In this issue:
Industry News Update
Judge Rules $3 Increase in BMV Fee for Driving Records Unconstitutional
Rules for License, CE Conversion Process Being Considered
National Flood Insurance Program Remains Lapsed
Make a Difference for Your Agency: Complete PIA's Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey By July 8
PIA's Internship Program Begins Fifth Year
PIA's Internship Program Golf Outing Fundraiser Has Another Successful Outing
Longtime PIA Member and Volunteer Craig Moon Receives Rough Notes Award
Reminder: Four Hours of Long-Term Care Insurance Training Required Every Compliance Period
Is Your Name on Our Contributors List?
2010 Agency Management and Profitability Conference Features New Format and Location
Featured Benefits
Legal Hot Line
Sequent Human Resources Organization
Inside Insurance, a free client newsletter
OMNIA Employee Profiling
Hospital Income Plan
Dental Insurance
MarketSource
UPS
Education Update
E&O Seminars
CISR Classes
CIC Institutes
PIA Lunch and Learn Central Webinars
Industry News Update
Judge Rules $3 Increase in BMV Fee for Driving Records Unconstitutional
Recently, a Franklin County common pleas judge struck down the new $3 increase in the fee the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) charges for copies of certified abstracts of driving records. Judge Richard Frye ruled in a 22-page opinion the fee increase enacted as part of the state transportation budget (House Bill 2) last year is unconstitutional because the extra revenue is not used for a highway or highway safety purpose.
PIA joined with the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) and the Ohio Trucking Association in filing an action challenging the use of the certified motor vehicle abstract (driving record) as a source of revenue for unrelated state programs by the state public safety department. PIA is the only agents’ association fighting against this unreasonable increase, which raised the cost of MVRs from $2 to $5.
The increase in the certified drivers’ abstract fee was enacted in the budget of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (House Bill 2). The fee increase went into effect July 1, 2009.
The challenge also argued the provisions of House Bill 2 violate Ohio’s public records law which states that possessors of public records must, when asked, provide public records “at cost,” however, this part of the action was dismissed by Judge Frye. PIA plans to continue pursuing this argument by refiling a complaint. By doing so, a long-term solution can possibly be achieved to prevent the Legislature from increasing the fee again in the future.
In a hearing held June 18, Judge Frye ruled the BMV could continue to collect the extra $3 fee while the agency appeals his finding that it is unconstitutional.
If the decision stands after the appeal, the law would revert to a $2 charge that was in effect for the abstracts prior to the 2009 change.
PIA will keep you updated on further developments.
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Rules for License, CE Conversion Process Being Considered
The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) is currently developing administrative rules to govern how agent licensing changes from the recently passed House Bill 300 will be applied. For example, the rules will determine how agents will convert from the old license renewal process to the new system where they must proactively renew their license by the last day of their birth month every two years, and how the increase in CE hours from 20 to 24 per compliance period will coincide with the new process.
When Your License Will Renew:
Compliance Period Ending Dec. 31, 2010
Birthday between January – May: Must renew by June 30, 2011
Birthday between June – December: Must renew by the last day of birth month in 2011
Compliance Period Ending Dec. 31, 2011
All agents must renew by the last day of their birth month in 2012.
Note: Agents with a compliance period end date of Dec. 31, 2010 should plan on having their regular 20 hours of required CE completed by Dec. 31, 2010 to avoid extension fees. After the 2011 license renewal cycle, agents will be required to complete 24 hours of CE before renewing their license.
These rules must go through a formal process before they can be adopted. The process began when they were filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) on May 18. The rules will receive a public hearing and a JCARR hearing before they can be finalized. It is expected they will become effective sometime in August. Once they become effective, ODI will send correspondence to all agents regarding the new renewal procedures and compliance period changes and will also publish the compliance period transition schedules and rules on their Web site.
ODI continues to hold meetings to discuss the license conversion process with interested parties, as well as other issues, such as the possibility of offering CE credit for active participation in professional associations. The department is also exploring how CE credit can be offered through distance learning, in addition to the current methods available.
