vol. 2025, ed. 07
View 2025 IIABSC Palmetto Partners Guide
Our newly updated directory includes markets and appointment contacts
Just as they support the association, our Palmetto Partners are eager to support your agency. Printed copies of this year's Palmetto Partners Guide will be mailed to the membership. This printed directory includes contact info for each company rep as well as a brief list of markets and whether they are currently seeking new agencies. View digital version on our partners webpage. Updates can be made throughout the year to the digital version by contacting Communications Director Anita Trevino. (+ More...)
SCDOI UPDATE: SCDOI renews Wind Pool expansion another two years
Last month the SC Dept. of Insurance renewed the temporary expansion of the territories served by the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (SCWHUA) as set forth in the Omnibus Coastal Property Insurance Reform Act of 2007. The previous expansion was set to expire on March 28 unless renewed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the law. After considering current market conditions, consumer complaints and requests for assistance, and the Department’s analysis and review of the pertinent information, Insurance Dir. Michael Wise renewed the expansion until March 2027. According to the SC DOI, since the 2007 expansion, the coastal insurance market has improved, making coverage more accessible and reducing the number of uninsured properties. As a result, SCWHUA’s written premiums and policy counts have significantly declined due to better reinsurance options, increased private market participation, and consistent coverage areas. However, rising reinsurance costs and insurer concerns over catastrophic risks could make it harder for some consumers to secure coverage. Renewing the 2007 expansion is essential to maintaining market stability and ensuring access to essential property insurance for high-risk coastal areas. (+ More...)
Oldest agency in the state celebrates 175 years
Congratulations to C.T. Lowndes & Company of Charleston on this incredible milestone
Last month, C.T. Lowndes & Company of Charleston, the oldest independent insurance agency in the state of South Carolina, celebrated 175 years of providing clients with products and services to protect their homes and businesses and respond to their evolving needs. IIABSC President/CEO Becky McCormack presented agency leadership with a resolution from our national association during their anniversary celebration held in Charleston, SC. IIABSC Chair of the Board Robbie Nalley presented agency CEO Bill Silcox with a Chair Citation and a Resolution from the South Carolina Senate during the IIABSC Spring Conference held in Columbia, SC. (+ More...)
Welcome New Members
Agency members
Borghi Insurance Group, LLC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Gary's Insurance Agency, LLC
Little River, SC
Helm Risk Advisors, LLC
Charleston, SC
IF$- Insurance and Financial Solutions
Duncan, SC
NeSmith Insurance Group
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Oaklanding Solutions, LLC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Palmetto Financial Consultants of Lexington, LLC
Lexington, SC
Vanderbilt Ins & Risk Management of the Midlands
Chapin, SC
Limited space available for participation at Young Agents Scholarship Golf Tournament
To be held May 5 in Columbia - you do not need to be a Young Agent to participate
Young Agents Scholarship Golf Tournament to be held May 5 at the Fort Jackson Golf Club in Columbia, SC, has very limited availability for player space, but several sponsorship opportunities (including hole sponsors) are still available. A player waiting list will open once tournament player space has sold out, and spots are remaining in the new onsite player clinic. Our tournament is for anyone who wants to participate, it's not just for young agents, nor is it just for insurance industry professionals. It is a fundraiser to benefit our young agents program. Tournament starts with lunch and then a shotgun start at 12:15 pm. Reception and awards afterwards. New add-on this year is a golf clinic on the driving range starting at 12:30 pm. Registration deadline is April 22. (+ More...)
SOCIAL MEDIA: April is Distracted Driving month
Find related content to share in Trusted Choice Agents Resource Center
Did you know that cell phone use was involved in 12 percent of car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration? April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and now is a perfect time to share with their customers the importance of safe driving in customer correspondence and social media. Trusted Choice® has free up-to-date, customizable content to help bring awareness to the risks of distracted driving. Contents include various digital ads, print ads and videos. All content can be customized to include member agency logo and contact information. (+ More...)
See also: Trusted Choice offers a new tool to automate your social media
Use ABEN discount code for 25% off
Use code 25SPRING at checkout
Use discount code "25SPRING" at checkout for 25 percent off our entire ABEN catalog at iiabsc.aben.tv. Discount cannot be applied to bundled courses. Courses are available live or on-demand and can be browsed by category or by broadcast date. (+ More...)
Learn about Trusted Choice new resources and marketing reimbursement program updates
Amplify Your Marketing with Trusted Choice’s Newest Free Resources – Spring Update | April 9 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Trusted Choice will be holding a free agency member webinar on April 9 at 1:00 pm Eastern to go over some of the newest marketing tools and resources for members, including the Digital Performance Hub, updates to the Marketing Reimbursement Program, Agency Social Media Guide, other toolkits/guides and the Social Jazz automation tool. If you are looking to boost your agency's digital marketing or customer experience, then this member webinar will definitely be worth your time. (+ More...)
Greenville Agents: FREE local Networking Event April 22
Happy Hour next month at The Farehouse in Taylors
Greenville-area Agents: Join IIABSC for a networking happy hour brought to you by our award-winning Young Agents Committee on April 22 at The Farehouse in Taylors. Thanks to our generous sponsors, this event is FREE to all agents and young agents! Plan to join us after work starting at 5:00 pm for some food, drinks and good times with fellow Big "I" agents, industry leaders and event sponsors (Amwins Access Insurance Services & ISURITY). Meet the SC Young Agent Committee leaders as well as other agents in your area. BRING BUSINESS CARDS FOR DRAWINGS!. (+ More...)
Nominate this year's SC Outstanding CSR of the Year
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 SC Outstanding CSR of the Year. This award is the highest honor for insurance customer service representatives who have distinguished themselves through contributions to their industry and profession. Final entry submission deadline is May 1. Find entry forms and view past winners on our award webpage. (+ More...)
Trusted Choice GIVE Movement seeking TOP AGENCY GIVERS
Week of giving in early June to benefit Make-a-Wish South Carolina
We are participating once again in the Trusted Choice GIVE Movement this June 1-8. This annual project led by our young agents encourages agencies, affiliates and partners to come together for a week of giving to benefit an incredibly inspirational and worthy cause. Together our donations have the potential for life-changing impact for children and families in South Carolina through Make-A-Wish South Carolina. Our goal in 2025 is to raise $30,000 - enough to grant the wishes of FOUR local children. If your agency wishes to participate in this campaign at a higher level, please consider becoming one of our TOP AGENCY GIVERS. Those organizations that donate a minimum of $1,000 to the campaign will receive recognition throughout our week of giving. (+ More...)