GREEN MOUNTAIN AGENT VERMONT INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION | JULY 2018
Vermont Insurance Agents Association is a statewide trade association representing nearly 100 independent insurance agencies in Vermont, with more than 900 employees. VIAA member independent insurance agents represent more than one insurance company, and as a result, can offer clients a wider choice of auto, home, business, life and employee benefits.
Seasons May Change, But Our Commitment to the Independent Agent Channel Remains the Same...
V
ermont Mutual is proud to have served Vermont and the New England market through the longstanding partnership with our Independent Agents. It remains our privilege to work with the finest Independent Agencies in the industry … the only place you can buy a Vermont Mutual policy.
89 State Street, P.O. Box 188, Montpelier, VT 05601 | 800.451.5000 | VermontMutual.com 02
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Vermont Mutual is proud to sponsor the Vermont Insurance Agents Association’s new Education Center in Williston, Vermont.
Green Mountain Agent is a publication of
CONTENT JULY 2018
04 Convention Welcome
08 600 Blair Park Road Suite 100 Williston, VT 05495 Phone: 802-229-5884 Fax: 802-876-7912 www.viaa.org VIAA Officers President Erin Odell Vice President Paul Plunkett Secretary/Treasurer Alan Kinney National Director Ron Bixby
Directors Chip Ams Daniel Rodliff Michael Barrett
Staff Executive Director Mary Eversole mary@viaa.org
Newsflash
10 On the Hill
12 Feature: Agency Operations
16 Feature: Knowledge
18 E&O Corner
21 Insurance Commentary
25 Company & Agency News
30 Now Hiring!
GMA Publication Design LONDONmiddlebury londonmiddlebury.com
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CONVENTION WELCOME! JULY 2018
It is my distinct honor, as Convention Chair, to invite you to participate in VIAA’s 112th Annual Convention and Golf Tournament, at the Burlington Hilton, September 20 and 21, 2018. This year we are shining the spotlight on the “Limitless Possibilities” of the attracting new talent to the insurance industry. We all know the statistics and need to work together across the industry, under one tent, with one voice to make this happen. We are thrilled to have Christopher J. Boggs, CPCU, ARM, ALCM, LPCS, AAI, APA, CWCA, CRIS, AINS and Executive Director of the Big “I” Virtual University, as our Continuing Education instructor this year. Chris will teach you how to avoid workers comp errors and give you insight on contractual risk transfer without overstepping your authority. Our keynote luncheon speaker is phenomenal and Paul Plunkett
Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group VIAA Convetion Chair and Incoming President
The VIAA 112th Annual Convention and Golf Tournament will be a memorable event. We look forward to hosting a world class insurance education experience, engage and motivate with a great speaker and unique networking opportunities.
you do not want to miss this opportunity to see Sam Glenn, “The Attitude Guy”! He is a gifted performance artist and paints while he speaks. As Sam says, “Your attitude is your message. It is your brand. Your culture, your logo, your leadership your service. Your product and ultimately your legacy.” I couldn’t agree more. Everyone who attends the luncheon will receive an autographed copy of Sam’s book, Attitude Changes Everything. Later in the evening there will be an opportunity to bid on the original painting and take it
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home with you! The Young Agents Committee putting a new twist on the evening’s entertainment and will host a Night at the Races & Wig Party. Wear a wig and win a prize! The party will also have food, drinks, music, Cash Cube and a lot of games with chances to win prizes. Overnight accommodations are available at the host hotel, the Hilton Burlington, at a discounted group rate for VIAA Convention participants. Reservations must be made by August 24, 2018 to be guaranteed $199 for City View and $209 for Lake View. To make a reservation online use the personalized group web page click here. Our annual golf event will be held Friday, September 21, at The Country Club of Vermont, in Waterbury. The CCVT course is a Graham Cooke design located on a site that can only be described as a magnificent setting for a golf course, offering stunning views in all directions. Built among the beautiful vistas of the Green Mountains, the course features a front nine reminiscent of an Irish links land, while the back nine wanders through the trees and hills of Vermont. It offers a very playable yet challenging par 72 layout featuring dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways, and large undulating bent grass greens. Remember, Customer Service Representatives with VIAA member agencies, attend this event free of charge, as a way to give back to our members. Young Agents that are actively involved in the committee attend free as well. Registration is open now. See you there!