PIA is actively involved in the rule process to ensure that agents’ practical business needs are considered. PIA will continue to communicate updates on the status of the license conversion rules. In addition, to ensure you receive all official information from ODI, make sure to update your biographical information with the department. Look for PIA to distribute fact sheets, post information at www.ohiopia.com and host informational meetings.
If you have any questions, please contact PIA’s Public Affairs Team at (800) 555-1742 or publicaffairs@ohiopia.com.
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National Flood Insurance Program Remains Lapsed
The latest authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) expired May 31 because Congress failed to pass an extension before its Memorial Day recess. At this time, the NFIP is not able to issue new policies or approve renewal policies until Congress approves reauthorization of the program, however, consumers with current flood insurance policies remain covered. Claims payments are not affected.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a guidance bulletin on May 28 which provided instructions about what to do in the event of a lapse in authority for the NFIP and answers to frequently asked questions.
Send a message to Congress now on the critical importance of extending this program.
PIA will provide more information on the status of the NFIP as it becomes available.
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Make a Difference for Your Agency: Complete PIA’s Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey By July 8
On June 14, PIA mailed its ninth consecutive Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey. The survey is a vital part of PIA’s company relations efforts and demonstrates the importance PIA places on agent/carrier relations. Survey results can help you see how your carriers have performed over the last five years; determine if your carriers are performing above average; or can help you evaluate carriers before taking on new contracts. View last year’s survey results.
Each year, companies look at their results very closely to determine how they performed in various areas such as marketing, underwriting and compensation. Survey results have led to companies evaluating the way they do business with you, and ultimately, this feedback helps them make better decisions. Last year, Central Mutual Insurance Co. was anxious for the survey results to learn feedback on a new billing system they had just rolled out.
“The Central Companies uses PIA’s Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey Report as a key measure to validate our initiatives and system enhancements, like our new billing system," said Pat Jackson, regional vice president at Central Mutual Insurance Co. "The 2009 survey results confirmed the improvements realized by our agency plant, while at the same time helping to quantify our competitive advantage relative to the industry.”
PIA’s survey is conducted by an independent research firm, so it’s completely confidential. Completing the survey is both fast and easy…it can even be completed online.
To complete the survey online, click here. You will need your Respondent ID Code that was included in the information you received in the mail. Can't find your Respondent ID Code? Contact Carolyn Mangas.
Let your carriers know what you think and take time to complete the survey by July 8.
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PIA’s Internship Program Begins Fifth Year
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| PIA interns listen to an industry panel discussion during orientation. |
PIA’s Internship Program began its fifth year June 2, welcoming nine new interns with a two-day orientation. The interns began working at their assigned companies June 7, and will report to their assigned agencies July 12. PIA’s Internship Program strives to increase visibility of the industry among young people and introduce them to the wide variety of career opportunities within the industry.
“PIA recognized the long-standing problem of staff perpetuation within our industry and developed the internship program as a pro-active solution,” said Diane Keil-Roe, of Knight Crockett Miller Insurance Group, PIA internship committee member and agency host. “I believe that real and lasting change happens one person at a time. This program takes a very personal approach to inviting and welcoming the best young adults our universities have to offer.”
PIA’s Internship Program remains successful as it enters its fifth year, and the insurance industry continues to represent jobs and stability.
“In this difficult economy, it’s important we make students and young professionals aware that the insurance industry continues to recruit and hire new employees,” said Tonya Hamilton, CIC, of Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company, and an internship committee member.
The program has gone from an idea to a well-known program that both colleges and the industry support. To date, 37 students have completed the program, 13 former interns are working in the industry, and 24 agencies and 11 companies have participated as program hosts.
“We’ve come a long way in five years,” said Terry Kelso, CPCU, CPIA, of Associated Insurance Agencies, Inc. and a long-time supporter of the internship program. “We started with an idea – that if we could develop an opportunity that gives interns training and exposure at both insurance carriers and agencies – those young professionals would stay with the industry and develop their career in our industry.”
Learn more about this year’s interns.
