CHANGING ENVIRONMENT MAKES HIGH VALUED AGENCIES EASIER TO RECOGNIZE by Robert Smith Stories are starting to circulate around agency/brokerage meetings, 'Did you hear what the ABC or XYZ Age...

Ten years ago it took $5 million in total agency revenues and about $30 million in Property/Casualty premiums to land on the top 100 agency list. Now an agency needs to have in excess of $10 million in revenues and $60 million in premiums to make the cut. Ten years ago the average independent agency in the country had $250,000 in total revenues with six to seven people. Today the average is close to $600,000 in revenues, also with six to seven people. To use a phrase from Bob Dylan, "the times, they are a changing."

CHECK FRAUD AND COUNTERFEITING by L. Burke Files As computer and duplicating technologies have advanced and become cheaper and more widely available, check fraud and counterfeiting have grown. T...

This checklist outlines the major factors an insurance agency and a producer should consider in negotiating an employment agreement. It should not be construed as a specimen contract or agreement but merely a guide for reaching a meeting of the minds over subjects important to both parties. If you are engaged in this kind of negotiation now, use this form to check off these considerations in the blocks provided, as they are agreed upon. Be sure to consult an attorney for assistance in drafting the legal language necessary to implement a formal contract.

CHECKLISTS PROTECT AGAINST ERRORS AND OMISSIONS by Grace Bauer I recently got to babysit my two nephews for four days. My sister gave me a long list of daily things to do as well as rules t...

CHOOSING A HEALTH CARRIER: ELIGIBILITY, BENEFITS, AND UTILIZATION by Patrick Powers Today it's almost impossible to read the newspaper, watch the news, or attend a social function without h...

CHOOSING AN ACCOUNTANT by Chris Burand The agency external accountant plays an integral part in every agency's operations. After reviewing many agencies financials, I've seen the unfortunate ...

CLAIM PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES by Mary Beth Bolen Of all the things a customer service representative (CSR) does for clients, you and the agency are most directly affected by the clients' receptio...

CLAIMS MANAGEMENT: AN IMPORTANT PART OF A SUCCESSFUL INSURANCE PROGRAM by Elizabeth Shaw, CPCU This writing is based on one simple premise: The integration of claims management into a commercia...

CLIENT BILL OF RIGHTS My attorney agrees to do the following: 1. Only work on my case if he or she has the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to be an excellent advocate on my behalf. 2...