Having trouble deciding which retirement plan is right for you or your agency? Big “I” Retirement Services is here to help you choose which plan best meets your circumstances. We’ve worked with more than 1,000 agencies to help them achieve their retirement goals.

IIABA Support

With over 25 years in the retirement business, the Big “I” serves as a strong advocate for participating agencies. Whether it concerns a complicated transition from another provider, or perhaps a sale of the agency, we know your business, understand your market, and can grasp your needs.

Roll Over Your Plan and Save

Our advisers are available to all IIABA members to provide consultation on existing and new plans alike at no cost or obligation. At Big “I” Retirement Services, we consider you a member first, and a client second. Whether we’re building a new plan for your agency from the ground up or simply rolling over your existing plan in order to save you money with our low administrative fees, we strive to make your experience with us pleasant, professional, and hassle-free.

A Plan for Every Need

Whether your goal is to maximize owners’ contributions, lower your agency’s tax burden, or retain key employees, our retirement professionals can tailor and customize a plan to fit your needs.

For any information (e.g., plan design, provisions, etc.), please contact Christine Munoz, Director, Employee Benefits at

(800) 848-4401 or christine.munoz@iiaba.net.

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With over 25 years in the retirement business, the Big “I” serves as a strong advocate for participating agencies. Whether it concerns a complicated transition from another provider, or perhaps a sale of the agency, we know your business, understand your market, and can grasp your needs.

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

You may have already known MiddleOak offers outstanding coverage and service, but until I watched this video I didn’t know quite what an interesting and giving company MiddleOak is. Take a few moments to get to know MiddleOak by watching the five-minute presentation, MiddleOak: Doing the right thing to learn a little bit more about the culture of the company behind our popular habitational program. I think you’ll find it interesting and after seeing some of the programs in place, you’ll understand why their staff is up to the task of providing premium service to agents and insureds.

MiddleOak is Rated A+ and offers their Habitational Apartment and Condo Association products through www.bigimarkets.com where you can get a quote in just a few minutes!

For more info, contact Sherre Sidwell, CIC, Alternative Distribution Manager at MiddleOak at sherre.sidwell@middleoak.com or call 1-800-622-3780 x5117.

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

From a $500 bottle of wine to a $500,000 diamond ring, our stand-alone valuables market has got your clients covered. When a stand-alone need crosses your desk, think of Big “I” Markets first.

Coverage is available on a personal and commercial basis for a diverse range of risks including fine arts, jewelry, antiques, silverware, coins & stamps, memorabilia, gun collections, fine wine, musical instruments as well as other collectibles.

We can do things other programs can’t do! Find out how we can help round out your accounts with a great product, tailored coverage and superior service by logging into Big “I” Markets and selecting Standalone Fine Arts & Valuable Articles from the personal lines or commercial lines menus. 

Remember: For a complete listing of eligible classes, please refer to the Select Product Guide onwww.bigimarkets.com.

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

Did you know you can offer RV coverage to your clients through Big “I” Markets? National Interstate provides coverage for motor homes, bus conversions, medium duty tow vehicles and converted medium duty tow vehicles with a value up to $1.5 million; and travel trailers and 5th wheels with a value of up to $150,000. For more information on covered recreation vehicle types, including eligibility requirements for all categories, please see the Recreation Vehicle Categories Supplement in the Product Resources Section at www.bigimarkets.com.

All policy terms are annual unless specifically approved by the company. National Interstate does not impose minimum or maximum limits on the age of the primary driver. Commercial usage of recreational vehicles is acceptable, with the exception of those rented or leased to others. If an insured uses their recreational vehicle for commercial purposes, they must purchase additional coverage to avoid the commercial usage exclusions in the standard policy. All commercial risks must be approved by National Interstate.

Premiums are based on the following:

• Age and marital status of the principle operator of the vehicle. The principle operator is the person driving the vehicle more than 50% of the time.

• State where vehicle is registered. If registration and garaging address are in different states, liability limits must at least meet the highest minimum limit required by either state. Garaging address cannot be P.O. Boxes unless the P.O. Box is shown on the vehicle registration.

• Unless Total Loss Replacement coverage is selected, the rating basis should be the current market value of the unit, including all permanently attached equipment. Values are not adjusted at renewal unless requested. If total loss replacement coverage is selected, the rating basis should be the original purchase price including sales tax.

