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March IIASD Newsletter

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INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA MARCH 2012
Transcript
Page 1: March IIASD Newsletter

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

MARCH 2012

Page 2: March IIASD Newsletter

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Page 3: March IIASD Newsletter

2012 OFFICERSPRESIDENT

Dale HeeschDakota Ins Agency

Baltic SD

PRESIDENT-ELECTKathy Johnson

First Western InsuranceRapid City SD

VICE PRESIDENTGerrit Juffer

Juffer Inc.Wagner SD

SECRETARY-TREASURERSteve Walker

First Madison InsuranceMadison SD

PAST PRESIDENTAmy Olson-Miller

McKinneyOlson InsuranceSioux Falls SD

IIABA STATE NAT’L DIRECTORGary Joyce

Howalt-McDowell Ins. Inc.Sioux Falls SD

2012 DIRECTORSDISTRICT # 1

Jesse KonoldKey Insurance Inc.

Mobridge, SD

DISTRICT # 5Gerrit Juffer

Juffer Inc.Wagner SD

DISTRICT # 2Mindy Huntington

Fischer Rounds & Assoc.Watertown SD

DISTRICT # 6Pat Tollefson

Insurance PlusAberdeen SD

DISTRICT # 3Steve Walker

First Madison InsuranceMadison SD

DISTRICT # 7Annette Conway

First Western InsuranceSturgis, SD

DISTRICT # 4Chad Dubisar

Boen & AssociatesSioux Falls SD

DISTRICT # 8Dan Maguire

Black Hills Agency IncRapid City SD

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTJerry Diamond

IIASDPierre SD

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Page 4: March IIASD Newsletter

AT UNITED FIRE GROUP . . .

Independent agents are the backbone of our insurance business. So, when you talk, we listen. Your requests have prompted us to provide real-time technologies for your convenience. We know you have better things to do with your time than perform tedious data entry. That’s why we’re using the latest technology to provide you with real-time access to your customers’ account information on ufgAgent.com.

Transformation Station and Transact Now™ make real-time inquiry available for:

• Policy • Billing • Claims • Loss runs

Renewals, endorsements, new business, cancellations, reinstate ments—automatically downloaded into your agency management system with updates downloaded nightly. Contact our United Fire marketing team at 800-828-2705 to learn more about these real-time technologies. Go ahead . . .we’re listening!

United Fire GroupCedar Rapids, Iowa www.ufgAgent.comFollow us on Facebook!

®

UNITED FIRE AGENT RON HAMMERBERG The Executive Corner

Jerry Diamond, Exec VP

3

I have watched and listened to several debates on the education proposal to award bonuses to math and science teachers and reward those who are above others in their field. This caused me to think about those teachers who teach English, History, physical education and, yes, even Home Economics and why they were not included. The way I look at it is, ALL teachers instruct their students in what I call “life skills”. A life skill can be anything from writing proper English, being able to communicate verbally, solving problems to adding and subtracting numbers (I am not talking about physics or trigonometry). Things the average person needs to function well in society. People have to know how to communicate with each other and in a lot of situations, this is learned from or taught by all teachers. Students walk away with some knowledge from every teacher they have studied under. How can we as a society say which teacher is better than the other, depending on what they teach. A personal example is when I had a wrestling coach tell me that a person can actually fall three or four stories with-out getting hurt if you know how to land. As most of you know, I did fall about three stories, got tangled up in scaffolding, broke an arm, my leg and had over 200 staples and stitches put into my body. So, what happened to the lesson on falling I learned from my former coach? The problem in this situation was I couldn’t land properly while being tangled in the scaffolding. I did have another incident where the lesson on falling paid off. What most of you don’t know is that I was involved in a very large construction accident in 1972 where I fell four stories after a large scaffolding wall was hit by a pay loader causing it to collapse and sent over 15 people screaming to the ground below. Don’t ask me why, but I remember my coach telling me to bend my knees and as soon as I felt the ground, go into a roll. After following his instructions, I realized I was the only one not hurt in the accident. My point being, all teachers have the ability to teach lessons that can be used throughout a student’s life. The only problem is, who’s to judge which teacher is the best at teaching life skills and how do we reward them?

I would not like to be the person to make this decision.

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www.dakotaclaims.com

ABERDEEN P.O. Box 291

Aberdeen, SD 57402-0291 (605) 225-0725 Fax (605) 226-1618

Email: [email protected]

CHAMBERLAIN P.O. Box 149

Chamberlain, SD 57325 (605) 734-6011 Fax (605) 734-6013

Email: [email protected]

HURON P.O. Box 201

Huron, SD 57350 (605) 352-5000 Fax (605) 352-5173 Email: [email protected]

PIERRE

P.O. Box 400 Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 224-6155 Fax (605) 224-4735 Email: [email protected]

RAPID CITY

P.O. Box 2138 Rapid City, SD 57709

(605) 343-3764 Fax (605) 343-1274 Email: [email protected]

SIOUX FALLS

P.O. Box 611 Sioux Falls, SD 57101

(605) 338-3561 Fax (605) 338-0257 Email: [email protected]

SPEARFISH

P.O. Box 435 Spearfish, SD 57783

(605) 642-4769 Fax (605) 642-4760 Email: [email protected]

WATERTOWN

P.O. Box 203 Watertown, SD 57201

(605) 886-2318 Fax (605) 886-2335 Email: [email protected]

YANKTON P.O. Box 265

Yankton, SD 57078 (605) 665-3886 Fax (605) 665-3899

Email: [email protected]

Independent Claims Services to the Insurance Industry

E&O EDGE – Carolyn Hofer, E&O Administrator

Automated Underwriting Systems Can Lead to E&O Claims

Automated Underwriting Systems (AUS) used by our carriers for BOP’s have certainly sped up the under-writing process and writing of small commercial accounts. This is great for all involved – or is it? An AUS can lull agency personnel into believing these products are commodities with no real distinction and essentially that details do not matter. So, when selling a commodity, people naturally quit paying attention to details. But in this business, details always matter. Agencies have several major E&O exposures relating to AUS and BOP’s. The first is “tricking the AUS” to be able to write the account that may otherwise be declined. If an agent “tricked the system”, what E&O exposure does this create? One exposure may be that the carrier will contend it would never have written the risk that just incurred the $1M claim. Therefore, after paying the claim, they would sue the agency to get their money back. E&O claims data reveals that in the past five years there has been an increased trend in the number of claims involving insurance carriers against agents. Another, larger concern has to do with moving business from one company to another. Many producers and CSR’s do not give a second thought to moving a client from one company’s BOP to another—even though the coverages are not the same. Again, when agents become dependent on the automatic underwriting systems, they don’t think of the important, subtle differences between carrier policy coverages. And with the transition from living, breathing human underwriters to today’s automated systems, there is no one sharing expertise of additional coverage options or limitations for specific risks being written. The fact remains that BOP’s are not created equally.The differences between various carriers’ BOP’s are material. Agencies can significantly reduce their E&O exposure by advising clients of the differences in coverage when moving a BOP client from one company to another. Many E&O claims are generated when changing carriers and not reviewing coverage for changes. This is especially important when moving policies to the non-admitted marketplace. Advising your client to read their policy and understand the coverage and exclusions can reduce your exposure to E&O. It shouldn’t only be about winning an E&O claim in court. Your agency should also be focused on providing the coverage your clients need so that you never end up in court.

