2023 SC Market Share Report
Uses data from AM Best
Each year our national association reviews property/casualty insurance premium data provided by A.M. Best Company along with other data to assess the market share of independent agents in multiple markets and lines of business and our association works with them to assess the data as it applies to South Carolina. Access the latest report (using 2023 data). Member login is required.    (+ More...)

Trusted Choice GIVE Movement is WRAPPING UP
Last chance to participate in our week of giving benefitting Make-a-Wish South Carolina
We are in the FINAL DAYS of this year's Trusted Choice GIVE Movement, running from June 1-8. This annual project led by the 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 this year is to raise $30,000, which will grant FOUR wishes for South Carolina children battling critical and life-threatening illnesses. Special thanks to our TOP GIVERS who got us part of the way to our goals, these organizations have donated $1,000 or more to the campaign: Smart Choice Agents, Brabham Griffin Insurance Agency, Carolina Property Insurance, LLC, Correll Insurance Group, Creech Roddey Watson, Irmo Insurance Agency Inc, Kinghorn Insurance of Beaufort/TWIA Insurance Agency, Mappus Insurance Agency, Preferred Specialty LLC, Producers to Principals, Robert Bryant & Son, Inc., Russell-Massey & Co., Inc., Taylor Agency and Watson Insurance Agency. Donations are still open on the event webpage.    (+ More...)

Young Agents Conference Registration now open for all attendees
To be held Aug. 8-10 in Savannah, Ga., hotel block/ agent discounts expire June 26
Registration is now open for all attendees to this summer's Young Agents Conference to be held Aug. 8–10 at The DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Ga. This conference focuses on the professional development of the up-and-coming insurance agents within the state with a great mix of business, fun and minimal time away from the office. Features sessions on thriving in the hard market, best practices and using AI in the agency. Hotel block and agent discounts expire June 26. Pre-registration closes July 24.  (+ More...)

Big I Markets is now Big I Alliance
Program keeps focus on market access, plus vendor discounts & alliance aggregation
Our national association's market access program Big I Markets has a new name and is part of a powerful new suite of market access solutions for independent agents, Big I Alliance. Participation is now done on three tiers. Alliance Blue is what was formerly known as Big “I” Markets, and provides a competitive market access solution for Big “I” member agencies. Members may access personal and commercial lines including auto and home, bonds, cyber, small commercial and more. There are still no fees and no volume commitments, and you own your expirations. Alliance Blue Plus is an optional add on opportunity to receive discounted pricing from featured vendors offering operation and technology solutions; education and marketing support and more. Alliance Gold agents get direct access to carriers and underwriters, profit sharing and incentive eligibility, ownership of expirations and much more. Contract is required. Learn more about each level on the Big I Alliance website.  (+ More...)

MEMBER NEWS: SC Agency member wins IAIP CWC Speak-off competition
Competition recognizes best speaker completing Confidence While Communicating program
Mary Hefner of the CWS Insurance Agency in Spartanburg, SC, won the International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP) national Confidence While Communicating (CWC) Speak-Off competition during their International meeting earlier this month in Scottsdale, AZ. This annual competition recognize the best speaker completing the CWC educational program, which is designed to teach the skills necessary to prepare and deliver oral presentations. Candidates first compete at the local level, with the winners progressing to the regional levels and then culminating at the International Convention.  (+ More...)

Let IIABSC license and train your new CSRs
InsurAcademy summer session starts July 15, register by July 3
InsurAcademy is a comprehensive training program to make your new hires “job ready” for a Customer Service Representative position. The training is provided in a live virtual format and includes both pre-licensing preparation and skills training. In just six short weeks, your new hire can be licensed and ready to be a productive member of your staff. Training is provided in a half-day format to make it more manageable for the students and provide them with the opportunity to apply what they learn each day in class. At the completion of InsurAcademy, the student also receives a 12-month professional development plan. InsurAcademy will be offering quarterly sessions in 2024, but class size is limited in order to provide personalized instruction. Registration for the July session is open now with July 3 deadline.   (+ More...)

See also:    LIVE VIRTUAL P&C producer pre-licensing course starts July 15

Big I Professional Liability - Falling Short on financial ratings
Does my E&O carrier's financial rating really matter?
Financial ratings give insight into a carrier’s ability to pay claims. Not only do they need to have the funds to pay claims, when it comes to E&O coverage they also need to be able to pay all legal services required for defense costs. Guaranty funds have limitations and cannot always be counted on, therefore reviewing a carrier's financial rating should always be a part of your assessment in determining where to place E&O coverage.  (+ More...)

LAST CHANCE to register for Ultimate Account Manager next week
Popular CSR training will be webcast live June 19-20 from IIABSC office in Columbia
The Ultimate Account Manager series is now in hybrid format, to be broadcasting live next week June 19-20 from our Columbia classroom. This remarkable and one-of-a-kind training has been streamlined to meet the busy needs of our independent agents. The series has been condensed into two comprehensive training days that address the major needs of Account Managers and CSRs to assure they will enhance their skills, productivity and effectiveness. Upon completion of the two days, attendees will receive their Ultimate Account Manager certification. Our education partner normally offers this training for $749, but IIABSC members can attend both days of training for only $435. Classes are offered in Columbia June 19-20 OR you can attend virtually. This is a two-day series, no single-day options are available. Filed for 12 hours P&C credit.  (+ More...)

Nominate the 2024 Agent/Young Agent/ Industry Person of the Year
Convention awards nominations deadline Aug. 16
Our awards banquet is a highlight of the annual convention, as important industry contributors are recognized. Here is your chance to nominate the next recipients of the Hayne P. Glover Jr. Agent of the Year, Young Agent of the Year and Industry Person of the Year awards. Recipients are nominated by other members and will be awarded at this year's annual convention to be held Oct. 13-15 at the Westin Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, SC. Agenda details and registration to be announced in mid-July. Awards nomination deadline is Aug. 16.  (+ More...)

Use ABEN discount code for 25% off
Use code SUMMERSALE before Aug. 31
Use discount code "SUMMERSALE" at checkout for 25 percent off our entire ABEN catalog at iiabsc.aben.tv. Cannot be applied to any already discounted bundles. Courses are available live or on-demand and can be browsed by category or by broadcast date. Expires Aug. 31. (+ More...)

See also:   New E&O ABEN course now available - Policy Analysis - Reading, Interpreting and Understanding Insurance Contracts

Use My Agency Campus discount code for 20% off
Enter code MAC20 at checkout
Use discount code "MAC20" at checkout for 20 percent off any My Agency Campus course and/or training packages. My Agency Campus provides interactive and engaging courses for insurance coverage training and other business skills for new employees and emerging leaders. Once purchased, participants have four months to complete on-demand curriculum with the ability to provide weekly updates and transcript reports to their supervisor. (+ More...)