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NEWSFLASH: VIAA JR. GOLF WINNERS
13 junior golfers from across Vermont braved the elements this past Saturday to win a spot in the coveted Trusted Choice® Big “I” National Championship at the Rutland Country Club, Rutland, VT. Bryson Richards hit a 71 to take the day. Walsh was a few strokes behind with 76 followed by Nelson finishing with 77.
Bryson Richards of Plainfield Wins Trusted Choice® Big ‘I” VIAA State Qualifying Tournament
“The kids did a great job despite the weather conditions, said Mary Eversole, Executive Director, VIAA and State Tournament Chair. “We greatly appreciate the support and management of the tournament over the years by Dave Pfannenstein, PGA, Executive Director, Vermont Golf Association.”
Michael Walsh, Jr. of Shelburne Takes Second, Jared Nelson of Rutland Finishes Third
Richards will play in the Trusted Choice® Big “I” National Championship, Daniel Island Club, Charleston, South Carolina, August 6-9, 2018. It includes the opportunity to compete against champions from 31 states and earn AJGA performancebased entry points. He will have access to the complimentary player’s lounge and dining area, host housing and local transportation. The Trusted Choice Big “I” is the 3rd oldest junior golf event in the United States and has served as a national championship challenge for the nation’s most accomplished junior golfers since 1969. In addition to joining the ranks of some of the most well-known amateur and professional golfers in the US today.
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09 2/13/2018 11:21:42 AM
ON THE HILL: SENATE FARM BILL GAINS MOMENTUM By Jennifer Webb
Late last week the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) introduced a bipartisan Farm Bill, the “Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.” The bill passed by a 20-1 vote out of the Committee yesterday. The Senate is expected to consider the bill later this month. The bill makes some changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), but overall aims to keep the program status quo. The Big “I” joined other insurance and agriculture organizations in sending a letter of support for the bill. Of note for crop insurance agents, the bill would increase agent incentives for the sale of Whole Farm Revenue policies in certain circumstances, as well as make other changes to the product. The Big “I” and others have raised concerns that the Whole Farm Revenue provisions may have unintended consequences and will continue to work with 10
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members of the Senate on the provisions. The bill would also increase funding for agent and adjuster training. As the bill moves to the Senate floor, the Big “I” and others will focus on defeating potential amendments that would undermine the FCIP by increasing the cost of crop insurance for farmers, reducing the number of farmers eligible for crop insurance or weakening the efficient and effective private sector delivery system. Meanwhile, the House currently has a June 22 deadline to reconsider its version of the Farm Bill which failed to pass the chamber by a vote of 198 to 213 in May.
Designations of Distinction In Vermont & New England
Click Here to Choose a Location Near You and Register Today!
The Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation program is a nationally recognized education program directed at a very particular job description in the agency—the customer service representative. CISR COURSES MAY BE TAKEN FOR CE CREDITS FOR THOSE NOT SEEKING THE DESIGNATION.
CISR Elite status now offers an even higher distinction for those eager to gain greater skills and knowledge of insurance service and sales.
The CIC Program is for agency and company personnel -- owners, producers, agents, account managers, brokers, underwriters, and marketing or claims personnel. Participants should be licensed agents, brokers, adjusters, or solicitors; or have at least two years of full-time experience in the insurance industry or as a risk management professional; or have served for at least two years as a full-time insurance faculty member at an accredited college or university. CIC COURSES MAY BE TAKEN FOR CE CREDITS FOR THOSE NOT SEEKING THE DESIGNATION. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED FOR ALL DAYS TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR INDIVIDUAL CLASSES.
