LOUISIANAAGENT 2025
M A R C H
IIABL STAFF
Benjamin Albright
Chief Executive Officer, President balbright@iiabl.com (225) 236-1357
Karen Kuylen
Director of Accounting & Finance kkuylen@iiabl.com (225) 236-1353
Jamie Newchurch
Director of Insurance Programs jnewchurch@iiabl.com (225) 236-1350
Kathleen O'Regan
Director of Communications & Events koregan@iiabl com (225) 236-1360
Karson Roberts
Communications & Events Administrator kroberts@iiabl.com (225) 236-1351
Lyra Roberts
E&O Administrator lyra.roberts@iiaba.net (225) 236-1352
THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
ACRUCIALMOMENTFORINSURANCEREFORMINLOUISIANA
BENALBRIGHT IIABLPRESIDENTANDCEO
In this article, IIABL outlines priorities for 2025, focusing on legal system abuse and property insurance reform to stabilize Louisiana’s struggling insurance markets.
As Louisiana’s 2025 Regular Legislative Session approaches, IIABL is gearing up for another busy legislative agenda. With mounting pressure to fix our state’s broken insurance markets—especially in auto and property—IIABL is continuing to work with a broad, business and policyholder coalition, pushing for meaningful reform. But we won’t succeed without you.
Legal System Abuse Reform: A Top Priority
At the forefront of our legislative agenda is legal system abuse reform. Louisiana continues to suffer from some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country, largely driven by a litigation environment that encourages excessive claims and discourages competition.
For years, Louisiana’s bodily injury claim rate has been double the national average and our litigation rate is triple the national average. The result? Fewer insurers willing to write business in Louisiana, and higher costs for your clients.
This year, IIABL is working with legislative allies and a broad business coalition to advance serious reform. But let’s be clear: the trial bar is well-funded and politically entrenched. Success will require strong public pressure, especially on Governor Jeff Landry and legislative leadership, to boldly stand with consumers and businesses rather than the ease of accepting the status quo.
Property Insurance Reform & Fortified Homes
We’re also prioritizing property insurance reform, which remains a critical concern following years of devastating storms and insurer insolvencies. Louisiana’s homeowners and commercial property insurance markets are still fragile, with limited competition and high premiums.
We’re beginning to see some positive signs in this line of business, but the work isn’t done yet. As Commissioner Temple is fond of saying, “we didn’t get into this crisis in a day, and we won’t get ourselves out of it in a day.” Therefore, IIABL will continue to support the common-sense reforms that will bring our laws in line with other states and encourage competition to return to our property markets. A key part of this strategy includes supporting and expanding the Fortified Homes Program, which helps homeowners strengthen their properties against hurricanes and severe weather. More resilient homes mean fewer losses, lower premiums, and a stronger private market.
LOUISIANAINSURANCE
We Need You in the Fight
Our legislative efforts are only as strong as the grassroots support behind them. Independent agents are not only trusted professionals in their communities—we are also constituents, job creators, and industry experts. This session, we need:
Personal outreach: Build and maintain direct relationships with your local legislators. A phone call or coffee meeting can go a long way.
Rapid response: When we send out grassroots alerts, please act. Lawmakers must hear from agents in their districts —quickly and loudly.
Participation in events: Join us at industry events, committee hearings, and IIABL's legislative briefings to show strength in numbers.
Talk to your clients: The only way we will get significant legal system abuse reform is overwhelming political pressure on Governor Landry and legislative leaders. Every time you sell an auto policy with an increase at renewal, you should hand that client a push card and tell them to contact Governor Landry and their legislator. If you need more push cards, let us know—we’ll mail you some!
The Stakes Are High
This legislative session is a chance to break the cycle of high premiums, limited markets, and legal abuse. But we can’t do it from the Capitol alone. We need independent agents to step up—because real reform depends on the voices of real people who live and work in this state. Together, we can make Louisiana a place where insurance markets thrive and consumers have choices.
Let’s make this session count.
YOUNG AGENTS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT HITS FRED’S IN TIGERLAND
KARSON ROBERTS
IIABLCOMMUNICATIONS ANDEVENTS
ADMINSITRATOR
In this article, the Young Agents announce their May 8 Cornhole Tournament at Fred’s, promising fun, food, drinks, and friendly competition for all skill levels.
The Young Agents are gearing up for another exciting year of their annual Cornhole Tournament, and this year, they’re shaking things up with a brand-new location. On Thursday, May 8th, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the tournament will take place at Fred’s in Tigerland, one of Baton Rouge’s most iconic venues. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and laid-back energy, Fred’s is the perfect setting for an evening of friendly competition, good food, and great company.
