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...at dominates a market in a given community. So this discussion offers you tool...n, the telephone book is the modern community business directory. It is printe...

...ch often go to support necessary community services, and the difference has to... or specific individual within the association. There would then be a procedur...

... reputation within the insurance community and their proximity to the type of ... man the booths with them. Sharing association endorsements with the producer ...

... with assessing your marketing strengths and weaknesses by listing the specific characteristics that set your firm apart from the competition. These characteristics could include: technical expertise, level of service, other services offered (e.g., risk management, financial expertise, underwriting authority), community involvement, firm reputation and image, and carrier representation. Be specific as to which of these characteristics set you apart and why. The second step is to critique your level of service. How could service be improved? What slows down service that is within ... the business. If you have a specialty (contractors) or preferred program (high-valued homes), try to target the ads to these specific markets to improve your hit ratio on business generated from Yellow Pages advertising. 11. Trade Journal Advertising Trade journals published by associations of your specialty classes of business can be a very effective advertising source. Since most trade journals are targeted to professionals of a particular industry, they can be excellent prospects for your special programs. An association endorsement also carries a lot of clout and "free ... advertising. 12. Direct Mail Campaigns This business tool is most effective for new accounts in target markets. Preapproach brochures or letters and unique policy coverages can be custom-designed to meet their specific needs. Insurance companies are often willing to provide the marketing materials or to share the costs of a direct mail campaign if the targeted class is of particular interest to them. 13. Other Industries Some firms have found it very beneficial to link up with other types of businesses to provide personal lines insurance for the clients of that business. Examples ...

... traced back to the customer in all but a handful of states. Some states. Some states permit companies to recoup these assessments directly by increasing rates or surcharging policyholders. Others allow companies to credit the assessments against state premium taxes, which often go to support necessary community services, and the difference has to made up on other kinds of taxes. Because all agents are in this together, we see an enhanced role for agents associations in the area of company insolvency protection. State and local groups can and should establish formal watchdog ... in automobile insurance. The whole issue of insolvency is so critical to the industry that it transcends the normal competitive guidelines under which agencies and companies operate. There is no other area in which cooperation is more critical. When one carrier goes under, it affects everyone associated with the industry, either in a direct financial way or indirectly through negative public attention. Agents, whether or not they represented the insolvent carrier, will often take the brunt of the public relations flap and eventually be the ones that have to deliver the higher ... ratios on NAIC IRIS test Low S&P and/or Moody's ratings Negative cash flow Combined ratio higher than industry average and/or increasing rapidly Any state (even if it isn't yours) taking action against the carrier Premium finance companies refuse to finance their premiums Umbrella carriers refuse to accept underlying coverage from that company SECTION II-ITEMS THAT PROBABLY ARE INDICATIONS OF FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES: Assign three (3 ) points for every YES answer on this portion of the checklist. Major executive level management changes Frequent changes in auditors Sale of assets Stock ...

... provider for Workers Compensation is the Legion Insurance Co., which is A8 rated. We contract with independent insurance agents throughout the country to represent our products and commit to the marketing and sale of the program. We appoint agents based on their reputation within the insurance community and their proximity to the type of business being produced. Since many specialty programs have a limited prospect base, it's important that appointed agents be spread out geographically so that they aren't competing with each other for the same program. Loss-control and safety manuals address certain ... PAs to underwrite and market their specialty programs. Insurance companies are focusing on specialty classes of business that they believe will give them an adequate underwriting return, since they can better control their expenses and apply actuary data (premiums, losses, expenses, and rates) associated with the program. As in any industry, the fewer the competitors, the more adequate is the pricing of the product for the company selling it. Insurance companies will continue to seek experts in niche classes of business to improve the underwriting and pricing of specialty ... resorts, dude ranches, outfitters and guides, trap and skeet clubs, hunting and fishing lodges, hunting leases, snowmobile tours, RV parks, and campgrounds. The program offers a full compliment of package policy forms: Auto, Workers Compensation, Marine, and Umbrella Liability. The program is admitted in the United States; we have a separate division that underwrites Canada. Our insurer is Gulf Insurance Group, an A + 9 rated company and part of the Travelers Property & Casualty Cos. Our insurance provider for Workers Compensation ...

...ertise, underwriting authority), community involvement, firm reputation and i...26; Word of mouth • Community involvement • Phone ...

...sources available to you in your community. Test new programs if possible. Tal..., mailings, seminars, sponsorships, community events) and determine which of t...