Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which has swelled and shrunk in size over the last few years, is headed in the wrong direction yet again. Despite repeated efforts to trim back its size, the state-created carrier is growing.
Marketing the agency effectively over the Internet, security, and ease of use of new real-time functionality have become the top three technology issues for owners of independent agencies.
During adverse economic times agents and brokers can find refuge in learning new skills and earning designations, which can pay off when the market rebounds.
In a cutthroat commercial lines marketplace, insurers have sharpened their focus on modernization of their policy administration systems (PAS). Failure to address this issue is a gamble insurers can’t afford to make.
Technology is changing the relationship between the client, producer, and the insurance carrier. While some view that as a detriment to producers, others see room for adaptation and growth that will ultimately benefit consumers, independent agents, and carriers.
Karen Roberts, president of the national non-profit professional organization Women in Insurance and Financial Services, speaks out boldly on the challenges women face in our industry. The equal-pay battle may be won, but other significant barriers remain.
Although most producer training programs will end up costing an agency a couple of thousand dollars, most agency principals who have been through the process would probably agree that "leaving it to the pros" is well worth the investment.