesday announced the appointment of John Askins as the new Director of the Division of Insurance Fraud, the accredited law enforcement Division of the Department of Financial Services responsible for investigating insurance fraud. Askins has 30 years of experience working for the Division of Insurance Fraud, and returns to the Division effective this Thursday after having retired in 2008.
"I am so pleased to have someone with John's experience and expertise coming back to lead our top-rated Division of Insurance Fraud," said CFO Sink. "John will be able to hit the ground running, continuing our ongoing fight to crack down on insurance fraud in Florida and protect everyday Floridians against fraud and abuse."
"It is a privilege to return to the Division of Insurance Fraud to lead such a strong team, and I thank CFO Sink for this opportunity," said Askins. "I look forward to continuing our strong tradition of cracking down on insurance fraud and holding these criminals who steal millions of dollars from consumers and businesses accountable."
Askins will lead the Division of Insurance Fraud as it continues to vigorously investigate and arrest insurance fraud criminals throughout the state. He will be responsible for supervising 155 sworn law enforcement officers, managers and administrators, and 48 non-sworn, civilian support staff members.
John Askins began his career with the Division of Insurance Fraud in Miami just two years after the Division was established by the Legislature in 1976, and continued working fraud cases for 26 years. In 2002, Askins was promoted to Major and moved to Tallahassee to take on a larger role supervising insurance fraud cases, finally serving as interim director. Prior to originally joining the Division of Insurance Fraud, Askins spent four years in the United States Navy and four years working for the Miami-Dade Police Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University.
The Division of Insurance Fraud made over 800 insurance fraud-related arrests in the last fiscal year, and investigates various forms of insurance fraud relating to health, life, auto, property and workers' compensation insurance policies. Depending on the estimated loss amount, the Department of Financial Services will pay up to $25,000 for information directly leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information about suspected insurance fraud is asked to call CFO Sink's Fraud Fighters Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com/fraud.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM MY CFO FLORIDA
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| SIAA MEMBERS CAN SELL AARP MED SUPP |
CALL TODAY TO START SELLING AND MAKING MONEY TODAY
1-888-290-8436 |
| 5 EASY STEP TO GREAT MARKETING |
Bridging the Generation Gap-Welcome to the Future
Marketing Your Business Online
The same basic principles that guide your marketing efforts in the business world can be applied to marketing your business online as well. Creating concise slogans and advertisements that grab consumer attention is among the most important. The key to marketing your business today is to apply twenty-first century technology to traditional marketing methods.
Marketing Online in 5 Easy Steps
Manage your online marketing budget effectively by using pay-per-clock advertising. Major pay-per-click providers (such as Google) can help you craft a reasonable budget for banner ads.
Communicate with other online companies to create partnerships to help market your own business. (For example, do your carriers have a way to assist your online efforts?)
Create clever videos and online advertisements that draw attention of those surfing the web.
Participate in online forums where you can market to your target audience.
Pass out flyers at local colleges, malls and other public areas. Focus on internet savvy age-groups.
Initiate a referral service to help market your website to a larger group. The more traffic you drive there, the greater the result will be.
Get started with social media marketing-it's FREE!
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is a term that describes the use of social networks, online communities, blogs or other online collaborative media for marketing, sales & customer service.
Common social medial marketing tools include online sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.
There are three important aspects of social media marketing. They are as follows:
Creating news-worthy events, videos, tweets, or blog entries that attract attention and become viral in nature (spreads across the web).
Building ways that enable your fans to promote the message themselves in multiple online social media venues.
It's based around online conversations. "Brands having conversations"
As carriers assist in helping you grow your business and change ease of use features to allow your customers to bind policies online it is imperative that you grow with them to continue to grow your agency.
Things to consider
Does my agency have a website? If not, am I considering moving that direction?
Does my agency website have interactive functionality or is it just an "about me" page?
Do I have a LinkedIn Account? (Set one up here: www.linkedin.com)
Does my agency have a Facebook account? (Set one up here: www.facebook.com)
Submitted by MICHELLE MOSHER
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| Hard to Measure R.O.I. |
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Advertising That Lasts Forever
Well Almost,
I'm constantly studying ways to get my name out there to the public with the greatest R.O.I. (Return on Investment).
The idea I'm going to share this month is hard to measure the R.O.I. on, but it's a bunch of fun.
I started several years ago sponsoring little kids Pee Wee football. See, I figured little kids had parents that were the same demographics as my auto companies wanted. Turns out sponsoring ball teams can pay huge dividends.
Stop and think about it. Almost every age bracket has a sport you can be a team sponsor for, for the season at about $500.00 or less.
The benefits are many:
1. Those kids play sometimes twice a week for 8 weeks. That translates into 16 hours of free commercials by constant announcements while my team is playing.