We live in an era when agents are pressed to process accounts as quickly as possible. However, never let automated underwriting systems lull you into complacency. If you move a BOP from one company to another, regardless of the reason, you need to advise the client in writing of the coverages they are losing. Then have the client sign off, stating it is their choice to move their account. This level of documentation may seem like a hassle, but look at it as an opportunity to work more closely with your client and potentially write additional business and develop a more loyal customer. Automated Underwriting Systems do save agent’s time but remember it is still the agent’s responsibility to provide proper coverage for your client and accurate underwriting information to your carrier.

Page 6: March IIASD Newsletter

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Division of InsuranceNews and Views

/ / / /

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Auto insurance prices and products are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agents/brokers. Not available in all states. Market positions from Highline Data’s 2007 written premium data, NAIC 2008 market share data, and 2008 Millward Brown & Harris Interactive survey data. 10A00065.A11 (08/10)

Whether your customers drive it, ride it, or boat it. We can insure it.HELPING YOUR CUSTOMERS FIND THE RIGHT POLICY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. Partner with a leader. It’s no secret why drivers use independent agents. You offer quality service, and a convenience second to none. But Progressive can help too. Because Progressive is not only a leader in auto insurance, but also truck, boat, motorcycle and RV. Plus, drivers who switch to Progressive save an average of $550 on their auto insurance. So no matter what you’re helping your customers insure, together — we can help them insure it for less.

Meet the Division of Insurance

Once again the assistance that IIASD provided the department and other interested parties in defeating this legislation was a key part of our efforts.

I want to personally thank IIASD, and a special thanks you for Jerry Diamond, for the cooperation extended and the hard work put in this legislative session and as well for allowing the Division to participate in IIASD legislative activities.

I firmly believe it was very beneficial for all of us.

South Dakota Division of Insurance445 East Capitol AvenuePierre, SD 57501Main Phone Line: 605.773.3563Producer Licensing: 605.773.3513Continuing Education: 605.773.3946Fax: 605.773.5369e-mail: [email protected]

License Renewal and Inquiries:www.sircon.com

The 2012 legislative session was a successful one, both for the Division of Insurance and the insurance industry. A number of good common sense insurance bills were enacted while problematic bills were nearly all defeated. I have no question that this success is directly related to the cooperative process that both the Division and IIASD have been a part of. It has been customary for the Division to share legislative ideas with industry representatives prior to actually introducing bills.

Through this process, issues of mutual concern are able to be worked out in advance of the bills being heard in legislative committee. Amendments to the Division’s bills were drafted and agreed to by all of the affected industry representatives in advance of the bills’ first hearing in committee. This cooperative arrangement played a vital role in the passage of all six of the bills the Division was sponsoring.

IIASD not only played a big part in the passage of Division bills but was a major factor in defeating bills that were harmful to the insurance industry in this state. While the goals of the sponsors of HB1272 were laudable, making health insurance more affordable and more available, the bill sought to do so through permitting out-of-state agents and companies to sell insurance in this state without being subject to South Dakota laws and regulations.

Obviously this created an uneven playing field that was unfair to South Dakota agents. The lobbying efforts of IIASD were crucial to the combined effort that led to the defeat of this legislation.

There were also workers’ compensation bills that would have the impact of significantly increasing premiums.Those bills, HB1067, HB1068, and HJR1003, would have prevented workers’ compensation insurers from ensuring that injured workers are examined by and receive treatment from appropriately qualified medical providers.

Page 7: March IIASD Newsletter

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Kayla’s Computer AdviceBeware of Filesharing

By: Kayla LongbrakeAdministrative Coordinator

GreatAmerican Crop.com

Other insurance companies can’t touch our iPAD app!

Our Crop agents can write, sign and submit coverage from the field. Can you?

Great American Insurance Group is an equal opportunity provider. 301 E. Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

All the kids are doing it. And depending on which news reports you read, it's either the inevitable wave of the future or another sign of the collapse of our society - or both. But what is filesharing really? Filesharing is the term for software designed to make it easier for you to share stuff through your computer with other people. (I use the technical term "stuff " here because you can share literally any electronic file through these tools but the most common shared files are documents, music files and videos – and viruses. More on that in a minute.) The most common form of filesharing is "peer-to-peer" (P2P) sharing, a way to share files directly from your computer to someone else's computer without needing to store it on a server somewhere. If I want to download a file that you've offered up for sharing, I reach through the internet and grab it directly off your computer. This kind of filesharing requires special software such as Limewire, BitTorrent or Kazaa. These applications create an index of the files that you've offered for sharing and publish the index to the Internet so others can find your files. They also let you access the index and download the files you want.

Filesharing is an easy way to publish documents widely and can get you access to all kinds of free content. Music is especially easy to find. The problem with filesharing is that it exposes you and your computer to all sorts of risks that are not disclosed by the filesharing network or those "friends" who are pressuring your kids.

When you use P2P, it is essentially impossible to verify that the file is trustworthy. Hackers hide spyware, viruses, worms and trojan horses and other malicious code into the files. When you download the file, you infect your own computer.

P2P also opens up your computer to outsiders. The applications claim to only expose certain directories but 1) you don't know if the application is locking the folders down properly and 2) it's too easy to misfile a confidential document in a shared folder. Any little mistake opens up your confidential information to the world.

Most P2P applications require you to open up certain ports on your firewall so it can send or receive the files. Hackers exploit those open ports to attack your computer directly anytime it is connected to the internet. And, of course, the big risk that got so much press when Napster was being sued into bankruptcy is the phenomenally high proportion of copyrighted material being illegally offered for "sharing." If you download pirated content, even unknowingly, you could face fines or other legal action. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is especially aggressive about finding and suing individual users who have illegally copied content on their computers.

If you run a network, either at a business or at home, I strongly recommend that you block filesharing sites. Remember, you go to jail or pay the fine whether they downloaded the illegal software with your knowledge or not. If you have kids, turn on your computer's parental controls and block those sites. Teach your kids to buy their music legitimately.

Page 8: March IIASD Newsletter

Omaha Branch: 800.338.9735 | Home Office: Des Moines, IA www.emcins.com

© Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2011 All rights reserved

We’re celebrating our 100th year by planning for our next 100 years.

Tanya Wentzel, Des Moines Branch Marketing ManagerTroy Boysen, Minneapolis Branch Commercial UnderwriterConnie Jarzynka, Omaha Branch Claims Adjuster

Emails and teleconferencing may be time-savers, but there is no substitute for the one-to-one relationships with insurance professionals who know you and your community. Early on, EMC Insurance Companies realized the value of being close to agents and policyholders. That value continues to pay off in products and services tailored to individual market needs. Whatever the future holds, insurance will always be a relationship business and EMC will continue to keep those relationships as close to your office as possible.