This casual-yet-competitive event is open to everyone—whether you’re a young agent, an industry veteran, or just young at heart. The tournament is designed to be fun and inclusive, so don’t worry if you’re not a cornhole pro. All skill levels are welcome, and if you’d rather enjoy the food and drinks while cheering on your teammates from the sidelines, you’re more than encouraged to do so. Your event ticket includes access to an open bar and a food truck, so come hungry and ready to relax after a day of work.
To ensure the tournament runs smoothly and maintains a fun pace, we’ve brought in Westside Cajun Cornhole, a professional group that specializes in managing events like this. Their team will keep the tournament organized and engaging, allowing participants to focus on having a good time and enjoying a little friendly competition. If you're feeling a bit rusty or new to the game, now is the perfect time to brush up on your skills. For a fun and informative read, check out the New York Times article “Become Your Cornhole Champ With These Tips From a Pro.” You might just find yourself leading your team to victory.
In addition to joining the fun, there are also opportunities to support the Young Agents by becoming an event sponsor. This year, we’re offering four levels of sponsorship—Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze—each with its own set of benefits and visibility opportunities. Sponsorship is a great way to show your support for the Young Agents program while gaining recognition among industry peers and professionals. Details on each sponsorship level can be found on the registration page, and we encourage interested companies to sign up early, as sponsorship spots are limited.
This event is one of the most enjoyable gatherings of the year for our Young Agents community. It offers the perfect mix of networking, camaraderie, and fun, all in a relaxed and energetic setting. Whether you’re playing in the tournament, cheering on your colleagues, or just enjoying the atmosphere, we would love to have you join us for this special evening. Registration is now open, and space is limited—so don’t wait to sign up. Secure your spot today and help us make this year’s Cornhole Tournament the best one yet.
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TOURNAMENT CORNHOLE YOUNG AGENTS
MAY 8 | 4 - 6PM
FRED’S IN TIGERLAND
IIANE KICKS OF A PROMISING YEAR WITH A SUCCESSFUL LUNCH AND LEARN
On Tuesday, March 25, the Independent Insurance Agents of Northeast Louisiana (IIANE) officially launched its year with the first luncheon of 2025, held at Bayou DeSiard Country Club in Monroe, Louisiana. This gathering marked more than just a meeting—it was a meaningful step forward for our newly rebranded chapter and a powerful example of our renewed mission in action.
We were honored to welcome Adam Patrick as our guest speaker. Adam serves as the Legislative Liaison and NAIC Coordinator for the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping and communicating the state’s insurance policies. With a deep understanding of regulatory affairs and legislative processes, Adam works closely with lawmakers, industry leaders, and national organizations to ensure Louisiana's insurance market remains stable, competitive, and responsive to emerging challenges.
During the luncheon, Adam provided a timely and insightful update on the upcoming legislative session. His presentation covered several key topics, including significant policy initiatives, pending regulatory changes, and emerging issues that will affect our industry in the months ahead. One of the most notable discussions centered around the Fortified Roof Program, which has become an increasingly important topic for agents and homeowners alike. Adam’s thoughtful and knowledgeable responses to audience questions helped clarify complex topics and ensured everyone left the event better informed and prepared.
We are especially proud to celebrate this luncheon as the first event under our chapter’s new name and structure. Originally founded on July 23, 1930, as the Ouachita Insurance Exchange, our organization has evolved through several name changes over the decades—from the Ouachita Association of Insurance Agents (1965), to the Ouachita Association of Independent Insurance Agents, Inc. (1972), and later the Independent Insurance Agents of Ouachita, Inc. (1982). Now, as the Independent Insurance Agents of Northeast Louisiana, our chapter reflects a broader, more unified commitment to serving agents across the region.
IIANESUCCESS
Our mission is clear: To champion the interests of independent agents by fostering unity within our region, creating a collaborative network, and ensuring a seamless flow of information and resources between agents in North and South Louisiana. We are committed to meeting the educational, political, and business needs of our members, empowering them to thrive in an evolving industry.
Along with our strong history, we’re proud of the people who have helped shape our chapter over the years. Some fun facts include R.D. Farr, Jr., who held the office of Secretary Treasurer longer than anyone else, and Ernest Finch, who served as President more times than any other member. We also celebrate Stephanie W. Roberts, the first—and to date, only—woman to serve as President of the chapter.
This luncheon was only the beginning. With the support of our new board and engaged membership, IIANE looks forward to hosting more meaningful events throughout the year. We are excited to build on our strong foundation while creating new opportunities for connection, education, and advocacy. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to serve the agents of Northeast Louisiana with passion and purpose.