• Driving record and auto/RV loss history over the past three years. Risks with excessive violations, accidents or claim histories are not acceptable. Please see the ineligible risks supplement located in Product Resources.

• Insurance credit scores are used in states where approved.

• Vehicle usage; i.e. commercial, personal or full-timers.

For full coverage details, log into www.bigimarkets.com.

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

It’s official. There really is a web site for everything. This website will take your photo and turn into a portrait in the style of old master paintings, leaving you with a contemporary “masterpiece” to share with your guests and leave to your heirs. You can turn that selfie into a hallmark of nobility to hang in your hall!

For a true Masterpiece, take a look at Chubb Masterpiece on Big “I” Markets. One of our four affluent carriers, Chubb personal insurance is the premier insurer of high net-worth individuals in the U.S. With 30 years of experience specializing in the affluent market, they offer products and services designed to help protect the highly valued assets and peace of mind of affluent customers. Chubb offers an array of products ranging from auto to homeowners, valuable articles, liability and yacht insurance. Their mission is to continually evolve and expand the Masterpiece^® suite – long considered the gold standard of affluent personal insurance – to provide new offerings that best meet the needs of high net-worth consumers in an ever-changing world.

Check out this offering by logging into www.bigimarkets.com.  

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

You never forget your first car. What was yours? Mine was a Ford Pinto Hatchback; yeah I know – there was a possible fire/gas tank issue with a crash into the rear. I honestly don’t remember what happened to it… but I am 100% certain if I’d held onto it there is no way it would qualify as a collector car!

I do always have my eye on reports from the various Concours d’Elegances that take place across the country. A guy can dream! For your clients who are in possession of true collector cars, Big “I” Markets and Chubb have got you covered! Here are some coverage features: High limits for comprehensive, collision and liability coverages. — Large or small, Chubb can accommodate collections of all sizes and values. — Liability limits available up to $50 million.

• Coverage for newly acquired collector cars worldwide.
• No mileage restrictions.
• “Agreed Value” coverage that can increase with the value of the car. Once Chubb agrees on a value, it is locked in for the policy term. That’s the exact amount your customer will receive if the car is stolen or totaled in a covered loss. And, with proper notice, coverage can be increased to reflect market value any time prior to a loss.
• No deductible.
• Fair replacement of parts. After a covered loss, Chubb’s claim practice restores the car to its pre-accident condition and authenticity.
• $750 for “loss of use.” To address your customer’s immediate concerns after a covered loss for items such as car rentals, meals, lodging and other reasonable incidentals that may be needed when a covered loss occurs more than 50 miles from his/her closest residence.
• Off-premises coverage. Coverage for fire, explosion, and many other perils while the car is in a repair shop.

Coverage Availability: The Chubb Collector Car Insurance Program is available to members in all states except MA and SC. Chubb will entertain new collector car risks provided that they meet the following guidelines:

• All operators in the household must have good driving records.
• The vehicle should not be operated by anyone under the age of 25.
• Operator should have experience operating similar vehicles (i.e., high performance).
• There is one regular-use vehicle per operator.
• It is intended that the vehicle is used primarily for collector car purposes.
• The vehicle is not used during instruction, practice, preparation for, or participation in any competitive, prearranged or organized racing or speed contest.
• The vehicle is not used on a racetrack, test track or any other course of any kind.
• The vehicle is garaged.

Minimum vehicle age for eligiblity is 30 years old. For monoline business, we generally do not accept newer special interest cars, i.e. 2007 and later Shelby GT500 (top of the line Mustang), Corvettes, etc but could consider them for an entire account situation provided the usage and security are acceptable AND we also write the regular use vehicles. Some examples of cars not quite 30 years old that might qualify (usage and security are key) are early ’90s Mercedes SL’s, Porsche’s (911, 928), Land Rover Defender 90’s and 110’s, etc. Learn more at www.bigimarkets.com.

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

In a never before seen move in the insurance market, Contractors Pollution Liability(CPL) is now specified in the 2013 edition of the “Standard General Conditions of the Construction Contract,” published by the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

CPL now will join workers compensation, general liability, and auto liability as a required line of coverage for any contractor working under the standard procurement contract. The pollution exclusion is no longer being ignored by the engineers and agents will see requests for CPL insurance from customer they had never thought had a pollution exposure in the past.