5269_EMC_AD_Group_SDAgentsBulletin7x10.indd 1 12/10/10 3:56 PM 7

Page 9: March IIASD Newsletter

www. rascompanies . com1.800.732.1486Our Focus. Your Opportunity.SM

Retail Office Wholesale Artisan Contractors

Hospitality Manufacturing Services Medical

A better way for our South Dakota Agents to write small business...

Available for accounts up to $10,000 in premiumCo mmiss ion inc reas e to 12% on n ew bus ine ssCo mpe tit i ve pricin g thro ugh Fir s t Da kot a Inde mnitySmall account dividend available for accounts starting at $1,000 premium with dividends paid directly to the accountNo Association membership requirementmyRAS

SM- insured on-line access to account information and the

option of on-line First Report of Injury (FROI)

Time is money and in today’s competitive marketplace RAS can help yougrow and retain your small work comp business. With these features, ourproduct is a simple and fast way to meet your small employer’s needs.

Main Street Work Comp Product

8

INSURERS’ COMBINED RATIOS ROSE IN 2011

According to A.M. Best, Commercial P & C insurers experienced $15 billion in underwriting losses last year, pushing the segment’s combined ratio to an estimated 108% last year from 103% a year earlier. Though greater industry focus on underwriting and pricing discipline boosted net premiums written by an estimated 4% (the segment’s first year-to-year increase since 2004) net income for Commercial P & C insurers dropped an estimated 40%.

A large portion of the industry’s underwriting losses were due to severe U.S. storms, flooding and wildfires, as well as primary and contingent business interruption losses stemming from international natural catastrophe events. Combined ratio deterioration was worst among Fire and Allied and Commercial Multi-Peril insurance lines, which rose to 103% in 2011 from 83% in 2010, and to 117% from 100%, respectively. Looking to the year ahead, A.M. Best reported that it will maintain its negative outlook for the Commercial P & C segment despite some signs of recovery in the economy and price stabilization in the industry.

Page 10: March IIASD Newsletter

Insuring the Midlands Since 1891

Les Hileman, CPCU, AICVice President of Agencies

[email protected]

PROVIDING INSURANCE FOR 97 YEARS:

Personal & Commercial Automobile

Farmowners/Ranchowners

Umbrella Liability

Homeowners & Mobilehome

Fire & Allied

Lines

Personal & General Liability

Contact Mel Juran 605-775-2636

Agent & Customer Service

Oriented

9

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate that would clarify that agent compensation should be excluded from the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) formula in the individual and small group markets.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) established MLR requirements for insurance carriers, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

The law mandates that at least 80% - 85% of premiums collected by the carrier must be spent on "health care quality improvement." In other words, no more than 15% - 20%, respectively, may go towards "non-claims costs" such as profits, advertising, administrative costs, etc. If a carrier does not meet these ratios, rebates are due to the consumer. The law did not address how to classify independent agent compensation under the MLR formula. However, through the regulatory process, the Department of Health and Human Services ruled that agent compensation was included in the MLR formula as a part of the "non-claims costs" category. This bill corrects this misguided policy decision by specifically excluding agent compensation from the MLR formula in the individual and small group markets. A similar bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1206) which currently has 160 bipartisan cosponsors.

Many states are joining to oppose the MLR. They have been sponsoring resolutions and even forming their own healthcare exchanges.

Medical Loss Ratio & Agents

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Northern States Agency, a Managing General Agency & Wholesale Broker for over 55 years, providing a wide range of commercial insurance:

General Liability Property Garage Commercial Auto Excess Auto Workers Compensation

Our underwriters average over 10 years experience with NSASame day or next day response on submissionsGreat Service, Great Products, Great People

2145 Ford Parkway, Suite 202 St. Paul, MN 55116

P: 800-328-0828 • F: 651-646-1971 www.nsa-mga.com

We are known for transportation, BUT… Did you know we have a FULL HOUSE?

Inland Marine & Cargo Umbrella & Excess Professional Liability Miscellaneous E & O Directors & Officers

Your TOTAL Solutions Provider

19 U.S. CARRIERS PLACED INTO RECEIVERSHIP IN 2011

The insurance industry closed out 2011 with nearly the same number of receiverships as in the year prior, and the composition remained broadly the same. Records indicate that 19 carriers as of the latest year's end, with P&C insurers comprising roughly 84% of the 2011 total, followed by 11% for life insurers and 5% for health. That compares with 20 in 2010, when about 80% came from the P&C realm, 15% from life and 5% from health. Florida leads the way with 9 of the companies based there, Iowa did not have a domiciled carrier placed into receivership in 2011.

Digging deeper shows that of the P&C receiverships in 2011, Commercial Property and Personal Lines insurers bore the biggest brunt. Each of those subsectors accounted for five of the total 19. In 2010, by contrast, workers' comp insurers were the most heavily hit, accounting for seven of the 20 companies placed into rehabilitation and/or liquidation that year. That is not to say, however, that workers' comp woes have evaporated; three such insurers were placed into receivership in 2011, and one has met the same fate thus far in 2012.

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F A R M E R S M U T U A L O F N E B R A S K A

I N S U R I N G T H E M I D L A N D S S I N C E 1 8 9 1 .

Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Nebraska is proud to be a platinum sponsor for the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota and a strong supporter of the independent agency system. Since the founding of our company in 1891, we have distributed our insurance products exclusively through the independent agency system.

Farmers Mutual was originally founded under the premise that those providing the insurance coverage should remain in touch with the requirements of those who need and purchase it. Over the years, this close relationship between the Company and its market has produced a unique and responsive insurer whose policies and rating procedures have always been tailored to the needs of the policyholders that it serves. This could not have been accomplished without the outstanding contribution of the professional independent agents that have represented our company.

In these uncertain economic times, it is important for consumers to seek insurance protection from a company having the strongest possible financial resources and security. We are proud that Farmers Mutual has always been that company and we are thankful for the outstanding relationship that we have enjoyed with the over 400 independent agents representing our company in the state of South Dakota.

In just thirteen short years in the South Dakota marketplace, you have helped Farmers Mutual to become one of the leading providers of personal lines insurance protection to the residents of the great state of South Dakota. We thank you for your partnership and we look forward to serving the needs of your customers, and our policyholders, together.

Page 14: March IIASD Newsletter

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CAP AND TRUSTED CHOICE®

Officials at CAP (Consumer Agent Portal) recently announced that the online quoting portal to be launched this summer will have a familiar location: www.trustedchoice.com.The Trusted Choice® website has been drawingconsumers and agents for years, making it valuable Internet real estate. The addition of a quoting portal, with thousands of agents and numerous companies pointing to one-stop shopping for consumers, will improve the ranking of the site in search engines. CAP is predicated on leveraging the national population of independent agents. With 22,000 agencies in 27,000 locations, CAP can realize the kind of search engine optimization that national direct writers pay hundreds of millions of dollars to achieve. For this to happen, agencies must be active on the Internet, with content rich websites, participation in social media channels and online advertising. CAP offers a number of service packages to help you get your agency online at www.projectCAPmarketing.com.