James K. Ruble Graduate Seminars are designed specifically for CIC Designees and feature a variety of topics along with real-life applications in a seminar that is designed to satisfy the CIC annual update requirement. YOU MUST BE A CIC OR CRM AND A DUES-PAYING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY TO ATTEND A RUBLE SEMINAR.
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AGENCY OPERATIONS
MARIJUANA LAW GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS RELEASED BY VERMONT ATTORNEY GENERAL TJ DONOVAN Vermont’s new recreational marijuana law goes into effect on July 1, 2018. Guide to Vermont’s Laws on Marijuana in the Workplace
This guide provides employers with an overview of the changes to Vermont’s marijuana laws and summarizes existing employment laws relating to drugs in the workplace. The guidance addresses, among other is-
Download your guide here.
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sues, a Vermont employer’s right to prohibit the use of marijuana in the workplace and to require applicants and employees to submit to drug tests consistent with the limitations of existing state law, including tests for
marijuana. It also describes a Vermont employer’s existing obligations regarding employees with disabilities, including those prescribed to medical marijuana.
Leasing: A Seamless Customer Experience
But don’t take it from us. Listen to your peers. Agents Express Leasing is an effective solution to manage your clients needs with today’s best equipment technology. Jay Byrnes of Byrnes Agency experienced how easy our leasing solution is for his agency: “As a longtime member of the “Big I”, I always knew of InsurBanc and their commitment to the independent insurance agent. Recently we wanted to update the agency with a new computer network and desktops, so I turned to InsurBanc for leasing options.
Please visit our web site at www.insurbanc.com or contact one of our leasing professionals at 800.957.0858.
From start to finish I experienced firsthand how seamless it was to conduct business with them. We have a 35 person agency so to update everyone’s computers was a decent size upgrade. InsurBanc made the process very easy and offered attractive terms and competitive rates which helped to manage the agency’s cash flow”. – Jay Byrnes ~ Byrnes Agency How it works: • Lease terms are 24, 36, 48 or 60 months with a minimum transaction of $5,000 • You are looking for 100% equipment financing, including certain soft costs such as software, shipping, installation and maintenance* • No down payments or advance payments are required • Monthly payments can be customized to meet your special business needs • You are looking for potential tax benefits associated with equipment financing**
We invite you to see for yourself. Contact us today for help preserving your cash flow with an equipment lease solution. These materials are for informational purposes only. The availability of any financing described herein is subject to approval of applicant’s credit, the equipment supplier and the equipment. *Soft costs are limited to 20% of the total amount financed. **Nothing herein constitutes tax advice and customers are advised to consult with their own tax advisors prior to electing specific rates or options. Agents’ Express leasing is a program of De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc., a third party not affiliated with InsurBanc, a Division of Connecticut Community Bank, N.A.
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Work At Home Vintage Experts (WAHVE) is an innovative contract staffing talent solution that matches retiring, experienced, trained and knowledgeable insurance professionals with insurance firms nationwide based on specific job needs. WAHVE delivers “pretiring” talent to fill most any insurance position and at a cost savings. Our screening and placing process provides a complete and effective solution to talent qualifying, hiring, and HR administration. We match the right vintage talent, wherever they may live, to the needs of our clients wherever they are located. With WAHVE, you can • • • •
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DROWNING DANGERS FOR KIDS Spotlight on Open Water Lake ds • u • Re n s • O s e r v oirs • R e t e ntio Po n d s • Q arr i e s s • Pon c e a ns R i ver CHILDHOOD DROWNING OVERALL 1,000 CHILDREN DROWNED IN 2016
7,000 MORE WENT TO ER
150 FAMILIES IMPACTED PER WEEK
1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0
2014
2015
2016
MORE CHILDREN AND TEENS DROWN IN OPEN WATER THAN IN POOLS
Pools 38%
Open water 43%
Bathtubs 9%
Other 10%
OPEN WATER FATALITIES BY AGE
BY GENDER
BY ETHNICITY (PER 1,000,000)
0 – 4 yrs. 23%
White children (7.1) 15 – 19 yrs.
5 – 9 yrs.