2. Next, if the team makes it into the playoffs or wins the championship - they're in the paper - again wearing t-shirts or jerseys with my agency name on them. Now for the best part - figured it out yet?? It's those shirts - kids will wear those till mom throws them away. All the time, every time, everywhere they go, my name is on the front of the shirt.
3. You will get the royal treatment if you go to one or two games, the kids and parents treat you as a king because you're their sponsor.
4. Last but not least, you generally get a plaque to put on the wall and a lot of leagues give sponsors a trophy as well.
Hundreds of people have come into the office and commented on my wall of plaques.
Till next month.....
This has been your "Store Front Operator".
p.s. I forgot another benefit...
Just remember all those extra photos those parents order have your name in each and every photo given over and over to friends and relatives. |
| U.S. SECURTIY INSURANCE MOTORCYCLE PROGRAM |
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| What are all these fee's? |
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Clients want to know the ASSESMENT FEE DETAILS
The devastating losses of the 2004-05 hurricane seasons left a number of insurance carriers insolvent. Citizens Property Insurance was left with an enormous debt, the reserves in the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund were almost depleted, and the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association was faced with the task of paying the outstanding claims to the policyholders of the insolvent insurers.
In order to cover these deficits, replenish the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and pay the claims from insolvent insurance companies, the Office of Insurance Regulation has approved several assessments. In effect, we are all helping our neighbors and ourselves with these fees. We would like you to be prepared for these assessments so we have included the following details to make it a little easier to understand. These assessments will be levied on all new policies, and at the time of renewal on existing policies.
Florida Citizens Property6 Insurance Assessment www.citizensfla.com
It is required by law that Florida Citizens Property Insurance remains solvent. Emergency assessments are levied to cover any deficits (the 2005 high risk account deficit was $1.7 billion). These assessments are collected from policyholders upon issuance or renewal and can be collected for as many years as necessary to cover the deficit. It is important to understand that while we were very fortunate in 2006, Citizens' deficit from the 2005 season still remains.
We are please to inform you that the $ 0 surcharge in your premium for the assessment by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has been reduced by6 $ 0 due to an appropriation by the Florida Legislature. This appropriation, and thus the reduction, does not apply to First Community Insurance Company, a limited apportionment company (a company with a surplus of $25 million or less).
2005 Regular Assessment: $0
2005 Emergency Assessment: $14
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Assessment www.sbafla.com/fhcf
The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCH), a tax-exempt state trust fund that is funded by all Florida Property and Casualty insurance companies, has exhausted nearly all of the $6 billion in reserves it has accumulated since its inception in 1993, causing the Office of Insurance Regulation to levy an assessment on all direct written premiums beginning January 1, 2007. The FHCH assessment is expected to be renewed each year for up to 10 years.
Emergency Assessment: $10
Florida Insurance Guaranty Association Assessment
The Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA), which was created by the legislature to handle claims from insolvent property and casualty insurance companies, has levied an assessment for the calendar year of 2005. The purpose is to secure funds to handle, adjust and pay covered claims.
Total Fees: $24
Please let your clients know why they pay more.
Submitted by Curtis Tyre -Tyre Insurance Agency
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| MORSTAN WHATS SELLING |
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| FYI |
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Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Resolves Military Sales Litigation - Insurers to Pay $250,000 and Give Refunds to Policyholders
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has entered into consent agreements with American Fidelity Life Insurance Co. (American Fidelity) and Trans World Assurance Co. (Trans World) resolving allegations contained in Orders issued on Jan.7, 2009 by the Office. American Fidelity has agreed to pay $75,000 for penalties, costs, and fees. Trans World has agreed to pay $175,000 for penalties, costs and fees.
The agreements resolve issues related to American Fidelity's and Trans World's offer and sale of its Flexible Dollar Builder Life Insurance Policy (Policy) to active duty service members of the United States Armed Forces. The Policy included a side fund (Accumulation Fund) which violated Florida's Military Sales Practices Rule, Rule 69O-142.200, Florida Administrative Code. The fund failed to credit interest properly, it contained an early withdrawal penalty, and it provided for automatic premium payments from deposits in the Accumulation Fund. During the Office's investigation, the Office also found that American Fidelity and Trans World did not conduct meaningful needs assessments and failed to provide effective rates of return.
In addition to the penalties, costs and fees, American Fidelity and Trans World have issued refunds to its policyholders. American Fidelity and Trans World also re-filed its policies and are now in compliance with Florida law. American Fidelity and Trans World will also use an approved needs assessment form for future military sales.
"Our office has been and will continue to be vigilant in protecting military personnel and all Floridians from unfair and deceptive business practices," said Commissioner Kevin McCarty.
For more information, see the American Fidelity Consent Order and the Trans World Consent Order.