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HELP WANTED

Well established agency in north central South Dakota is looking for an agent who

can sell P & C, Life and Health with the po-tential for multi-peril insurance sales.

We have a very good compensation package and excellent working environment. Also

there is a good opportunity for advancement and growth.

Send Resumes To:IIASD

PO Box 327Pierre, SD 57501

“Insuring Homes, Farms, Businesses and Autos”

“A Personable Company Keeping You on Course’’

www.nstarco.com1-800-622-5230

Box 48 Cottonwood, Minnesota 56229

Rated “A+ Superior”

Offered Exclusively Through Independent Agents

Page 17: March IIASD Newsletter

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Scobie Group 1501 42nd St, Suite 100

West Des Moines, IA 1-800-475-1000 www.fwins.com

Scobie Group 14748 West Center Rd, Suite 202

Omaha, NE 1-800-825-4855 www.fwins.com

Sentry Knows TruckingSentry understands trucking is your number one priority. That’s why we constantly review and enhance our coverages to provide you with the insurance protection you need.

Some of the important coverages we offer include:

• Unlimited towing coverage

• Pollution liability

• Unladen liability

• Enhanced deductible options

• Non-trucking liability

• Blanket additional insured endorsement

• Cargo pollution cleanup

• Accident travel coverage

• Workers’ compensation coverage

Learn more about the products and services Sentry provides. Call today.

Property and casualty coverages are underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance Group, Stevens Point, WI. For a complete listing of companies, visit sentry.com. Policies, coverages, benefits and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details.

688225 05/26/11

Page 18: March IIASD Newsletter

Ringwalt & Liesche

Tired of waiting for the market to change?

Send your submissions to: [email protected]: 800-708-7448 • F: 402-916-3333 • www.Ringwalt.com

At Ringwalt & Liesche, we’re not waiting around. We’re proud to be an agency that can offer stability regardless of market conditions. Check out our website at Ringwalt.com to learn more, or just give us a call - we’d love to hear from you! • Commercial Auto

• Garage Liability

• General Liability

• Commercial Property

• Workers’ Comp

• Motor Truck Cargo

• Prize Indemnification

17

Faulty Workmanship: A Legislative Issue?By: David D. Thamann

A Continuing dispute is raging over insurance coverage for damage claims arising out of defective construction. Courts around the country have offered decisions about coverage, or the lack thereof; insurers have denied coverage or granted coverage; and agents have had to explain to insureds why a claim isn’t covered or have tried to convince insurers that coverage exists.

This is all standard operating procedure in the insurance business, but what is disconcerting to the process is the insistence of state legislatures on passing laws dictating to courts how to decide faulty-workmanship cases. For example, Colorado has enacted a law providing that when considering Commercial Liability policies issued to construction professionals, a court shall pressure that the work of a construction professional that results in property damage—including damage is intended and expected by the insured.

In another example, Arkansas has amended its code to require that a Commercial General Liability insurance policy offered for sale in the state contain a definition of occurrence that includes the phrase “property damage or bodily injury resulting from faulty workmanship.”

Not only does this practice interfere with a contractual agreement between insureds and insurers, it thrashes the “separation of powers” status that is well-established in this country. Contractual disputes are supposed to be settled by courts—not dictated by legislatures. Insureds and insurers are not always going to be pleased with a court ruling, but that is the system we have. The bottom line: Legislatures should stop trying to dictate how insurance contracts are interpreted.

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NEW MEMBERS CORNER:

Meet new members of our AssociationWe look forward to providing services to:

Member Agencies:

White Insurance Agency, Inc.Crooks, SD

Randall White, Principal

Steele Financial Services, LLCLake Preston, SD

Tom Steele, Principal

Treichel InsuranceRoscoe, SD

Leland Treichel, Principal

Associate Member Agencies:

Barkley Ag ServicesYankton, SD

Ronald Barkley, Principal

Join us in welcoming them to IIASD!

Not sure where to turn for Commercial Auto insurance?

Let the insurance experts at E&L show you the way.

www.ericksonlarseninc.com

Maple Grove, MN 800-442-3168

Fargo, ND 800-284-0965

Madison, WI 888-249-6050

Page 20: March IIASD Newsletter

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Senator John Thune To Address the Big “I”

South Dakota Republican to Deliver Remarks at Annual Legislative Conference Breakfast

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) announced that Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, will address the association’s membership on Thursday, April 26. Sen. Thune will be a keynote speaker at the legislative conference breakfast which occurs just prior to the association’s annual Big “I” Day on Capitol Hill. Every year, agents and brokers visit Capitol Hill offices to educate members of the House, Senate and their staffs on issues that directly impact independent insurance agents, brokers and consumers.

“The Big ‘I’ is honored to have Sen. Thune address the association’s membership the morning of our annual agent pilgrimage to Capitol Hill,” says Robert A. Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “As a member of the Finance Committee and through his leadership role as Senate Republican Conference chairman, Sen. Thune is on the frontline of many issues that directly impact our industry, economy, and small business. We are looking forward to his insight.” In addition to chairing the Senate Republican Conference and serving on the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Thune also serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996 and in 2004 beat the then sitting Senate Majority Leader and was elected to his first term in the Senate. Previously, he served in South Dakota government and as a congressional aide. A native of the Mount Rushmore state, Sen. Thune earned his undergraduate degree at Biola University and an MBA from the University of South Dakota.’’

“Sen. Thune’s numerous leadership roles are pivotal to small businesses and consumers across the country,” says Charles E. Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for government affairs. “We look forward to continuing to work with him on many issues that directly impact the 300,000 professionals we represent and insurance consumers. The Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event will take place April 25-27 at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, DC.

South Dakota Members Attending Legislative Conference & Convention The IIASD will be sending five delegates to the Legislative Conference and Convention.During the event, the delegates will be meeting with Senators Thune and Johnson, along with Rep. Noem. It is a very critical time in the insurance industry with congress voting on a new Farm Bill which may affect the crop insurance industry along with changes in health insurance and federal regulation of the insurance industry.

The delegates that have been chosen to represent you are: Gary Joyce, State National Director; Dale Heesch, IIASD President; Kathy Johnson, IIASD President-Elect; Jesse Konold, Young Agents Committee; and Jerry Diamond, Executive VP. Please contact one of your delegates if you have questions or input.

Page 21: March IIASD Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS:

E & O Loss Control Seminar June 4 - Rapid City, SD June 5- Pierre, SD June 6- Aberdeen, SD June 7- Sioux Falls, SD

September 9-11 Annual Convention The “Big Event” will be held at the Lodge in Deadwood, SD. For room reservations at the First Gold please call 605-578-9777 be sure to tell them you are with the IIASD as we have setup a block of rooms for the event.

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JUST FOR FUN:

A truck driver was driving along on the freeway and noticed a sign that read: Low

Bridge Ahead. Before he knows it, the bridge is right in front of him and his truck

gets wedged under it. Cars are backed up for miles.. Finally a police car comes up. The cop gets out of his car and walks to the truck driver, puts his hands on his hips and says,

'Got stuck, huh?' The truck driver says, 'No, I was delivering

this bridge and I ran out of gas.'