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Current and former interns hand out raffle
prizes at this year's event. |
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| Golfers enjoy the dinner reception. |
PIA’s Internship Program Golf Outing Fundraiser Has Another Successful Outing
PIA’s annual Internship Program Golf Outing Fundraiser was held June 14, at Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club in Sunbury. The golf outing raised nearly $31,000 to benefit the Foundation for the Advancement of Insurance Professionals, which was established in 2009 to support the development and implementation of PIA’s Internship Program.
“The golf outing was yet again a great success for PIA’s Internship Program and the Foundation for the Advancement of Insurance Professionals,” said Kelly Lause, PIA’s communication and development coordinator, and 2007 intern.“With current and former interns in attendance, we had a wonderful representation of what this program can do for young professionals. It was a great day to network with other industry professionals and support a great cause.”
PIA welcomed 87 golfers, which included insurance company executives , field representatives, agency principals and staff. Also in attendance were current and former PIA interns who had the opportunity to network with agency and company representatives from across the state. Following an afternoon of golf, a dinner reception was held for more than 100 attendees.
Contribute to the Foundation.
PIA would like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support of this event.
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Gold
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Silver
CompManagement, Inc.
The Motorists Insurance Group
Bronze
Donegal Group
Neverman Construction
Pekin Insurance
Safeco Insurance
State Auto Insurance Group
Westfield Group
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View a complete list of all supporters and sponsors.
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Longtime PIA Member and Volunteer Craig Moon Receives Rough Notes Award
PIA member Craig T. Moon, CIC, CPIA, president of Moon & Adrion Insurance Agency, Inc. in Middletown, recently received The Rough Notes Company’s Community Service Award. Craig was nominated for his lengthy devotion of time, energy and financial support in creating and continuing the development of Safe Haven Farms, Inc., a farm community for adults with autism. In addition to receiving the award, The Rough Notes Company will also make a $5,000 donation to Safe Haven Farms, Inc.
Moon & Adrion Insurance Agency, Inc. has been a member of PIA of Ohio since 1958. Craig is the third generation to work in the family’s business, founded in 1921. He has been active with PIA’s Education and CIC Committee for several years and also is a dedicated supporter of IMPACT, PIA of Ohio’s political action committee.
Safe Haven Farms, Inc. is a nonprofit parent and donor effort that provides a variety of meaningful living, working, learning and leisure activities for adults with autism. There are only six farms in the United States dedicated to meeting the needs of adults with autism. Safe Haven Farms, Inc. is expected to begin serving adults with autism soon.
Read the article from Rough Notes magazine.
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Reminder: Four Hours of Long-Term Care Insurance Training Required Every Compliance Period
PIA would like to remind agents who sell long-term care insurance that you are required to complete ongoing training that is no less than a four-hour course every 24-month compliance period thereafter. This requirement became effective Sept. 1, 2008. Information about this and other long-term care insurance requirements can be found in Bulletin 2008-2.
PIA is hosting two long-term care classes this year: Aug. 18 in Columbus and Oct. 26 in Cleveland. If you have questions, contact PIA at (800) 555-1742.
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Is Your Name on Our Contributors List? 
With the primaries now over, candidates will soon begin to put their campaigns in full swing in anticipation of this fall’s election. The stakes are high this year with so many offices up for election. The outcomes of this year’s mid-term elections can have a profound impact on the insurance industry. While fundraising for IMPACT, PIA’s political action committee, is off to a strong start, it is important we reach our goal so we can provide meaningful support for candidates who share PIA's views on critical issues and support small businesses and the independent agent profession. IMPACT is hoping to contribute more than $30,000 to the campaigns of deserving candidates in important races over the next several months. While fundraising is only one part of a public affairs strategy, it is an essential component that is necessary for success, just like grassroots organization, lobbying and relationship-building. Is your name on our contributors list?
Our goal is to raise $25,000 this year, and we need your help to reach that goal. To date, $16,740 has been raised. Please consider making a contribution immediately so you can help us reach our fundraising goal so we can support worthy candidates facing competitive races this fall.
PIA would like to thank all our members and staff who have contributed. View a list of 2010 contributors.