ARMR.network, a wholesale brokerage firm available through Big “I” Markets, is here to help. The principles at ARMR.network invented the first CPL policy and insurance specifications.

ARMR.network can help agents with any contractors need for CPL. With in-the field experience which includes consulting for the US ARMY, US EPA and the US Justice Department, ARMR.network can work with you to create the best pollution risk management strategy for your insured and their business.

To submit a quote request log in to www.bigimarkets.com and select Environmental Impairment – Pollution from the commercial lines menu, or call 877-735-0800 to learn more

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

By: MiddleOak’s Sherre Sidwell, CIC.

MiddleOak has expanded their large account department and have sharpened our pencils to offer you the most competitive pricing on well managed risks that show great long term profitability potential. However, there is more to the story than a lower price. Here is an example – an actual success story for a very large account.

A great salesman once said “Don’t assume you know the most important motivator when dealing with a client.” How true… The agent organized the quote so that all properties were through MiddleOak. Currently, the account was covered by various carriers and in various states. The coverage enhancements that MiddleOak offers were discussed also, but the client was extremely impressed with the organization and account management that was taking place here.

This type of organization instilled buyer trust in the agent. The buyer felt confident that the agent was the one that should be taking care of this important financial protection for these properties and all under one roof. So…wait for it….our agency partner gets the sale and this very large account and at a HIGHER price!

The MiddleOak team went to work offering support throughout the sales effort. Underwriting, their Sales Manager, Loss Control, and even Claims will provide support so that this customer will be welcomed into MiddleOak and stay a long time with the new agent. Why? Because, as you probably know, serious businesses want value, not just price. Value is Price + Product & Service.

One without the other is often more expensive in the end in some way and this customer knows it – as many customers do. So look out for “account management” opportunities to sell all policies on one policy for same state risks. MiddleOak will remain ready to help you through the process! MiddleOak is Rated A+ and offers their Habitational Apartment and Condo Association products through www.bigimarkets.com where you can get a quote in just a few minutes!

For more info, contact Sherre Sidwell, CIC, Alternative Distribution Manager at MiddleOak at sherre.sidwell@middleoak.com or call 1-800-622-3780 x5117.

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.

The Cumberland Insurance Group is the newest member of the Trusted Choice consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Cumberland, headquartered in Bridgeton, N.J., has joined 69 leading companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice company partner.

“Trusted Choice is pleased to welcome the Cumberland Insurance Group as the newest company partner,” said Dave Evans, Trusted Choice executive director. “The team at Cumberland exemplifies the Trusted Choice Pledge of Performance and we look forward to working with them to serve the needs of Trusted Choice agents and their clients.”

Cumberland provides a variety of commercial lines and personal lines products in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

“The Cumberland team is proud to have built a company with the integrity and vision to provide individuals, families and businesses with the security necessary to protect their assets and grow their enterprises,” says Paul J. Ritter III, Cumberland Insurance Group president & CEO. “The Trusted Choice Pledge of Performance goes hand-in-hand with our mission and we are excited to be part of this network of like-minded companies committed to service.”

Founded in 1844, Cumberland has a rich history as the oldest Mutual Property and Casualty Insurer domiciled in New Jersey. The company has grown along with the Garden State and currently boasts more than 160 employees, 120,000 policyholders, 375 agents, $315,000,000 in total admitted assets and $136,000,000 in total surplus at the end of 2013. Cumberland’s directors, officers and employees are committed to providing the necessary wisdom and integrity to sustain Cumberland’s tremendous growth and provide exceptional service to its customers. For more information, go to www.cumberlandgroup.com.

“The Trusted Choice Pledge of Performance best represents the agents with whom we have the privilege to work with at Cumberland,” says Glenn W. Watkins, Cumberland Insurance Group vice president of marketing. “Cumberland proudly supports the independent agency system and especially the agents committed to Trusted Choice.”

Andrew McElhannon is the Member Services Coordinator for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia www.iiag.org, and can be contacted at: amcelhannon@iiag.org or b y phone at 770-458-0093, x.110, or 800-878-6487.