News

How a Hard Market Can Impact Your Agency’s Profitability

A hard market is a term used in the insurance industry to describe a period of time when insurance premiums are generally increasing, and underwriting standards are becoming more stringent. A hard market may be the result of a variety of factors, including increased claims and losses, rising costs for insurance companies, and increased regulation. In this environment, an independent insurance agency's profitability may be impacted in several ways. That impact can be positive for some agencies and negative for others based on how well an agency responds to their customer’s needs.

InsurEXPO23 Videos Now Available

Did you miss last week's InsurEXPO23 event? Or did you have such a fantastic experience that you wanted to rewatch some of our dynamic sessions? The recorded videos are now available!

Keep it Simple: A Well-Crafted Business Plan for Your New Insurance Agency

What people do not always realize is that a business plan for your new insurance agency does not have to be long to be effective. In fact, a concise and focused business plan can be more impactful than a lengthy and detailed one.

Finding Opportunities Amidst Uphill Struggles: Lessons from Running and the Hard Market

Reflecting on a recent Hard Market Town Hall, where industry challenges were discussed, Aubie draws parallels to a trail run. Through the analogy of uphill struggles and downhill relief, the article emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities amidst challenges in both business and life.

Hard Market Toolkit Now Available

When insurance premiums increase, and coverage is more difficult to place-- we are in a hard market. Now, more than ever, your clients want an experienced and trusted advisor by their side.

Navigating the Path to Insurance Market Access

Did you know that Independent Market Solutions (IMS) is one of IIANC’s most lucrative member benefits? This program, exclusive to several Big “I” states in the country, offers IIANC members the opportunity to find great markets for their clients’ needs. And you know what the best part is? It’s FREE with your agency membership!

Blowing Up the Benchmarks

There are several key benchmarks that independent insurance agencies use to measure their success. They include retention rate, sales velocity, profitability, and revenue per employee – just to name a few.

New Insurance Marketplace Report Available

New North Carolina P&C Marketplace Summary Report is Now Available

You're in Control

You’re in Control – Ways to maximize the value of your agency in the current environment.

The Secret to Success for Start-up Insurance Agencies

Starting up an insurance agency in North Carolina can be a daunting task. You need to establish yourself as a credible and trustworthy provider of insurance services in a crowded market.

Free Webinar: Navigating a Hard Market

Join us for a FREE webinar on May 9th: Navigating a Hard Market

IIANC Announces New Mission and Vision Statements

IIANC Announces New Mission and Vision Statements

Welcome Orion180 To IIANC’s IMS Program

Meet our newest IMS Market, Orion180

Using Current Staff Traits to Hire

Hiring the right people for your team is critical if you want to succeed. You need employees who are not only competent, but also have a strong work ethic and the ability to work well with others. But how do you know which skills and qualities will best fit your organization? The answer lies in understanding what makes an ideal employee and looking for these specific traits when hiring new staff.

Navigating the Storm: Winning Strategies in a Hard Insurance Market

It's tough for independent insurance agencies to succeed in a hard market. There's a scarcity of insurance products, resulting in higher premiums, tighter underwriting requirements, and limited coverage options, and independent agencies need to be strategic in their approach to win in a hard market.

Welcome Alamance Farmers’ Mutual Ins Co. To IIANC’s IMS Program

Meet our newest IMS Market, Alamance Farmers’ Mutual Ins Co.

ALERT: Florida Judge Signs Order Placing United Property & Casualty Insurance Company in Receivership

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) has alerted IIANC that the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FOIR) filed a Consent to Receivership on February 16, 2023, for United Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPC) and that this information has just now become public. UPC is an admitted insurance company domiciled in Florida and is also a licensed insurer in North Carolina.

IIANC Launches 101 Weston Labs

IIANC is excited to announce the launch of 101 Weston Labs, a first-of-its-kind InsurTech accelerator focused on innovations for independent insurance agents.

2023 Tech Summit Recap

Last week we held the 2023 IIANC Tech Summit at the Sheraton Imperial in Research Triangle Park. It was an amazing gathering of independent insurance agents and technology vendors, all coming together to learn, share ideas, and find new ways to improve their businesses. Hear some of our attendee's main takeaways and view session recordings!

Common Questions for D.A.D. (Director of Agency Development)

When I meet with members or run into them at events, they often all start out conversations by asking me one of a few common questions. There are a few categories these fall into, hiring, workflows, technology, automation, agency branding and goal setting. Let’s tackle the most common questions!