AUTOMATING THE MUNDANE:
3 TASKS YOU SHOULDN'T BE DOING MANUALLY
Some parts of running an insurance agency are about as exciting as watching paint dry. Sure, the work is important, but does it have to be so tedious? No. No, it does not.
Automation is here, and it’s not just for the big-budget agencies with IT teams who speak in code. It’s for you, the independent agent who wants to focus on growing your book of business. Here are three everyday tasks you can automate right now to reclaim your time and sanity.
1. Policy Comparisons: Because Your Brain Deserves a Break
You know the drill. A client sends over their current policy, and now it’s on you to compare coverage details, limits, and endorsements across multiple carriers. This often means opening way too many browser tabs, cross-referencing PDFs, and squinting at policy language that looks like it was written by a team of legal scholars.
Why do this manually when there are tools that can compare policies faster than you can say "exclusions and endorsements"? AI-powered solutions can scan, analyze, and highlight the differences between policies, so you don’t have to. This means you spend less time playing detective and more time actually advising your clients.
Who’s making this magic happen? Exdion, Patra, Powerbroker AI, and vBots are among the providers offering policy comparison solutions that take the headache out of reviewing policies.
2. Data Intake: Stop Chasing Clients for Basic Info
Trying to gather information from clients to provide a quote is like trying to get a teenager to clean their room, painfully slow and full of excuses. "I’ll get to it later." "I lost the email." "Do I really have to fill this out?"
AIOPPORTUNITIES
Instead of sending multiple follow-ups, waiting days for a response, or translating a blurry photo of a declaration page they took from their car at a stoplight, you can use smart intake tools that streamline the process. These platforms make it easy for clients to securely upload information, connect their existing policies, and fill out digital forms without the back-and-forth emails and phone calls. The result? You get clean, accurate data, and your clients don’t feel like they’re filling out mortgage paperwork just to get an auto quote.
Who’s got you covered? Salt, RiskAdvisor, Wunderite, and Canopy Connect provide solutions to collect personal lines data faster and more efficiently.
3. Service Requests & Endorsements: No More Phone Tag
If you’ve ever played the "phone tag" game with a client who needs to update their policy, you know how frustrating it can be. You leave a voicemail, they call back while you’re on another call, you email them a form, they reply with another question… it can be brutal. By the time you get everything you need, their new teenage driver has already gone off to college.
AIOPPORTUNITIES
Continued from page 17
Forms and AI-powered solutions can cut through this mess by letting clients submit service requests with all necessary details upfront. Instead of an endless loop of follow-ups, you get structured, complete information the first time. Clients are happy, your service team is happy, and you get to move on to something more important.
Who’s making life easier here? Gravity Forms, Jotform, Liberate, Sonant, and GAIL all offer ways to eliminate the endless service request chase.
Time to Work Smarter
If you’re still completing these tasks manually, it’s time to rethink your workflows. Automating the mundane doesn’t just save time, it improves accuracy, reduces frustration, and lets you focus on what actually grows your business. And if you’re wondering, "Will my clients be okay with this?" the answer is yes. They don’t want to play phone tag or dig through their email inbox, either.
So do yourself (and your agency) a favor, let technology do the heavy lifting.
SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE
In this article, homeowners are urged to perform spring maintenance and review insurance coverage to avoid costly, uncovered damage from neglect or severe weather.
Spring home maintenance can prevent damage insurance may not cover
Spring is an ideal time to inspect in and around your home for wear and tear and potential safety hazards after a long winter, and to make sure your investment in your home and your vehicles is protected with the right insurance coverage.
While standard Homeowners insurance coverage is designed to help policyholders recover from unforeseeable damage caused by fires, windstorms, theft or other disasters, policies vary when it comes to damage that results from neglected maintenance of your own home
Windows that leak, cracked foundations, clogged gutters or a worn roof can lead to costly damage It's important to know that standard Homeowners Insurance policies often exclude coverage for damage that could have been prevented by routine maintenance
It’s also a good time to make sure you’re prepared for severe Spring weather, which can produce strong wind, rain, thunderstorms, hail and even tornadoes in the Northwest
The first step is to call your insurance agent or company to verify that your home is insured for its current value (ask about “replacement cost coverage”) and that you have included optional Comprehensive Coverage on your auto insurance policy Otherwise, you could be underinsured and face higher out-of-pocket costs for repairs if damage occurs
To help with your Spring checkup and severe weather preparations, NW Insurance Council offers the following tips:
SPRINGMAINTENANCE
Spring Home Checkup
Check and clean gutters to prevent water from backing up into your attic. Also, check the roof. Look for worn, curled or missing shingles and replace them.