49%
13%
80%
Black/African American children (13.7)
20% 10 – 14 yrs. 15%
American Indian/Alaskan Native children (17.3)
HIDDEN HAZARDS OF OPEN WATER
Depth o erous cu r n ts • Sudd e d rop-offs • mited visibili f w a ter re ty • n D a ng Li peratu iffic e di ks and v ion • C r e s • D ult - t o - judg sta n c e s e g e tat o l d tem • Roc
Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe • Watch kids in and around water without being distracted. • Teach kids how to swim in open water, which is different from swimming in a pool.
• Use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for the child's weight and water activity. • Learn what to do in an emergency without putting yourself at risk for drowning.
For more information visit www.safekids.org
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© 2018 Safe Kids Worldwide
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VERMONT MARIJUANA: RULES OF THE ROAD FOR DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS by Jacquelyn Connelly
KNOWLEDGE
“Drive high, get a DUI” Driving Under the Influence of drugs remains dangerous and illegal Recreational marijuana will be legalized July 1, 2018 in Vermont under Act 86. According to the law, even if a person is just a car’s passenger, he or she can face fines of up to $200 for using marijuana in the car. The law states “the prohibition on consumption of marijuana by the operator shall extend to the operator’s consumption of secondhand marijuana smoke in the vehicles as a result of another person’s consumption of marijuana.” If a child under the age of 18 is in the car, the person using marijuana could face a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense. That person could also get two points on his or her license. Someone found to be driving while smoking marijuana faces a civil penalty of up to $500. Drivers found to be under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, also face criminal penalties:
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• First offense, those convicted face a potential sentence of up to two years in prison or $750 in fines. • Second offense, convicts face the same prison sentence, but also face up to $1,500 in fines. • Third offense, those convicted face up to five years in prison or up to $2,500 in fines. • Four or more convictions brings the potential for 10 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
A person that is younger than 21 caught with an ounce or less of marijuana will have to enroll in a Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program through diversion court whether that person is in a car or not. Those who do not complete the program could face a fine and be prohibited from driving for 30 days for a first offense and 90 days for any further offenses.
Read the Vermont State Police Training Bulletin Here
COULD YOUR CUSTOMERS USE A
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ACCIDENTS HAPPEN? That’s why people have insurance. However, if your customers aren’t protected by a personal umbrella policy, they could be putting their house or financial assets at risk. This low-cost policy is designed to protect families against a catastrophic lawsuit or judgment.
CONSIDER THIS: Existing homeowners and auto insurance may not be enough to cover a lawsuit or judgment. A personal umbrella policy will substantially increase your customer’s overall liability coverage beyond the basic coverage provided under homeowners and auto insurance policies. A SMART WAY TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. You’ll find an RLI personal umbrella policy is a good idea. • Up to $5 million in additional insurance available • Backed by a financially secure, A+ rated company • Customers keep their current homeowner/auto insurer • Excess UM/UIM available • New drivers accepted — no age limit on drivers • Up to one DWI/DUI per household allowed • Auto limits as low as 100/300/50 in certain cases
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E
O &
ER N R O C
HITTING THE WATER by Curt Pearsall, CPCU, AIAF, CPIA
President - Pearsall Associates, Inc. and Consultant to the Utica National E&O Program
Now that summer is near, there is a good chance that your agency will have some clients getting out on the water for some fun and relaxation. Unfortunately, as we all know and hear about, problems do occur with the various watercraft exposures. Let’s take the scenario of a client coming into your office with a type of watercraft that would be eligible for coverage under an endorsement in the Homeowners (HO) policy. Is that the only option you provide the client? While the main coverage may fit within the HO policy, there are various watercraft exposures that have some significant potential to generate claims where the HO endorsement would not provide the proper coverage. Let’s look at a few of those. › Based on the type of watercraft, there is a potential that the watercraft could be pulling people that are waterskiing or tubing. If one of those individuals gets hurt and needs medical attention he or she will look to your client’s policy for coverage since your client was driving the boat. Is the Med Pay coverage under the HO policy available? In most HO policies, it is not. › Your client is refueling their boat and an accident occurs resulting in gas being spilled into the water. Is there coverage under the HO policy for this “pollution” exposure? No, there may not be. › The watercraft is involved in an accident causing damage to the boat resulting in the boat needing to be towed to shore. Most HO policies do not provide coverage for this exposure and wreckage removal is not covered by most HO policies. In addition, the valuation options under a HO policy are more limited, typically only providing coverage on an actual cash value (ACV) basis. Some may contend that they also provide coverage (often at an additional premium) on a stated value basis. Is stated value much better than ACV? The following is what is stated value for a total loss: “In the
