Essential Resources & Blogs for Insurance Agency Success

Articles, podcasts, videos, and industry guides to support
you and your insurance agency

What is the CIC Designation?

Agency Staff Articles, Helpful Tips: For Training

Introduction to the CIC Designation The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, also called the CIC insurance certification, is a well-regarded professional certification in insurance created for insurance professionals (insurance agents) who want to broaden their expertise. Earning the CIC designation demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous professional growth within the insurance industry. History and Evolution […]

Understanding the Role of Insurance MGAs in Today’s Market

Agency Staff Articles

Introduction to Insurance MGAs The insurance industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, and managing general agencies (MGAs) have positioned themselves as critical intermediaries driving innovation and efficiency. With over $80 billion in premium volume flowing through these specialized entities annually in the United States, they’ve become cornerstone players in modern distribution networks. For […]

The Top 7 Insurance Endorsement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Agency Staff Articles

Avoiding Mistakes with Insurance Endorsement Insurance professionals understand that policy modifications can make or break a client’s coverage. Yet too many insurance agents, brokers, and underwriters continue to make preventable errors when handling endorsements. These mistakes create coverage gaps, expose clients to unnecessary business risks, and leave professionals vulnerable to errors and omissions claims. Based […]

Why Apparent Authority in Insurance Matters for Both Agents and Clients

Agency Staff Articles

The Real Impact of Apparent Authority on Insurance Agents and Clients The concept of apparent authority in insurance, also known as ostensible authority, stands as one of the most critical yet frequently misunderstood principles governing the relationship between insurance companies, agents, and clients. This legal doctrine can make or break coverage disputes, determine liability outcomes, […]

Insurance Binder vs. Policy: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Agency Staff Articles

Understanding the Critical Differences Between Insurance Binders and Policies Understanding the distinction between binding insurance and a formal policy is one of the most essential areas of knowledge for insurance professionals. Although both documents serve as proof of insurance coverage, their legal weight, timeframes, and practical applications vary significantly. Confusion about these differences can lead […]

Understanding Composite Risk Assessment: Key Insights for Effective Implementation

Helpful Tips: For Employees

Advancing Risk Evaluation Through Composite Risk Assessment Composite risk assessment represents a paradigm shift in how insurance professionals evaluate and quantify complex risk exposures. Unlike traditional single-factor risk analysis, this methodology synthesizes multiple risk variables into a unified assessment framework, providing a more accurate representation of actual exposure levels across diverse portfolios. This approach is […]

The Role of a Third Party Administrator in Commercial Insurance

Agency Staff Articles

Introduction to the Third Party Administrator’s Role The commercial insurance landscape continues to evolve in complexity, with businesses facing increasing pressure to control expenses while maintaining adequate coverage. Insurance professionals are increasingly relying on specialized service providers to manage administrative functions that exceed traditional carrier capabilities. Third-party administrators (TPAs) serve as essential intermediaries, filling the gaps between […]

5 Common Misconceptions About the Extended Reporting Period Debunked

Agency Staff Articles

Why Extended Reporting Periods Are Often Misunderstood—and Why That Matters The extended reporting period (ERP), also known as tail coverage, stands as one of the most misunderstood components in professional liability insurance, with misconceptions potentially costing insurance professionals credibility and their clients significant financial exposure. As claims-made policies dominate the professional liability landscape, understanding ERP […]

How to Deal With Workplace Dilemmas

Agency Staff Articles, Helpful Tips: For Employees

Understanding Day-to-Day Workplace Conflicts The day to day operations of an agency can be full of complications of varying degrees. Often it is interpersonal relationships or difficult workplace situations. Both can cause internal and external conflict. It can seem at times that there is no right answer, and even finding the right next step can […]

Your Complete Guide to Cyber Insurance Designations

Helpful Tips: For Employees

What Are Cyber Insurance Designations? The cyber insurance industry moves fast – sometimes too fast for comfort. One day, you’re dealing with basic data breaches; the next, you’re trying to explain why a ransomware attack isn’t covered under a standard policy. That’s where these insurance designations come in handy. Think of a cyber insurance designation […]