1. Big “I” Business Building Programs
Did you know that by virtue of your membership in your state Big “I” association, your agency is also a member of the national Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America organization, headquartered in Washington, DC? I’m going to provide a quick overview of key programs available to you through the Big “I.”

2. Big “I” Professional Liability
Top carriers
Cutting edge risk management
Oversight from fellow member agents
Contact Carol Hunt at
The Big “I” Professional Liability program offers insurance agency E&O coverage. Many of you are currently insured with us, in fact approximately 2/3 of Big “I” members are. We pride ourselves on offering not just a policy, but a comprehensive program that includes cutting edge risk management and agent oversight through the Big “I” Professional Liability Committee, comprised of member agents just like you. Contact us for a proposal or to learn more.

3. Big “I” Markets Market access with: No fees No volume commitments
Ownership of expirations
Bigimarkets.com
Big "I" Markets​ is an online market access system available exclusively to Big "I" members featuring no fees, no volume commitments and competitive commissions, along with ownership of expirations. There is no special software needed beyond basic Internet service, and products range from affluent homeowners to bonds to small business cyber liability and special event coverage. Learn more and register at

4. Big “I” Markets - Hot Products
Eagle Express
In-Home Business
Small Commercial
Affluent Homeowners
Here are some examples of products you can find available at bigimarkets.com. New markets are being added all the time in response to member needs.
Bonds

5. Big “I” Markets - Cyber Liability
Instant issue cyber for small businesses, up to 50 employees
$100,000 limit
$200 annual premium
Direct billing
Credit card payment
One such product is the recently announced cyber liability solution members can offer to their small business clients through Big "I" Markets. In a nutshell, this product is a solution for businesses with up to 50 employees/under $20M annual sales. It’s an admitted market, and no application is required—just a signed acknowledgment. There is a $100,000 limit with $200 annual premium. Find it at bigimarkets.com.

6. Big “I” Personal Umbrella
Standalone coverage
Limits up to $5 million available
Excess UM/UIM available
Independentagent.com/RLI
The Big “I” RLI Personal Umbrella program offers standalone umbrella coverage to your insureds. PUP stands atop the insured’s underlying basic policies (homeowner, auto, watercraft, etc.) to provide an extra layer of personal liability protection for the insured and their household. Limits up to $5 million are available ($1M in NM)​, and excess UM/UIM is available in all states. Learn more at

7. Big “I” Flood
Customized marketing materials through Selective Flood Marketing Portal
Unique online processing and quoting system
Independentagent.com/Flood
The Big “I” Flood program provides members with support in writing write-your-own flood insurance through Selective Insurance Company.  Selective provides the member high tech automated services combined with high-touch service, including direct contact to the underwriter. 
Selective is the only insurer that directly supports independent insurance agency association flood advocacy efforts on behalf of Big “I” members.  It is through production generated from Big “I” Flood appointed agents that Selective provides financial resources supporting legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of independent agents, by promoting NFIP reform and sustainability.  Learn more at independentagent.com/Flood.

8. Big “I” Retirement and Benefits
Group Short- and Long-Term Disability
Group Dental
Group Term Life Insurance
Big “I” MEP 401(k) Plan and Big “I” IRA Program
Independentagent.com/Retirement
Big “I” Employee Group Benefits are disability, life and dental insurance plans member agencies can offer their employees.
Big “I” Retirement Services offers members access to the Big “I” MEP 401(k) Plan and Big “I” IRA program. “MEP” stands for multiple employer plan. The MEP is a great way to lower your overall retirement plan costs while receiving consulting, helpful educational tools and low cost investment options. IRAs are also available for members, their employees and family members.  Learn more about retirement and benefit products at independentagent.com. 

9. Big “I” Virtual University
17,000 pages of technical content
Webinars
Need an answer? Ask an Expert.
Independentagent.com/VU
The Virtual University is the knowledge bank of the Big “I.” It’s a members-only area of the Big “I” website with more than17000 articles that are technical in nature. You can log in and search the archives for answers to just about any coverage question. What if you’re stumped on a coverage issue and you don’t know where to turn? That is where the Big “I” Ask an Expert service comes in.
Members can log into our website and post a question that will be fielded by VU staff, which is then pushed out to one or all of our 50 insurance industry experts and in usually less than an hour, a response is ready. There is no charge for this service, but we consider it a priceless member benefit. Find it online at