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event of a total loss we will pay the stated value or the actual cash value, whichever is less.” This essentially allows the carrier to adjust the loss on an ACV basis. To get the protection desired, the better approach is to secure coverage on an agreed value basis. While this is superior to stated value, this level of coverage is typically not available when the watercraft is endorsed onto an HO policy. To secure more appropriate coverage, a best practice is to provide your client with a proposal on a stand-alone Watercraft policy. The premium will likely be higher but that is because the coverage is specifically designed to address watercraft risks. As noted by the following scenario, this still does not guarantee that the proper coverage will be in place at the time of a loss. This claim arose from the allegation that the agency failed to mirror coverage when moving from one carrier to another carrier. When moving coverage for the client’s boat, the Physical Damage/Hull coverage was left off and only Liability was in place. The declarations page stated the value of the boat, but it was not clear if there was actually Physical Damage coverage as requested by the client. After the boat sank due to a storm and a claim was submitted, the claim was denied as the policy did not contain Physical Damage coverage. The total coverage sought was for the stated value of the boat or $18,000. An E&O claim was filed against the agency alleging the agency failed to secure the requested coverage and/or mirror the coverage the client had on the other policy. The summer season should be all about fun and enjoyment. For some clients without the proper coverage, at the time of a loss, it could be all about pain and heartache. When dealing with your clients on their watercraft exposure, provide them with options to consider. Not only will this allow your client to make an educated decision, it will also serve as an element of protection should an uninsured problem develop. Oh, by the way, you may also just sell more insurance!
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THE MEETING SPACE YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
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RESOLVING CLAIM DISPUTES: ARGUING THE FORM VS. ARGUING LOGIC VS. DOING NEITHER
One of the premier insurance educators in America on form, coverage, and technical issues; Founder and director of the Big “I” Virtual University; Retired Assoc. VP of Education and Research from Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. W W W.V I A A .O R G
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A South Dakota agent has the following claim: The insured has an artesian well that is a primary source for heating all of his buildings. Water, far warmer than the air temperature on a January South Dakota night, is pumped underground. During one particularly frigid spell, the underground lines froze and burst. The cost to replace these lines is significant, but the value of these pipes was included in the replacement cost of buildings and structures. The insurer has cited the Property Not Covered (“underground pipes, flues, or drains”) provision in the ISO CP 10 10 06 07 form as the basis for denying the claim, though they say if the pipes had been above ground, they would have been covered (assuming the account was still acceptable to the underwriter). The agent is incredulous that if the lines were above ground (and more susceptible to freezing) they would be covered. Unfortunately, logic and insurance coverage don’t always go together. In my book “When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes,” I write about insurance coverage not always being logical and give three actual claims examples involving frozen outdoor hot tub water pipes and equipment, a building burglar alarm system, and a vandalized wood chipper. In the hot tub example, there is coverage but logic would imply that there shouldn’t be. In the other two examples, the claim was denied based on unambiguous policy language but such denial made no sense at all under the circumstances of each claim. You can find this discussion on pp. 238-239 of the book. I’m told that legendary coverage wonk Bob Smith of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents would advise: “If you can’t argue the form, argue logic; if you can’t argue logic, argue the form.” The agent can try to argue the logic that underground piping is better than above ground piping, so if the latter is covered, so should be the former. The “When Words Collide” book makes a similar argument that an open perils policy should never provide lesser coverage than a named perils policy and that argument is based on a 1991 ISO Homeowners filing that is discussed in the book on pp. 250-251. Another extracontractual argument is that the value of the underground piping was included in the property valuation and as part of the limit of insurance chosen. A copy of the valuation that substantiates this would be needed. The logic of that argument is that a premium is paid on property that the carrier says is NEVER covered (“Property Not Covered”). That being said, the insurer’s argument is probably going to be