| EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’ S PAGE |
We’ ve Been Keeping a Little Secret
W hen I came to KAIA there were two things that
I knew- our staff was going to work hard day in and day out to make a difference for our members and that we are were going to do it in a transparent, ethical way. Unfortunately, in early November I realized that KAIA, and other state associations for that matter, were keeping a secret from their members. In good faith I feel obligated to share what I learned because it truly has an impact not only on our members but the entire insurance industry. The secret, which it will be no longer, is that for years member agents from 20 Big“ I” state associations have assembled annually at the Mid- America Insurance Conference( MAIC) to work with industry groups like ISO, ACORD and NCCI to advocate for changes to forms and processes that will enhance the experience of their clients. Okay, so maybe it isn’ t really supposed to be a secret but when you keep that kind of value-adding process under wraps it sure seems that way.
I’ d heard about the MAIC when I was with the Big“ I” national office from Bill Wilson( Big“ I” Virtual University / Ask the Expert) and from my counterpart at Swiss Re / Westport, Richard Lund. They nudged me to participate but my schedule was never conducive to being able to attend. KAIA has an active role in working with the MAIC board and managing the event so there was no excuse this year, I was going. I am glad I did because I was blown away by what I saw and compelled to share it.
Day 1: Agent members from about 20 states gather around a huge rectangular shaped table, there’ s a feeling of comradery and purpose in the room. Many of the agents in the room are representing the technical affairs committees from their respective states and are some of the best insurance technicians in the industry. Also, sprinkled in are some education directors and state association executives. This is the preparation day where the group discusses agenda items that have been submitted throughout the year and if these changes should be brought to the ISO. Many of these suggested changes include coverage enhancements or clarifications.
Day 2: The room is filled with more carrier representatives and we are joined by members from industry groups. This is a day of robust discussions with ISO about updates on prior topics and suggested enhancements. Just by listening to these discussions your insurance IQ jumps several points. The pros and cons of changes to form
DAVID HULCHER KAIA Execuitve Director
language or the developments of endorsements are batted across the room like ping-pong balls. There were so many great discussions and topics thoroughly debated. Below is a flavor of some of the issues that were discussed:
• UM / UIM coverage for farm equipment
• Volunteer hired autos
• Actual cash value definition
• Social engineering fraud coverage
• Optional medical payments
• Replacement cost coverage for other structures
So as a KAIA member, why should you care about the MAIC? First, you should feel good that you support an organization that goes to bat to enhance the experience of the insurance consumer. It shows how much independent insurance agents care about clients and the value that we bring. Are there any of the direct writers investing their time and expertise to make a difference? Secondly, it is important to know that your association is working behind the scenes in so many ways to support you and add value. Check out www. kaia. com / MAIC for a quick video interview with members of KAIA’ s Consumer Technical Advocacy Committee( CTA) sharing their experience at the MAIC.
Finally, it is worth sharing that if you ever have a technical coverage question or have identified an issue the association may be able to help. The members of the CTA committee are here to support you. The Big“ I” Virtual University and its Ask the Expert service are resources that all member agency staff can access. There is also the Big“ I” Virtual Risk Consultant and the Big“ I” Professional Liability Website – E & O Happens that may help. If you are unfamiliar with either give me a call and we can talk about how they can help. Remember if you have a problem or don’ t know an answer KAIA wants to be the first place you go to for help. And, going forward we’ ll do our best to be sure there are no secrets.
4 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | November- December 2016 |