Page 22: March IIASD Newsletter

Pre-Licensing Class Announcement

IIASD and A.D. Banker of the Dakotas Have Partnered

We are excited to announce that IIASD and A.D. Banker of the Dakota have partnered to provide insurance and securi-ties licensing preparation classes and materials at a 15% IIASD Member Discount. A.D. Banker offers Exam Prep classes each month in Sioux Falls and quarterly classes in Rapid City.

Class schedules are listed at: www.adbanker.com/dakotas

Self-study and online study options for Exam Prep are also available. Materials and classroom instruction have been very successful with an average of 95% of students taking their license exam passing on the first try!Sandy Kost is the Owner/Managing Director of A.D. Bank-ers of the Dakotas and has worked in the insurance and financial services industry since 1988. She has worked with insurance agents, investment reps, agencies and banks in SD, ND, NE, IA, MN and WI. She has provided training on various products and topics.To register for a class or to order materials, go to:www.adbanker.com/dakotasCall: 605-271-4440 or 877-317-3087. Be sure to use the IIASD Promo/Discount Code to receive your 15% Member Discount. Promo Code: 1594626

PO Box 89846 Sioux Falls, SD 57109-9846

P. 605.361.5705 or 866.440.1840E. [email protected]

WHOLESALE ACCESS toFirst Dakota Indemnity and Dakota Truck Underwriters,known as the Dakota Group. The DakotaGroup is the largest writers of workers’compenation business in South Dakotaand a leading writer in the Midwest.

Contractors

Healthcare

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Retail

providing workers’ compensation solutions

IIASD 2011 in color FINAL_Layout 1 10/27/2011 3:22 PM Page 1

21

For over 100 years, Austin has been constantly

creating solutions and services to meet the

ever-changing needs of policyholders.

1-800-328-4628 | www.austinmutual.com

Create moments that matter...

Scan to stay connected with Austin Mutual

Page 23: March IIASD Newsletter

FRAUD CONVICTIONS

22

STeAdY ANd True

No company understands the insurance needs of

truckers more than Truckers Insurance Associates

— created by truckers for truckers. And for 60 years,

Truckers Insurance has remained solely focused on

transportation industry insurance. So whether your

clients include a single owner-operator or a full-fledged

fleet, Truckers Insurance will deliver the right coverage at

the right price. Even more, as trucking specialists, we’re

ready to respond rapidly when needs arise. That’s service

you can count on. That’s putting know-how to work.

That’s Truckers Insurance. Call your Truckers Insurance

account manager at 800.652.9515 for a quote today. WE DELIVER MORE

www.truckers-insurance.com 800.652.9515

driven

New Office in Rapid City, SD Bruce Eleeson & John Keffeler

Ph: 605-791-5565 Assignments: [email protected]

We commit ourselves to providing you with the highest quality claims and case management services available in our industry. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to serving your needs. Please visit our website for a directory of our staff, services, and coverage area.

Jeff Jares, AIC AIM President

Adjusters

Nancy Almendinger SCLA SDWCS Jennifer Andrisen Selzler, Mgr. SCLA AIC CSRP SDWCS

Bill Blackman AIC Lynn Bren SCLA AIC

Ron Burmood MBA AIC Kay Greve AIC, INS

Dave Johnston SCLA Jerry Matthiesen AIC

Chad Moore Wendi Peterson AIC

Kimberly Rausch SDWCS Dave Sendelbach CPCU AIC

Karl Weber SCLA AIC Tim Wieker SCLA AIC HCRI-R

Amy Kvernmo Brad Wilson AIC SDWCS

Case Managers

Donna Passick RN CCM Kelly Rud RN BA LNCC

Deb Whipple RN BA CCM Brenda Whiting RN CCM

Saddled with dwindling finances and facing repossession of their cars, Philadelphia police Sgt. Dwayne Darby and his roommate Kariem Magnum had their cars conveniently stolen for insurance payola. Both vehicles were lifted while Darby and Magnum were on a day trip to New York City with friends, the pair told Nationwide. But each had only about $5 in his bank account, and could not have afforded the trip. They also were in arrears on loans, and their stories had contradictions. Magnum’s 2007 Dodge Magnum and Darby’s 2006 Volvo were recovered in a Newark, DE, garage where Darby had hired a towing service to take the vehicles. The con took a tragic twist: Fellow officer Kristopher Epes, who helped with the theft report, killed himself apparently after learning that he, Darby and Magnum were being criminally investigated. Darby received three years of probation Tuesday.

Page 24: March IIASD Newsletter

David Powers began collecting workers’ comp money for a supposed job-related back injury. But the former Medway, ME, man was caught operating a crane and grapples. He also was seen picking up trees and brush and feeding them into a chipping machine. Suspicious deposits went into his bank account from a logging and land-clearing company, and from a trucking firm. Powers lied the money was for his son. He received 60 days in jail Tuesday, the state AG announced. He also must repay Acadia Insurance $6,000.

A workplace injury put Nancy Palmer out of action, the Cleveland woman told the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. She began collecting comp money but was spotted working at a local veterinary hospital. She returned to work as a veterinary assistant while receiving Temporary Total Disability benefits, doing office work, assisting in surgeries, and cleaning and caring of animals, the bureau said. Palmer also worked as a telephone solicitor for a local charity. She received seven months in prison, suspended for 18 months of community control, and must repay $8,000.

A chiropractor was in league with a company that illegally discouraged injured employees from making claims against the firm’s comp policy. Two employees of the container business Smurfit-Stone told the local DA that injured workers were being told not to open comp claims at the Salinas, CA, plant. Managers shuttled employees to medical providers outside the comp system. One worker told chiropractor Robert Schreiner that he hurt his back and shoulder on the job. But Schreiner insisted his problem stemmed from carrying a backpack as a child. Smurfit-Stone paid for eight treatments from its own pocket. Schreiner also tried to get the man to pay for 52 more treatments using the workers’ private health coverage. At trial, Schreiner said he was only doing a “wellness program” with Smurfit-Stone. He finally admitted that five of the six employees he treated had complained of work injuries. Schreiner received 30 days in jail Tuesday.

23

www.nwgf.com INSURANCE FOR: Homeowners Farmowners Modular Homeowners Personal Auto Farm Property Dwelling Property Mobile Homes Excess Liability Farm and Personal Liability Classic Vehicle Semi-Truck

FRAUD CHARGESTrying to confuse a driver backfired on Kelvin Enrique Escalante and his mother Amalia. Kelvin crashed into a car near East Naples, FL. Amalia drove to the scene and got into the passenger side of Kelvin’s truck. He told the other driver he had performed previous crashes and that his mother owned the truck. Then he allegedly tried to confuse the woman that Amalia was driving the truck. Amalia later signed an affidavit that she was the driver, and allegedly piled up $8,871 in needless chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, and X-rays. But the other driver stood firm. She told her insurer that she was certain Kelvin was the driver. Just Kelvin’s luck, the woman’s husband was a cop. He went to the body shop where Kelvin worked part time and threatened to have him arrested for fraud. Kelvin and Amalia were busted and face insurance-fraud charges.