that the policy form unambiguously excluded underground piping. Depending on case law in South Dakota (something I’ve not researched), under the parol evidence rule, that extrinsic evidence might not be legally admissible if the policy language clearly and unambiguously excludes that property. In some states it could be used but not in others. But this brings me to my main point. I also write in the “When Words Collide” book about the best way to resolve coverage disputes…PREVENT them before they ever happen via exposure analysis with the insured, followed by properly insuring or risk managing the exposures. I give an example involving boat docks on pp. 275-276 of the book that analogously applies in this case. The best way to avoid this claim dispute would have been to use the ISO CP 14 10 – Additional Property Coverage endorsement which says, “The following is withdrawn from Property Not Covered and added to Covered Property.” Early editions of the form included a list followed by blank space to add items and included on the list was underground property. More recent editions of the endorsement allow anything listed under Property Not Covered on the CP 00 10 to be shown on the endorsement.
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Or all Commercial Lines policies and requires the ability to work closely with clients, Email: dan.rodliff @nfp.com customer service representatives, producers, management, and insurance carriers. The work environment is professional and very If this strategic equipment was identified and discussed with the underwriter prior to policy excepsupportive. Thedispute ideal candidate should tion, the current could possibly havehave been avoided, assuming the underwriter would have excellent issued the interpersonal endorsement. skills, {2+} years of experience, and ability to adapt to emerging So, sometimesThey arguing logic but rarely technology. will be works, supported with would that be the case if a claim is litigated. The best way, by far, to resolve coverage and claims disputes is to PREVENT them by ascertaining the expocommercial linesproperly traininginsuring and mentoring for what forms are available means engaging in qualsures to loss then them. Knowing prospect/planning, sales calls, proposals and ity education. education. A property and casualty license is required. NFP offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
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DID YOU KNOW AGENCY E&O UMBRELLA IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH BIG “I” PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY A commercial umbrella underwritten by Swiss Re (rated A+ by A.M. Best) is now available exclusively to Big “I” members. Designed in collaboration with the IIABA to
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meet the needs of independent insurance agents Broad coverage over primary casualty lines,
including E&O Limits available up to $10 million over
CONSOLIDATE coverages with one carrier and avoid potential gaps
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District of Columbia May to be written over a variety of E&O
carriers Contact your state association to learn more or to receive a quote today:
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COMPANY & AGENCY NEWS
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Acuity to Match Support for Children’s Cancer Family Foundation Acuity Insurance announced that the Acuity Charitable Foundation is supporting the efforts of Olivia Harlan and Sam Dekker to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Family Foundation (CCFF). The Acuity Charitable Foundation will match donations up to $25,000. Dekker is a Sheboygan native and professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. Harlan’s family resides in Door County, and she is an ESPN sideline reporter. They are set to be married in July. Instead of wedding gifts, the couple asked guests and fans to donate money to the CCFF, which helps families in Northeast Wisconsin who have been affected by childhood cancer. Originally, the couple targeted a goal of $15,000. Having surpassed that due to an incredible outpouring of support, they increased the goal to $50,000. “We are incredibly moved by the support of Acuity and their generous donation to the Children’s Cancer Family Foundation,” said Sam Dekker. “We hope it spurs more donations and pushes us past our goal.” Olivia Harlan added. “We believe in supporting organizations that are working to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer,” said Ben Salzmann, Acuity President and CEO. “We are honored to help Olivia and Sam raise funds to help the CCFF in its vital mission.” To donate, visit https://www.ccffnew.org/harlan-dekker-wedding. Everyone who donates $50 or more will receive a personal thank-you note from Harlan and Dekker. Acuity is a longstanding supporter of charitable and community nonprofit groups. Guided by the Acuity Charitable Foundation, Acuity contributed nearly $1.3 million in 2017 to worthy organizations. Acuity’s community support throughout the year also includes in-kind donations and use of the company’s corporate headquarters for charitable events. In addition, Acuity employees contribute to charitable causes each year through donations of time, money, and much-needed supplies. Acuity Insurance, headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, insures over 100,000 businesses, including 300,000 commercial vehicles, and nearly a half million homes and private passenger autos across 26 states. Rated A+ by A.M. Best and S&P, Acuity employs over 1,300 people.
