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Industry News

IA Magazine
IN&V’s New Look

Last week, Insurance News & Views debuted its new look and received rave reviews on the new font size, expanded content and redesigned format. But everyone knows nothing’s perfect --- so while the IA staff would like to think the revamped version is flawless, we know there’s always room for improvement! Please let us know if you’ve found any “blips,” bumps or anything “wonky” looking in the new IN&V. And, of course, we’re always happy to hear more accolades on the new look if you’ve got them! Please send your comments, concerns, questions or any other random thoughts about the publication to Michelle Payne at michelle.payne@iiaba.net.


InVEST
Washington Instructor Coordinates InVEST Involvement

Ever wonder what other states have going on with their InVEST programs? Need some ideas for your program? You don’t have to wonder any more. As promised, InVEST will profile one state each month and highlight accomplishments or programs from around the nation. This month’s spotlight state is Washington.

With the help of InVEST and input from other insurance industry representatives, Washington’s Bellevue Community College has developed and launched a new insurance certificate program – the first of its kind in the state. Elaine Tuttle, instructor and insurance career program coordinator, spearheaded this project and was able to help BCC receive state approval to offer college credit and a certificate for the program, which will prepare students for careers in the insurance industry.

The Insurance Specialist Certificate requires a sequence of six courses for a total of 21-24 credits, which includes an internship. While a couple courses are online, others will be taught in-person. And as a convenience to those students who are already working in the industry, in-person classes will be held in the evenings.

“I’m impressed with what I have learned about the Bellevue Community College Insurance Specialist Certificate and believe it is good preparation for a rewarding career in insurance,” says Washington State Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

“My number one priority is consumer protection, so I welcome the opportunity to increase the number of knowledgeable insurance professionals serving the public,” Kreidler added. “I am especially pleased with the commitment by the insurance industry to support this program by offering both internships and opportunities for employment after graduation.”

In addition, Tuttle has connected with Joyce Carroll, director of college credit and careers network for north and south Snohomish counties, who is interested in implementing InVEST programs in some of the 30 high schools she works with. Carroll and Tuttle are working on an articulation agreement in order for high school students to receive credit at BCC for InVEST courses.

For more information about BCC’s Insurance Specialist Certificate program, contact Elaine Tuttle at 425-564-2311; etuttle@bcc.ctc.edu.

InVEST, a 501 (c)(3) educational trust, is dedicated to improving insurance literacy and attracting new talent to the industry. For more information, visit www.investprogram.org.


Education
Plan to Attend the Education Convocation and Summit

Register now and attend the Big “I”s 32nd Annual Education Convocation, Sept.10-12 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The convocation’s mission is to provide Big “I” state education directors and chairs with an intense 2.5 day information and training forum. The event is an opportunity for state education leaders to come together to discuss new ways to better their education programs and allows them the opportunity to make contacts that can lead to more profitable programs. Speakers and vendors also have the opportunity to make valuable business connections and share how their products can benefit the state association and its members.

Schedule highlights include sessions targeted to new and established education directors; ACSR, CISR, CRIS and education chair breakouts; the “Golden Ticket” showcase; focus groups and critical networking time. The event also includes the 2008 Insurance Educators Summit, a rare opportunity for some of the most accomplished individuals and organizations in insurance agent education to meet to share their views on the state of agent education today. These industry innovators will also help create a plan for improving and energizing the delivery of skills and knowledge to the independent insurance agent community in the future. The program will begin with an open group discussion on topics and concepts that impact future learning opportunities for the industry --- allowing session attendees to provide their own insight and feedback, while listening and learning from others. Click here to view the schedule of events and register. For information on how your organization can participate, contact Lisa Johnson-Briggs at 800-221-7917; lisa.johnson-briggs@iiaba.net.


Virtual University
Save Gas, Take an Online Class

Looking for ways to save money on gas this summer? Avoid driving and take an online class at Big “I” Virtual University. Credit and non-credit classes that boost job skills, provide basic to advanced courses of study or apply toward an ACSR designations can all be found at the VU.  Part of the challenge in raising the skills of our workforce is that many people are unable to attend face-to-face classes due to work schedules, family responsibilities and distance from a needed class. Now that those things are compounded with the high cost of traveling, online courses can remove these barriers. E-learning is growing because of the ability to provide quick, up-to-date access to the same high quality courses with greater flexibility. For working and financially savvy adults, this flexibility is becoming more critical.

The VU offers 100 courses including:

ACSR (Accredited Customer Service Representative) Modules 1-12
The ACSR program offers three courses of study: personal lines, commercial lines and life/health. Completion of any of the three tracks leads to the ACSR designation.
Students may choose the designation line most appropriate for their needs or they may choose to complete all three.     

Business Interruption Insurance and Financial Statement
This seminar teaches the essentials of how to read and understand a business financial statement. It then reviews business interruption coverage principles and how the proper amount of insurance or “risk exposure” should be determined, according to the policy. Finally, these two areas are merged together to show how the business interruption worksheet can be used in conjunction with the client's financial statement to ascertain the right risk exposure.

Changing Attitudes: Creating Opportunities
This program is designed to help individuals and management cope with the continuous changes of today’s diverse, downsized, re-engineered, team oriented workplace while improving performance.

Now is a great time to save a tank of gas, get some great education and experience a new way to learn, just in time…anytime. To access the VU and explore the complete course catalog, click here. 


Big “I” Markets
Non-standard Homeowners Market Considers Canines

If you have clients whose breed of dog makes it harder for them to find insurance in the standard market, Big “I” Markets may be able to provide you with some options through non-standard homeowners. Here are the general parameters under which aggressive dogs are underwritten:

• Multiple dog bites. If the homeowner still has the dog Lexington probably will not provide liability/med pay.
• With a one-bite dog, Lexington may exclude animal liability dependant on details.
• If the homeowner has an aggressive dog, a large payout may not include liability.

All dog risks are underwritten individually so be sure to provide all the details on your submissions. Learn more at www.bigimarkets.com.