To make your 2010 IMPACT contribution, complete and mail an IMPACT contribution form to PIA with a personal check made payable to IMPACT, or call Carolyn Mangas at (800) 555-1742 to make your contribution over the phone. Please remember that corporate contributions are prohibited by law.
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2010 Agency Managemen
t and Profitability Conference Features New Format and Location
This year’s Agency Management and Profitability Conference (AMPC), Sept. 23-24 in downtown Columbus, features a new format and a restructured agenda, all designed to provide you with more opportunities for professional development and networking. At this year’s AMPC, you can take part in many conference events, including an opening luncheon with keynote speaker Robert Hartwig of the Insurance Information Institute; a panel discussion with insurance agents, company executives and industry leaders; PIA’s industry awards dinner; and a formal breakfast held in conjunction with the Annual Business Meeting and Conferment Ceremony. And be sure to make time to visit the Marketplace Exhibit Hall in a new and expanded space.
AMPC will also have a new look as PIA welcomes you to a new location in downtown Columbus - the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel. This exciting downtown setting will provide PIA members with increased visibility among industry leaders, and more access to state government officials and company representatives. Don’t miss out on being a part of this revamped event!
More information will be available in the coming weeks or visit www.ohiopia.com for the most current information.
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Featured Benefits
Legal Hot Line*
With the ever-changing legal climate, independent agents are experiencing greater exposure to more costly and frivolous lawsuits. PIA is here to help you with a free legal hot line service. PIA's legal representative provides you with prompt and accurate advice to basic legal questions. If an issue needs more in-depth research, a reasonable consulting fee will be charged.
To utilize this benefit, contact PIA's Resource Center at (800) 555-1742.
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Sequent – Human Resources Organization*
Sequent is a regional consulting and outsourcing firm that helps business owners manage the burden, risks and liabilities associated with being an employer. Could your clients use help attracting, retaining and managing their most important asset - their people? Sequent has a team of HR professionals working to deliver the services that fit your clients' unique needs. PIA has been a client of Sequent for many years.
PIA has partnered with Sequent to bring the same advantages to you as a PIA member and to your clients. And as the referring agent, you are eligible for compensation.
For more information, contact PIA's Resource Center at (800) 555-1742.
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Inside Insurance, a free client newsletter
Are you looking for a way to keep your clients better informed about insurance issues? PIA’s newsletter, Inside Insurance, is created by PIA for you to send to your clients on a quarterly basis. PIA gives you a newsletter shell, and your printer can customize it to include your company name and logo. Inside Insurance is available to you, as a PIA member, at no cost.
To start receiving PIA's client newsletter, contact PIA's Resource Center at (800) 555-1742.
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OMNIA Employee Profiling*
The OMNIA Profile® enables you to take the guesswork out of personnel decisions. Whether you are hiring a new employee, deciding on future roles for current employees, team building or creating a succession plan for your business, OMNIA can help.
For more information about using OMNIA to improve your business, please call Sean Neumeyer at
(800) 525-7117, ext. 1242, and let him know you’re a PIA member or visit www.omniagroup.com.
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Hospital Income Plan*
The cost of specialized services has risen steeply over the past decade, especially in the medical field. Help shield yourself and your family from the high cost of hospitalization with the supplemental PIA Trust Hospital Income Plan. If you are in the hospital, this plan offers up to $200 a day for employers, employees and their spouses and children to help cover the costs incurred. This plan is offered through Unimerica Insurance Company.
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Dental Insurance*
PIA now offers dental insurance for members through MetLife. Highlights include your choice of a High or Low plan; $2,000 annual maximum per person on the High plan; no underwriting necessary; no waiting period for preventative and basic services on the High plan; and vision discounts at no additional cost.
View all the high-quality insurance plans offered to PIA members and their employees.
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MarketSource*
MarketSource provides agents with access to more carriers and markets, allowing agents to meet the ever-growing volume requirements of their lead carriers while still having access to other markets. MarketSource has negotiated with regional, national and specialty carriers so that participating insurance agents are able to write business at full commission, requiring no fees.