A probe into a New Orleans-area cop’s suspected fake vehicle theft for insurance cash claimed its first victim before anyone even came to trial. Officer Salvadore Battaglia shot himself in the head while being investigated for helping a fellow officer file a fake theft report. Battaglia’s body was found in his bedroom Tuesday night. A relative had called police, worried that Battaglia might be suicidal. No charges have been filed yet, but the investigation centers around New Orleans police Sgt. Kevin Guillot. He allegedly lied that someone stole his vehicle, reporting it stolen from a Jefferson Parrish boat launch, then allegedly recovered it in New Orleans and made a false theft claim. Battaglia helped him with the report, officials say. Battaglia was cooperating with the federal investigation when he killed himself.

Page 25: March IIASD Newsletter

Why American West Insurance?• Local company with over 60

years agriculture insurance

experience

• Quality products

• Competitive pricing

• Expert claims and

underwriting services

Be Protected. Be Sure®.

yourawi.comTo learn more about AWI contact Bruce Meyer at [email protected] or call 605-929-2782.

Agribusiness • Farm & Ranch • Farm & Ranch Auto • Personal Auto Excess Liability • Watercraft • Crop-Hail • Multi-Peril

24

LOOKING FOR A MARKET?

WE CAN HELP!

LET OUR EXPERIENCED UNDERWRITING

STAFF PROVIDE YOU WITH A QUOTE!

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EXCELLENT MARKETS AVAILABLE FOR PERSONAL UMBRELLA

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CALL OR EMAIL US TO DISCUSS ANY TYPE OF RISK YOU MIGHT HAVE

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TRUCKING ACCOUNTS PLEASE CALL

TIM AGETON [email protected]

www.ins.facilities.com FOR COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS CONTACT

STEVE AKKERMAN [email protected]

PERSONAL LINES CONTACT

[email protected]

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Page 26: March IIASD Newsletter

25

25

OBITUARYI am saddened by the news of the passing of another great insurance icon here in South Dakota. For those of you who have been in the insurance business over 30 years you will remember or have even met Bud Becker. What a great guy with a sense of humor, as you read his obituary please note not only that he was a great insurance person, but that he was an honorably decorated WWII Veteran. Our condolences go out to his family.

Duane F. "Bud" BeckerMay 28 1925 - Feb 17 2012

Duane “Bud” Becker passed away on Friday, Feb-ruary 17, 2012 at the age of at 86 at the Veterans Administration Regional Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Bud was born on May 28th, 1925 in Oldham, S.D. to Fritz & Florence Becker. He moved to Sioux Falls when he was about 11 or 12 years old and graduated from Washington High School. He went on to attend colleges in North Dakota and Iowa.

He enlisted in the Navy Air Corp and served as a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber. He flew 37 missions in three different Pacific battle zones earning him three battle stars to put in his Air Corp wings. Bud also received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Navy Admiral Commendation letter, and the Admiral Commendation letter with Blue Ribbon.

In 1950 he married MariLynn Schenck in Sioux Falls and they had four sons. Bud was active in his work spending 49 years in the insurance indus-try. Over the years he held several offices. He was president of the South Dakota Claims Association, president of the S.D. Mutual Insurance Company, president of the S.D. Arson Association, Company Man of the year for the Big I, and Mutual Insur-ance Person of the Year. Bud was also voted life time member in the PIA for his dedication, re-ceived the Distinguished Service Award from the Big I, and was a member of the S.D. Examination Board.

He is survived by his wife, MariLynn Becker, and his four children, Don (Carol) Becker of Sioux Falls, Mike (Georgene) Becker of Sioux Falls, Tim (Frances) Becker of Rapid City, and Phil (Lisa) Becker of Kettering, Ohio. He has eight grand-daughters, one grandson, and one great grand-daughter. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Hanson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Delores Voslka of Medford, OR.

He was a life long member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He enjoyed his church for over 57 years. During his 57 years of services he held many offices, taught Sunday School, and also helped build the church and remodel it.

Page 27: March IIASD Newsletter

26

North Star Mutual Insurance Company of Cottonwood, MN

has openings for Claims Adjusters in Minne-sota, Nebraska,

North Dakota, and South Dakota.

See Careers tab at www.nstarco.com

for more information.

HELP WANTED :Great Plains Brokerage, Inc. of Sioux Falls, SD

is looking for an Experienced Property/Casualty Underwriter.

An Ability to work independently is a must.

If you have a desire to build quality, long lasting relationships, and have the ability to work quickly

and efficiently in a fast past setting.

Please Contact Jason Kelling at [email protected] or call 605-274-7129.

Send your resumes to:

Great Plains BrokeragePO Box 90447Sioux Falls, SD

57109-0447

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED:

Experienced CSR/Account Manager, Personal, and

Commercial Lines

for fast growing P&C Agency in Sioux Falls SD.

Salary D.O.E. Licensed, and Quoting experience a plus.

Knowledge of Applied System a plus, All inquiries confidential.

Send Resumes to:Independent Insurance Agents

Of South DakotaP.O. Box 327

Pierre, SD 57501

Page 28: March IIASD Newsletter

Floods-A Year Round Hazard

Floods are a year-round hazard which happens in all states. Although this winter in many areas has not yet proven to be as severe as in past years, the coming months can bring about a range of conditions across the country that could affect your community. Areas that receive less snow and rain may later experience drought-like conditions that can lead to flash flooding. While the start of seasonal rains and snowmelt in other areas can also lead to flooding. It is time to encourage and educated your customers about the unique flood risks in your area.

Co-Branded Flood Material

Selective has an array of Co-Branded Floods Marketing Material available to help in your marketing effects. Agents writing only flood business can register and obtain the material at www.SelectiveFlood.com through the “Marketing Portal” found under the Resource Links. Agents writings other lines of business with Selective, including flood, can obtain the Co-Branded Material through the Marketing “Online Marketing Portal (Co-branded Material”) link on E-Select.

Floods Elevation Certificate Service

Ever had a customer who needed an elevation certificate to obtain a NFIP Flood Policy? Didn’t know where to go? Selective provides a service where you can request a quote to obtain an elevation certificate. This service can be obtained at www.SelectiveFlood.com through the “To Order Elevation Certificates” found under the Resource Links.

Excess/Non-Participating Communities/COBRA Flood Insurance

Excess flood is available for policies above the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) limits. Primary flood coverage is also available for risks located in Non-Participating NFIP Communities as well as those in CBRA designated areas.

Coverage is available in all 50 states. Click the below link to receive a quote directly from our Excess Carrier SWBC.https://www.swbcexcessflood.com/main/default.aspx?cob=si

Flood Talking Points

Page 29: March IIASD Newsletter

28

Page 30: March IIASD Newsletter

Farm & Small Town Conference 2012

Continuing Ed Classes 2012

Page 31: March IIASD Newsletter

IIABA offers you an IRA product comprised of leading mutual funds, as well as a guaranteed fund through Prudential Retirement, Insurance and Annuity Company which currently pays an annual 3.35% rate of return.

Direct your own assets through an innovative online platform along with a toll-free access to IRA customer service representatives 7 days a week.