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Helen Collins hcollins@viaa.org
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Everything you insure is on your shoulders
Who do you trust to have your back? VIAS offers the most prestigious Errors & Omissions carrier(s) in the country: Westport Insurance Company & Utica National Insurance Group
For a quote or for more information contact Helen Collins at hcollins@viaa.org or 1-844-609-1481
www.iiaba.net/eohappens
VIAS is a subsidiary of Vermont Insurance Agents Association viaa.org W W W.V I A A .O R G
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NOW HIRING: Frazer Insurance Group Agency currently seeking an experience Account Manager for Farm and Commercial Lines. Position consists of point of contact with customers for policy renewals, changes, and other actions. The right person will be the liaison between the client, producer, and carrier. Duties & Responsibilities: • Professional attitude, prompt customer service. Customer service will entail, but not be limited to, phone, email, and walk-in client policy changes or questions, audits, reporting of claims. Complete support of both farm and commercial accounts. • Review and prepare renewal documents to insure accuracy of current account. • Ensure proper documentation of all account changes, policy holder choices, etc. • Monitor billing for farm and commercial accounts, record payments, etc. Experience and Licenses: • Three to five years insurance experience preferred • Property/Casualty License required •
Familiar with AMS360 Client Management a plus
• Team player with ability to work independently a must •
Detail oriented with understanding of deadlines
Competitive Salary with healthcare, vacation, sick time, and Simple IRA Please send resume and cover letter to: Jessie Farnham at Jessie@figvt.com
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NOW HIRING: The Richards Group Recognized in 2016, 2017 & 2018 as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont, The Richards Group is an independent, full-service insurance and financial services agency who has been serving the communities of the tri-state region since 1867. We are always looking for highly motivated individuals who have excellent customer service and relationship building skills. The Richards Group offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience as well as a comprehensive benefits package. We are actively recruiting for the following positions: • Accounting Assistant, Brattleboro • Commercial Lines Sales Producer, Rutland • Commercial Lines Sales Manager, Brattleboro • Commercial Lines Sales Manager Assistant, Brattleboro • Personal Lines Account Manager, Brattleboro & Bennington • Employee Benefits Account Managers, Brattleboro For job postings and requirements please visit https://therichardsgrp.com/about/careers/ Submit Cover Letter and Resume to jobs@ therichardsgrp.com
NOW HIRING: Noyle Johnson Group Property and Casualty Insurance Agency looking for a commercial lines account manager. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Property and Casualty Insurance experience and license is a plus but we are willing to train the right candidate. Position requires good communication skills, ability to function in a busy and competitive environment and strong computer knowledge. Send resume to: Noyle W. Johnson Ins. PO Box 279 Montpelier, VT 05601 Attn.: Audrey Macie
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Hanover Insurance Group Imperial PFS MAPFRE|USA
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THANK YOU 2018 ANNUAL PARTNERS! W W W.V I A A .O R G
Granite
Mt Mansfield
Ethan Allen
Champlain
Hanover Insurance Group
AmTrust North America, Inc.
Imperial PFS MAPFRE|USA MEMIC Patriot Insurance Company
Maple
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Mackinaw Underwriters, Inc (part of the AmeriTrust Group) Main Street America New England Excess Exchange, LTD Johnson & Johnson
Travelers
THANK YOU 2018 ANNUAL PARTNERS!