MarketSource is owned by agents. Because MarketSource investors are independent agents, they have a direct stake in its success. This interest in providing quality submissions and business provides carriers with the assurance that MarketSource will represent a win-win for their companies: quality business, improved efficiency and more access to more companies.
For more information on how you can participate, call PIA at (800) 555-1742 or visit www.marketsourceagents.com.
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UPS*
Receive reduced rates when shipping through UPS. If you think you can't avoid high costs when shipping documents overnight, think again! UPS offers PIA members special discounts on overnight shipments. All shipments include UPS tracking service so you know when your package arrives. The list below shows you the discounts available to PIA members:
Service Discount
Next Day Air Letter, $1.50 Off regular rates
Next Day Air Pak, 10 percent Off regular rates
Wordwide Express, 20 percent off regular rates
2nd Day Air A.M. Letters & Paks, 10 percent off regular rates
To receive these discounts, call the UPS Association Program department at (800) 325-7000 and identify yourself as a member of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents. If they ask, PIA’s Bid Number is CP990007896. They will assist you in opening an account and will send you a starter kit. If you already have an open account with UPS, call the 800 number above or speak with your current account representative who can assist you in enrolling in the Association Program.
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*These benefits are offered through The Ohio PIA Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Professional Insurance Agents Association of Ohio, Inc.
Errors and Omissions: Professional Liability in the Digital Age
Your risk for an E&O claim grows as technology advances. Learn the potential pitfalls and traps that your office could face with the misuse of digital communication, such as e-mail and text. This seminar will also cover the reasons E&O claims occur, proper documentation and positive practices to minimize your E&O claims.
Columbus
July 14
Registration Fee: $69 for members/$79 for non-members per class
CE Credit: Three hours (exam not required for CE credit)
Level: Intermediate
*You could earn a discount on your E&O policy by attending one of these classes. For details, call PIA at (800) 555-1742.
All 2010 E&O seminars are sponsored by Utica Mutual Insurance Company.
To register online, click on the class date above.
Download a registration form.
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Cincinnati
Dynamics of Service1,2
June 24
Columbus
Commercial Property
July 21
Cleveland
Commercial Casualty
July 22
Toledo
Personal Residential
July 28
Cincinnati
Personal Auto
August 3
Columbus
Dynamics of Service1,2
August 10
Cleveland
Personal Residential
August 17
Registration Fee: $160 per person (add $8 if you need OH CE)
CE Credit: Eight hours for each class (exam not required for CE credit); Dynamics of Service is CE pending
Level: Intermediate
1 You could earn a discount on your E&O policy. For details, call PIA at (800) 555-1742.
2 While attending a Dynamics of Service seminar, a participant must be a dues-paid member of the Society of CISR in order to receive their CISR update. Participants do not have to hold their CISR designation to attend.
To register online, click on the class date above.
Download a registration form.
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Cleveland
Graduate Seminar
August 4-6
Registration Fee: $420 (add $20 if you need OH CE)
CE Credit: 20 hours (exam not required for CE credit)
James K. Ruble Graduate Seminars are for CIC designation holders only.
To register online, click on the class date above.
Download a registration form.
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PIA Lunch and Learn Central Webinars
PIA's Lunch and Learn Webinar programs bring practical, "must-know" topics right into your agency. Learn information targeted to help you and your staff perform your jobs better - all in under an hour (starting at noon), without leaving the office.
Register for Lunch and Learn Webinars and, using a speaker phone, you can offer this learning opportunity to multiple staff at once - for one price - no matter how many people participate. Just register for the program, provide the e-mail address of the primary participant and let PIA do the rest!
Each webinar registration includes a free download of the webinar recording after the program. So now, there's no waiting for CDs, and staff who missed the live webinar will not miss out on essential training.
New Business Workflow – Standard Commercial Lines
August 6
Approximate start time: Noon; duration approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour
Place: Your conference room/office
Participants will need: Internet e-mail access to receive/view support materials; a telephone (or speaker phone if multiple participants)
Registration fees per phone dialing in: Live teleconference only: $49 members/$69 non-members
For more information about the classes above or to register, click here.
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