With the IIABA IRA, you also enjoy:

Online account accessThe ability to trade among investment options as often as you want with no transaction fees24/7 account access via a toll free voice response systemSuperior Customer Support

Get started today at www.theiracenter.com/IIABA!Please note 3.35% rate is effective January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011.

Don’t let your money

just lie there.

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fetch a 3.35% return with our IRA.

Page 32: March IIASD Newsletter

31

Nine Tips for Keeping Your Goals and Objectives on Track in 2012By: John Chapin

By the time you’re reading this we are already well into 2012 and you have a pretty good idea as to what kind of year it’s shaping up to be. If you made New Year’s Resolutions or otherwise set some professional and personal goals for the year, how are those working out?

If you’re like most people you’ve had at least one or two moments when your determination and resolve have been tested. While studies show that many New Year’s Resolutions and goal setting exercises fail, the good news is: making your goals and resolutions a reality is entirely up to you. If you are driven, determined, and dedicated to making your goals and resolutions happen, barring some unforeseen catastrophe, they will happen. So whether you’re on track, off track, or somewhere in between, here are some steps to take that will give you your best chance at hitting the mark in 2012.

Nine Ideas for Getting and Staying on Track to Success

1) Commit for to your goal or resolution for 30 days.As you probably know, it takes 30 days to develop a habit. The problem is that most of us aren’t consistent for at least 30 days in a row. Maybe we committed for seven days and then took two days off, back on for five, off for two more, on for six, etc. In order to make the habit, you have to do it for 30 days straight.

2) Start small. Rarely do we change our lives significantly overnight, typically it takes one small step followed by another and another until we wake up one day 6 or 12 months later and we notice a dramatic change. Start with one small step and build each day, this approach helps to build momentum and prevents us from getting overwhelmed or discouraged by taking on too much too soon.

3) Remove temptation.If you are trying to eat better, remove all the junk food from your house. If you are trying to spend less time on social media or with e-mail, limit the frequency and amount of time you can spend on each during the day. Remove items and set rules as when you can partake, if ever, in certain activities that are getting in the way of what you are trying to accomplish.

4) Associate with role models.Birds of a feather do flock together. If you want to be a top salesperson, hang out with top salespeople, if you want a successful relationship, hangout with people who have successful relationships. People who are successful in the areas you want to be successful in take certain actions to make it happen. What are those actions? Take the same actions, get the same results; success leaves clues.

5) Write it down. Writing out your goal(s) every morning and seeing them at least twice a day can dramatically increase the possibility of making them a reality. The more you see a goal, the more it is impressed upon your subconscious brain and the more your goal is impressed upon your subconscious brain, the more your brain will work on the goal to help you achieve it. Put your goal(s) somewhere you will see it every day. The best places are: on your bathroom mirror, in your car, and on your list of items to get done during the day.

6) Know the benefits. What will you get, or more importantly, what will you become if you achieve this goal? How will you and your world be better off? How will those around you be better off? What are the ultimate payoffs of your goal personally, professionally, and otherwise?

7) Know the consequences if you don’t follow through.What will the cost or pain be if you don’t achieve this goal? How will you suffer personally, professionally and otherwise? Will it negatively affect your health, your self esteem, your career? What will the negative affect be on those around you and your relationships if you don’t achieve this goal?

8) Keep the end result in mind. What is your ultimate vision for yourself, for your life, and for the world around you? How will achieving this goal help make this vision a reality? Keep your overall objective in mind and remember why you adopted this goal or resolution to begin with. Imagine how you’ll feel when you achieve it.

9) Remember: The only thing that can stop you, is you.What are you capable of if you set your mind to something and determine nothing will get in your way? Pretty much anything. What stops people isn’t the difficulty of achieving the goal or making the resolution stick, what stops people is they lose the resolve to consistently do what needs to be done every day. You have to consistently do what must be done, whether you feel like it or not, that’s how you reach success. Set a goal, develop a plan for its achievement, then follow these steps and make it happen. Life is 90% mental, the only thing between you and where you want to go is in your head.

John Chapin is an award winning sales speaker, trainer, coach, and co-author of the gold-medal winning “Sales Encyclopedia” a comprehensive how-to guide on selling. “Sales Encyclopedia” is written for sales professionals in all industries at any level of experience. Utilizing more than 21 years of sales experience and as a number one salesperson in three industries, John co-founded Complete Selling Incorporated, a company helping salespeople significantly increase sales and find their motivation.

Page 33: March IIASD Newsletter

32

If you don’t have a direct appointment with

Travelers commercial, but think you would benefit from having

online access to its Select Accounts products, then keep reading!

Big “I” Markets and Travelers Select Accounts are partnering to

provide you a complete range of coverage solutions, services,

competitive products and pricing that offer your insureds and you

both value and flexibility. You can now write the Master Pac

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) starting with Office Pac and soon to

be expanded to more than a dozen segments of the commercial

marketplace.

Office Pac is designed for a variety of firms providing including

insurance offices, medical, legal, financial or other professional

services for their clientele. Travelers’ proprietary BOP product,

Master Pac, includes a broad array of industry-specific coverage

options and coverage extensions that can be tailored to your clients’

needs.

Travelers’ exposure-based definition makes it easy for you to pre-

qualify a risk, saving you time and increasing your revenue. Simply

review the industry-specific exposure guidelines in the Product

Resources section of the Office Pac product on Big “I” Markets to

quickly determine accounts that are eligible for Master Pac. The time

you save by pre-qualifying accounts can be allocated towards

growing your business and servicing larger clients.

There are dozens of classes that qualify

including accountants, dentists, lawyers

and…insurance offices!

As a registered user of Big “I” Markets you

have access to Office Pac right now!

To review a complete listing of eligible classes

or to retrieve your Big “I” Markets password,

please visit www.bigimarkets.com.

P.S. Why not quote your own agency and

see if you can save some money on your

own business insurance while paying

yourself commission to do so!

SM

SM

Page 34: March IIASD Newsletter

33

The Vale Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1928. The Department serves a small, unincorporated rural town and remote area of farms and ranches in western South Dakota. The Department is directly responsible for fire protection in an area of 119 square miles in portions of two counties with a population base of approximately 250 people. We are a signatory to a five county mutual aid pact and routinely provide equipment and personnel to neighboring jurisdictions as far away as 100 miles when asked. There are currently 31 volunteer fire fighters on our roster.

Vale Fire Department operates five 2-man brush/grass trucks, one 1973 self-constructed 1,500 gallon tender, and a 1978 pumper used for structure fire response only. Since 2005, we have responded to about 22 per year. Of those responses, about 65% are mutual aid calls to adjoining jurisdictions and about 75% are for wildland fires. However, we do fight structure fires, are dispatched for traffic mishaps and respond to ambulance calls for lift assists. We also provide weather watch for the National Weather Service and respond to natural events, such as flooding in Belle Fourche (SD) in 2008 and 2011, and we assist residents during winter storms.