About the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com . If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com
Penalty guidelines for insurance representatives
The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Agent & Agency Services, hereby provides its Notice of Proposed Rule Development to Rule Chapter 69B-231, Florida Administrative Code, relative to the
penalty guidelines for insurance representatives. This notice has been filed with the Florida Administrative Weekly and was officially published today.
The purpose of the proposed rule development is to update the rules that govern suspension and revocation of licenses of insurance agents, customer representatives, service representatives and adjusters. The amendments include adding new regulations adopted by the Florida Legislature and deleting laws that have been repealed. The rules are also updated by increasing penalties for violating certain laws in order to reflect the Department's experience in dealing with the frequency and severity of these violations. The purpose of other changes is to clarify the rules.
The person to be contacted regarding the proposed rule development is:
Kathy Spencer
Florida Department of Financial Services
Division of Agent & Agency Services
412 Larson Building
200 E. Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0319
Phone: (850) 413-5644
Email: Kathy.Spencer@MyFloridaCFO.com
You may access the full text of the notice via the link: http://www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Agents/Industry/Laws-Rules/docs/Notice_Dev_69B-231.pdf
Thank you Matthew GuyCommunications Coordinator
Florida Department of Financial Services
Division of Agent & Agency Services
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0318
Phone: (850) 413-5418
Fax: (850) 922-3905
Matthew.Guy@MyFloridaCFO.com
www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Agents
Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance -- Will It Save You Money?
By Sean M. Shaw, Esq., Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate
Beginning April 1, 2010 Floridians will have a new choice when it comes to auto insurance. On that date, Progressive American Insurance Company (Progressive) will be the first company to offer a new product called Pay-As-You-Drive auto insurance. Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) or "usage-based" auto insurance, in its simplest form, bases insurance cost on the number of miles driven incorporated with existing rating factors, such as a driver's accident history or geographical location. The fewer miles you drive the lower your premium. Policies may be based on estimated miles, verified miles and prepaid miles. For mileage verification policies, insurers could verify the driver's miles through various methods, including periodic certified odometer readings, which can be obtained during inspections, self-reporting by the policyholder or by data transmitted by a technological device (telemetric) that connects to a vehicle's OnBoard Diagnostic (OBD-II) port.
PAYD insurance will be offered in Florida by Progressive through their MyRate program which will go into effect on April 1, 2010 for new business and May 11, 2010 for renewal business. Upon enrollment in the MyRate program, Florida consumers (as in other states) will be mailed the telemetric device that easily plugs under the dash of your vehicle and will transmit mileage and driving behavior information to Progressive. The MyRate device does not contain global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and does not track vehicle location or whether you are exceeding the speed limit. There is also no way to determine driver identity. The program is purely voluntary on the part of each insured and insureds may continue their current rating basis without any penalty.
New products are always exciting and many consumers are curious to try out the latest product in the auto insurance world. However, PAYD insurance may not be the best choice for certain consumers. As the Insurance Consumer Advocate, I am going to help outline what types of drivers will benefit from PAYD insurance and which drivers may be best served by maintaining their current plan.
Notice to Policyholders and Agents
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has entered into a non-confidential consent order with
Magnolia Insurance Company placing Magnolia into administrative supervision. The Order of
Supervision, paragraph 9, states "Magnolia shall not write any new business and shall not renew
business without the prior consent of the Office and without a full disclosure of the existence of this
Order to the policyholder and the agent in advance of any renewal." This company has been placed
into supervision because the Office finds it to be in an unsound condition. Magnolia is bound by the
notice provisions of Section 627.4133, Florida Statutes to appropriately notice non-renewals. Policies
that are slated to renew now and in the first few weeks of January 2010 could not be properly noticed
for non-renewal by Magnolia and Magnolia will renew the policy if the policyholder or agents request
renewal. However, policyholders and agents should be aware that renewal with Magnolia is at your
own risk and that of policyholders. Agents should seek to place any policy slated for renewal with
another admitted carrier prior to the policy expiration date. Should you be unable to place with an
admitted carrier, then you may resort to Citizens, assuming the application meets Citizens' guidelines
and requirements. |
| TAX PREP EARN $300.00 PER HOUR |
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| But I can't afford it!!!! |
Why you can afford to be a member!!!!
I am a Board Member and a Florida agent, but I work on the carrier / wholesaler side of the business. After being a Board Member for only several months, I feel it is important to shout from the mountaintop my firsthand observations of the Board Members.
Prior to joining, I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea what this Association actually does for its members. I have observed firsthand, a passion, dedication and commitment by my fellow Board Members like I have never before seen. In this day and age, most people only care about themselves and how much money they can make. These guys authentically care about each and every one of you.
I do not think that most of us understand exactly what these guys do, so I asked for permission to write an article to expound on the benefits of membership. Yes, they are listed in several places but a list is so much different than seeing and hearing what they actually do.