10. Big “I” Ground-breaking Research
Agency Universe Study
Market Share Report
How-to-Start an Agency
Best Practices
Independentagent.com/bestpractices
Members, company partners, industry trade press, the national media, and our legislators look to us because we know our business, and we know our industry.
The Agency Universe Study, which looks at the entire independent agency system every two years, and the Best Practices study, which identifies top producers and dissects their practices, are two hallmark products of this important area. The research is then used to create webinars, articles and other tools to help agencies thrive. Learn more at

11. Big “I” Agent Development
Diversity and Inclusion
Right Start Agency Series
Young Agents
Leadership training and networking
InVEST
Educating students about insurance and careers in the industry
Big “I” members have access to a wealth of resources to help them better market to an increasingly diverse client base. The Big “I” Diversity Task Force has data, marketing plans and webinars to help you better serve diverse markets and build a stronger business. Additionally the diversity task force has created a training program to help agencies create operational process to help them gain appointments and keep them.
Finding, engaging and retaining a talented, motivated and high-producing team is a challenge in any industry. Fortunately, the Big “I” is doing some of the heavy lifting for you. Young professionals in your agency have access to ALL the member benefits and resources we provide—enewsletters, Ask an Expert and technical expertise is at their fingertips. Additionally, the Young Agents programs in your state and at the national level provide education and resources targeted specifically to those who are new to the industry and want to build a successful career. When your staff is engaged with the Big “I”, they can create a network of like-minded peers who will encourage them to be the best professional they can be.
When you are looking for new talent, the classroom is a great place to start. Each year, more than 20,000 students enroll in an InVEST insurance education class. InVEST teaches students about insurance, risk management and careers in insurance. Agency professionals who volunteer for the program have access to the best and brightest talent and can mentor students through their journey to become the next independent agent.

12. Agents Council for Technology
Webinars, articles, research and whitepapers to help agents work smarter.
Independentagent.com/ACT
Where do you turn when security, automation, agency management systems, carrier communications or a smoother customer experience are top of mind? The Agents Council for Technology is a network of the industry’s leading technology experts—agents, carriers, vendors and government agencies—working together to ensure independent agencies have the technology they need to conduct business securely and swiftly. The end result? Check out our webinars and white papers for practical recommendations to implement in your agency.

13. Big “I” Government Affairs
Legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill
Big “I” Legislative Conference held annually
Our government affairs teams work around the clock in Washington, D.C. and in state houses to protect your clients and your livelihood. Combine our expertise with the voice of independent agents—and a million-dollar PAC—and we’ve got the power to protect your independence year-round. We will fight for you on insurance regulation, flood insurance reform, tax issues, healthcare and more, while you run your agency.

14. Big “I” Legal Advocacy Help navigating complex legal issues
Review of agent-carrier agreements
The Big “I” legal advocacy team helps members navigate a plethora of complex legal issues in their daily business. They also help national and state associations to protect their trademarks and review contracts. The Big “I” communications team works with reporters to position Trusted Choice independent agents as expert resources. Our members have been spotted on the Today show, Fox news, CSPAN and more.

15. Trusted Choice®
Boost the visibility of your business by co-branding with Trusted Choice®, the national brand for independent agents and brokers. Choice of carriers, customization of policies and advocacy in event of a dispute are what differentiates Trusted Choice® Independent Insurance agents from captive or direct writers.  Tap into our customizable materials and qualify for marketing reimbursement dollars. Don’t have designer to update materials? No problem, we can help. Our national staff also provides a FREE one-on-one review of your agency’s website and social spaces to ensure your value proposition is front-and-center with clients and prospects.

16. Publications and spaces
Stay connected with the Big “I”
IA magazine
News & Views e-news
Iamagazine.com
Facebook.com/ independentagent
Twitter.com/IndAgent
YouTube.com/ independentagent
LinkedIn
The award winning Independent Agent magazine is the authoritative source of research and analysis for insurance professionals. In print, online and in your inbox, IA keeps you and your staff up to date on industry trends, market conditions, new products and management strategies. You’ll discover how agencies are mastering niche markets, hiring and retaining the best professionals and building client loyalty in an ever-changing sales environment. Stay tuned to our publications and follow us.

17.
Did you know that by virtue of your membership in your state Big “I” association, your agency is also a member of the national Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America organization, headquartered in Washington, DC? I’m going to provide a quick overview of key programs available to you through the Big “I.”