Advocacy in Action

PIA builds communication between agencies and companies
PIA knows that company relations is one of the top issues facing independent agents. Many times, agents feel at the mercy of unilateral company decisions that may not always consider agent needs, while many companies feel they don't fully understand what those needs are.

In response to this concern, PIA's Company Relations Representative actively advocates agents' ideas and concerns to company executives. PIA strives to foster clear and effective communication between companies and their appointed agents.            

PIA asks you what really matters
Every year, PIA sponsors the Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey. This survey gives you, as an independent agent, the chance to influence company decisions. You can rate your carriers completely anonymously in areas ranging from commission and underwriting to claims handling and technology.

PIA shares the results of the survey with member agents, as well as company representatives. And the companies take their results very seriously. Most share their results with their board of directors and senior management, and some are even creating internal campaigns to raise their survey scores and work more effectively with you, their appointed agent.

By participating in the Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey, you can help PIA identify agents' top concerns and share those with the companies you represent.

View the results of the 2010 Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey



Company News
Progressive Launches Knowledge on Demand
Progressive Insurance unveiled its new online learning portal for independent agents, Knowledge on Demand. With it, agents have another tool to stay competitive and informed to help grow their industry knowledge and their businesses.
 
 
Allstate Plans Homeowners Insurance Rate Hike of 4-10 Percent
Allstate Corp. plans to raise Illinois homeowners insurance rates 4 percent to 10 percent. Increases, which will vary by state, to take effect in March.
 
 
Allstate Offers Credit to Clients Unhappy With Claims Service
Allstate says that if its car insurance customers aren’t satisfied with the service they received on a paid claim, they can get a credit for six months of auto premiums for the car in question.
 
 
Health Insurer on Alert for Fraud
Medical Mutual of Ohio investigates 120 cases of health-insurance fraud on average a year, but that number jumped to 157 cases last year -- and the company recovered a record $9.78 million.
 
 
Hartville Group Announces New Pet Insurance Plans
The Hartville Group, Inc., which with its subsidiary Petsmarketing Insurance.com Agency, Inc. is one of the largest and oldest pet insurance providers in the US, has announced new plans that will expand coverage in the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance program to include 90% reimbursement of eligible veterinary expenses, treatments for hereditary and congenital conditions, and higher per-incident limits, among other new benefits.
 
 
Thank You!
Insurance company partners who are participating in PIA's 2011 Internship Program:
American Commerce Insurance, a MAPFRE Co.
Donegal Group
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
The Hartford Group
The Motorists Insurance Group
Ohio Mutual Insurance Group
Selective Insurance Co. of America
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Westfield Group