We too often forget that these Board Members have been VOLUNTEERING their time for each and every one of you for many years. They fight for YOUR rights. Every Board Member has an outside job and yet they find the time to put the UNITE Newsletter together every month, to pay for a lobbyist to stand up for YOUR rights in Tallahassee, to go to bat with carriers for YOUR rights.
Time is a commodity, a very valuable commodity. These guys are giving you their TIME so they can fight for YOU.
There is power in numbers. We have a lobbyist who lobbies for each and every one of us but in order to be successful we need the strength of you joining our efforts. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
When you run into a problem with getting your agency licensed or have questions about anything having to do with Specialty Agents, we are here for YOU.
We listen to you and do our best to fulfill your needs. We are giving you FREE access to the tradeshow this year. We offer Free CE at our annual Convention.
We write articles which will benefit you every month in UNITE.
We all want to make money. We have negotiated a special Flood Program for our members which pays 20% on both New Business and Renewals. Even if you don't have a homeowners market you can write flood. If you don't have one, we will help you get one.
We need YOUR help. We cannot do this by ourselves. We are giving of our time. We NEED you to help us help you by becoming a Member. There is strength in numbers.
by Deborah Grey |
| FIRST INSURANCE NETWORK INCREASES AGENCY PROFITS |
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SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS |
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WHY SHOULD I BE A MEMBER OF SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION ?
Benefits of being a member of an agent's organization
- Being a member of an Association provides strength to the industry.
- Specialty Insurance Agents Association provided assistance to agents in getting their agencies licensed.
- Specialty Insurance Agents provided the classroom course for agents to meet their Citizens Insurance requirements.
- UNITE
- Higher commissions through our flood program. We have negotiated a flood program paying the agency 20% on new business and 20% on renewal business plus 1% to your ASSOCIATION. You can sign up to write flood insurance even if you don't have a homeowners market.
- E & O INSURANCE available
- Annual convention and trade fair.
- Members can receive FREE CE credits on all classes offered at convention.
- Industry Designation (to be presented at the 2009 convention).
- Specialty Insurance Agents Association has entered into an agreement with the University of Central Florida to sponsor an Industry Designation for the Agent and CSR. The Designation will be available in 2009.
- Board Members available to assist members with questions or problems.
- Assistance in obtaining appointments with companies. At the annual convention/trade fair there are several dozen participating companies looking to appoint agents. While appointments cannot be guaranteed, we can initiate an introduction for you to the marketing staff of these companies.
Want to become a member of Specialty Insurance Agents Association? Just call to receive the new membership application emailed, faxed or download form today. Don't delay call Susan Graves at 1-888-290-8436
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| NIU HAS THE RIGHT TOOLS |
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| One Final Note |
Make Small Commitments. Get Big Changes.
Compiled by Michael Dalton Johnson
Taking Care of You
Drink plenty of water.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.
Eat more fruits and vegetables and eat less that is manufactured in processing plants.
Avoid eating food that is handed to you through a window.
Live the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
Play more games.
Read more books than you did in 2009.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Sleep for 7 hours.
Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Your Outlook
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
Dream more while you are awake.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Forget issues of the past. Don't remind others of their past mistakes.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Learn a new word every day.
Smile and laugh more.
You don't have to win every argument.
Your Relationships
Call your family often.
Each day give something good to others.
Forgive everyone for everything.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
Try to make at least three people smile each day.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Your Life
The worst promise you can break is one made to yourself.
Do the right thing!
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
The best is yet to come.
When you awake alive in the morning, thank God for it.
Your Innermost Self is always happy. Follow it.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Notes:
Keep these rules handy and review them often. Follow them and small, almost imperceptible, changes will accumulate into something big. Your life will change.
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- WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.
- ARE THERE SOME OTHER TOPICS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE UNITE?
- REMEMBER WE PUBLISH THIS FOR YOU.
- SO CALL US OR EMAIL TODAY WITH YOUR IDEAS.
- WE ARE A BOARD OF TWELVE , FROM DIVERSE TYPES OF AGENCIES, WITH MORE THAN 150 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
- SHANE GRIFFIS- President
- MARC PEASE - Vice President / UNITE PUBLISHER
- PAT LORELLO - Treasurer
- FRAN COLUCCI - Secretary / UNITE EDITOR
- KIDSON BARNES - Board Member
- SUSAN GRAVES - Board Member / ED
- DEBORAH GREY - Board Member
- MARCUS HANIMAN - Board Member
- MICHELLE MOSHER - Board Memeber
- CURTIS TYRE - Board Member
- ARNIE VASQUEZ - Board Member
Have a question for the board EMAIL or CALL us today.
EMAIL info@specialtyinsuranceagents.org
CALL 1-888-290-8436
Sincerely,
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SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION
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