We, like most volunteer organizations are hurting for funding and personnel to operate and maintain fire coverage for the residents in our area of responsibility. But, because of dedicated and motivated firefighters, the Vale Fire Department has gone from serious operating deficits in 2007, 2008 and 2009 to budget surpluses in the last two years. We are now at a point, thanks to you and other grant programs like yours, where we have been able to correct safety issues on vehicles, resolve communications shortfalls, and begin to recapitalize our equipment and personal protective gear. This has been accomplished by actively pursuing and securing grants and conducting five successful fund raising events each year. We are also blessed by strong support from the farming/ranching community in our area. Finally, we can’t lose sight of the support we provide to surrounding communities and their support to us through mutual aid agreements. These pacts multiply the effects of your donation on people throughout our slice of western South Dakota, not just Vale. This is why grant programs are such a BIG DEAL to us.

Your grant has permitted us to meet department matching fund requirements to purchase radios that operate on the State’s digital network. Such equipment improves safety and effectiveness of firefighting efforts through improved command and control as well as better tactical communications.

We were also able to buy rain gear which meets DOT safety requirements for emergency workers at the scene of accidents where use of full firefighting gear is not necessary. Lack of rain gear was also a safety issue identified by our responders working flood relief efforts in Belle Fourche in 2008 and again last year. Your assistance in correcting this deficiency is sincerely appreciated.On behalf of the Vale Fire Department, I thank you for your grant to our Department. Make no mistake; your grant program is a BIG DEAL for us and our surrounding communities.

Vale Fire DepartmentSays “Thank You!”

Page 35: March IIASD Newsletter

Vale Fire Department

Fireman’s Fund

Grant Recipient

Page 36: March IIASD Newsletter

Farm & Small Town Conference 2012

Enjoying Friends!

Page 37: March IIASD Newsletter

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA2012

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL April 24th – 27th National Legislative Conference – Washington, DC MAY May 21 – 23rd E&O Administrator Conference – Kansas City, MO

JUNE June 4th – 7th E&O Loss Control Seminars – R.C, Pierre, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls

June 19th Board Meeting – Pierre June 20th River Days Classic - Pierre 1:00 PM Educational Class – 4 hours CEC 5:00 PM Trap Shooting/Hospitality 7:00 PM Steak Fry June 21st Walleye Classic – Fish or Golf 4:00 PM Fish Fry JULY July 22nd – 25th State Execs Conference

AUGUST August 13th Fall Crop Update - Pierre

SEPTEMBER IIASD STATE CONVENTION Sept 8th - Board Meeting – Deadwood Sept 9th Golf - Opening Reception - Exhibitors Sept 10th Seminars – CEC - Banquet Sept 11th CEC – Closing Luncheon

NOVEMBER Nov 12th – 13th Board Retreat - Pierre

Page 38: March IIASD Newsletter

E&O LOSS CONTROL SEMINARS

JUNE 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2012

These Seminars qualify for both Property & Casualty or Life & Health CEC credits * Also qualify for loss control credit

6 Hours Continuing Education Credits (L/H or P/C)

June 4, 2012 - Monday Rapid City, Ramkota– 2111 N LaCrosse St 605-343-8550 June 5, 2012 - Tuesday Pierre, Ramkota– 920 W Sioux Ave 605-224-6877 June 6, 2012 - Wednesday Aberdeen, Ramkota – 1410 8th Ave NW 605-229-4040 June 7, 2012 - Thursday Sioux Falls, Ramkota – 3200 West Maple St 605-336-0650

Registration 8:30 Class 9:00 - 3:30

$65.00 for Members - $80.00 for Non-members (Fee includes coffee, rolls, lunch and materials)

INSTRUCTOR: Lisa Worley of Hoover, Alabama, is President of Anchor Insurance Agency, Inc. Lisa has served on the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents, Inc. Education, CIC, Small and Rural Agents, and Long Range Planning Committees and teaches extensively for AIIA, including P&C License Schools and E&O Loss Control schools. She received her CIC designation in 1988 and the ARM designation in 1991. Lisa was chosen as “Insuror of the Year” in 2004 by the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents, Inc. This Seminar is designed to provide practical, real-world E&O loss prevention techniques along with resources and tools to implement these procedures. Participants will be instructed on how to handle potential claims and alerted to recent agency E&O trends. HOW TO QUALIFY FOR IIASD LOSS CONTROL CREDIT: An insured who obtains their professional liability coverage for insur-ance producers through the IIASD sponsored programs will earn a percentage credit on their total annual premium if they attend an approved loss control seminar and remain loss free after attending. On-line course attendance is allowed for 50% of total attendees required.

LOSS CONTROL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS Agency Size Required Attendance Total Attendees Required

1 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer 1

2-7 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer and 1 producer or CSR 2

8-20 1 active agency principals, owner, partners or officers & 1 active agency principals, owners, partners, officers, operations managers or producer and 2 producers or CSRs

4

21-50 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer & 1 active agency principal, own-er, partner, officer, operations manager or producer & 1 CSR and 3 producers or CSRs

6

51+ 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer & 2 active agency principals, own-ers, partners, officers, operations managers or producers & 2 CSRs and 5 producers or CSRs

10

Payment must be received with registration. Send form in with payment or you can also go to www.iiasd.org and register online.

-------------------------------------------------------------(Clip & Save Upper Portion)-------------------------------------------------------

2012 E&O LOSS CONTROL SEMINAR

NAME/NAMES: _________________________________________________________________________________ AGENCY/COMPANY: _____________________________________________ CITY: __________________________ E-Mail: ____________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________ I/we will attend at the following location: $65 for each IIASD Member _____ June 4 Rapid City, Ramkota $80 for each Non-Member _____ June 5 Pierre, Ramkota

_____ June 6 Aberdeen, Ramkota Amount enclosed $ ______________ _____ June 7 Sioux Falls, Ramkota

Return to IIASD Box 327 Pierre SD 57501

605-224-6234 (phone) 605-224-6235 (fax) [email protected]

Page 39: March IIASD Newsletter

POWER IN PARTNERS FEBRUARY 2012

DIAMONDProgressive Insurance Co.

PLATINUMFarmers Mutual of NebraskaRisk Administration Services

Great American Insurance Company

GOLDAllied Insurance

Dakota Claims ServiceDoss & Associates

EMC Insurance CompaniesGreat Plains Brokerage

IMT Insurance CompanyMidwest Family Mutual

North Star Mutual Insurance CompanyRain & Hail, LLCUnited Fire Group

SILVERAcuity Insurance

ARMtech Insurance ServicesContinental Western GroupFarmers Alliance Mutual

Le Mars Insurance Company Reliamax Insurance CompanyRisk Placement Services, Inc.

SFM “The Work Comp Experts”State Auto Insurance

Swiss ReWestern National Insurance

BRONZEAmerican West InsuranceAuto-Owners Insurance

Berkley Risk Administrators LLCBuckeye Insurance Group

Cincinnati Insurance GroupColumbia Insurance Group

Insurance Alternatives, LLCInsurance Facilities Inc.

Missouri Valley Mutual Insurance Co.NAU Country Insurance

Northwest GF Mutual InsurancePro AgQBE

Rural Community Insurance Services


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