Repair loose or damaged siding and examine soffit boards (horizontal surfaces under eaves).
Make sure downspouts slope away from the home and carry water at least five feet from the foundation walls.
Have a professional inspect your heating/air conditioning system annually.
Make sure sprinkler heads are directed away from the house to prevent water build-up near foundation walls.
Check your home’s crawl spaces and/or underground basements for evidence of standing water not draining efficiently, to prevent long-term damage to your foundation.
Remove clutter from storage areas to reduce fire hazards. Also, examine decks, porches and balconies for weak or broken railings and posts.
Caulk and reseal window and door flashing, seals or weather stripping.
Check the attic for moisture and surface discoloration.
Check fire extinguishers in your kitchen and garage to make sure they are full.
If you didn’t check the batteries in your smoke/heat detectors when you turned your clocks ahead for daylight savings time, now is a good time to replace them and make sure they are in working order.
Install outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters when outdoor electrical outlets are located near water sources.
Inspect your lawn for rocks or other objects that could be launched from your lawnmower and injure others or damage property.
SPRINGMAINTENANCE
Homeowners and Auto Insurance
Ben Albright
December 2023
Contact your insurance company or agent to review your Homeowners policy to be sure you have the coverage you need before severe weather strikes. Home values and repair costs increase over time and you don’t want to end up underinsured.
Floods, earthquakes and landslides are not included in a standard Homeowners Insurance Policy, but separate coverage is available. Talk to your insurance company or agent about getting special coverage – earthquake insurance, and for slides and sinkholes, coverage typically called a “Difference in Conditions” policy – for these perils. Flood insurance is offered by the National Flood Insurance Program and some private insurers. Understand the claims process before you need to make a claim. Know what forms you need to fill out and make copies of all correspondence with your agent or company. Also, read your policy to see what is and isn’t covered and ask your insurance agent or company to explain anything that you don’t understand.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process if severe weather causes damage to your home or vehicle.
If there is a power failure, you’ll want to know what kind of coverage you have. Some policies provide up to $1,000 coverage for frozen and refrigerated food spoilage after 72 hours of continuous power interruption.
Your policy likely offers Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage if you need to stay in a hotel or pay extra rent for another place while your home is being repaired. Contact your insurance agent or company to find out what your limit is for ALE coverage and how it works.
Consider Comprehensive Coverage for your vehicle. This will pay for vehicle damage caused by auto theft, fire, hail, windstorms and flooding. Covered perils will be listed in your policy and comes with a deductible.
Having a complete home inventory will help you and your insurance company get through the claims process more quickly. Many insurance companies offer mobile apps to help you track your home inventory.
IIABL 2024-2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN, BRET HUGHES
CHAIRMAN-ELECT, ROSS HENRY
SECRETARY-TREASURER, JOE KING MONTGOMERY
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, JOHNNY BECKMANN, III
PAST CHAIRMAN, ARMOND K. SCHWING
YOUNG AGENT REP, MAGGIE LANDRY
Hughes Insurance Services, Inc - Gonzales
Henry Insurance Service, Inc. - Baton Rouge
Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC - Monroe
Assured Partners - Metairie
Schwing Insurance Agency, Inc. - New Iberia
Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency - Baton Rouge
ANN BODKIN-SMITH
MATTHEW DEBLANC
CHRISTY DESOTO
DOMINIQUE DICARLO CROUCH
ROB W. EPPERS
MATT GRAHAM
CHRISTOPHER S. HAIK
STUART HARRIS
BEAU HEAROD
CHARLES H. LEBLANC
CRAIG MARTEL
LYDIA MCMORRIS
A. EUGENE MONTGOMERY, III
HARTWIG "ROBBY" MOSS, IV
SETH OSTENDORFF
ROBERT LOUIS PALMER, JR.
RANDY PERISE
ROBERT STONE
Thomson Smith & Leach Insurance Group - Lafayette
Continental Insurance Services - Marrero
1st Insurance of Marksville - Marksville
Riverlands Insurance Agency - LaPlace
Risk Services of Louisiana - Alexandria
Lincoln Agency - Ruston
Higginbotham Insurance - Lafayette
McClure, Bomar & Harris, LLC - Shreveport
Jeff Davis Insurance - Jennings
Bourg Insurance Agency, Inc. - Donaldsonville
Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC - Lake Charles
Alliant Insurance Services - Baton Rouge
Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC - Monroe
Hartwig Moss Insurance - New Orleans
Dethloff & Associates - Shreveport
Insurance Underwriters, Ltd. - Metairie
Blumberg and Associates - Ponchatoula
Stone Insurance, Inc. - Metairie