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141 London Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone (205) 326-4129
Fax     (205) 326-3086
Copyright 2005
aims.aiia.org
MEMBER PRODUCTS
The Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Association
The mission of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Association is to be the unrelenting advocate for independent insurance agents and to fulfill member need while serving the public’s best interest.
One of our goals is to provide the highest level of products and services to our members through the effective performance of our employees and volunteers. Our organization is composed of many individuals who work together to produce the product of which we are particularly proud - QUALITY.
The association has grown through team effort, and it is only with this continued effort that we will continue to grow. We work hard to help each individual develop skills and knowledge that foster success for both the individual and the association.
Membership Eligibility
Any person, partnership, or corporation operating as an independent insurance agency and having agency appointments by at least two companies may become a member of the association upon completion of an AIIA Membership Contract, payment of dues and approval by a 100 % vote of the AIIA Executive Committee. The Membership Contract must be accompanied by a check, payable to AIIA, for semi-annual dues based upon the number of employees in your agency.

Table of Contents
Section I: 
Member Benefits and Services
National Association Membership
Use of Logo
AIIA Lobbying Effort
Regulatory Representation
Internet Website
Education Program
Young Agents Committee
National Association - IIABA Sponsored Events
State Association - AIIA Sponsored Events
Industry News
Group Dental, Life, Disability, & Medicare Insurance
IRA Program
Investor Program
401(k) Plan
Discounts
Section II:
Member Markets
AgentSecure.com
Eagle Agency
Flood Insurance Programs
Personal Umbrella Policy
In-Home Business Policy
Premium Finance Program
Inventory Verification Program
Section III: 
Member Products
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Commercial Umbrella Policy
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Big “I” Certs
Caliper And Omnia Employment Profiles

Member Benefits And Services
Member Markets are markets made available through the association for your agency to purchase, and/or to sell to your customers. Please remember that these products are available for sale only through contract with the applicable company.
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National Association Membership
AIIA membership carries with it automatic membership in the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) or the Big I. The majority of your AIIA dues payment goes directly to pay for your national IIABA dues. As an AIIA member, you are granted access to all the benefits and services offered by the national association of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, IIABA. On a monthly basis, you will receive a copy of IA, the IIABA National magazine.
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Use of Logo
As a member, you are entitled to use the IIABA logo. This logo is a nationally recognized symbol of the insurance industry and is available for members’ use on agency signs, letterhead, business cards, yellow pages advertising, promotional material, etc.
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AIIA Lobbying Effort
The AIIA strives to maintain a vigilant lobbying effort on behalf of independent insurance agents. This is done through dedicated lobbyist representation during each session of the Alabama Legislature, as well as maintenance of an active political action committee (Big I PAC). In addition, IIABA maintains a national lobbying effort on behalf of independent agents, maintains political committees, and holds annual legislative conferences to meet with Congressional representatives.
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Regulatory Representation
AIIA enjoys an outstanding working relationship with the offices of the Alabama Insurance Commissioner and his staff. Our volunteer leadership meets regularly with the Commissioner and his staff to discuss issues of importance to agents, agencies and their clients.
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Internet Web site
The AIIA maintains an Internet Web site at www.aiia.org. The Website is updated on a regular basis and has association and member contact information, event and education information and registration as well as recent industry news.
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Education Program
The AIIA sponsors a full calendar of educational courses throughout the state designed for the insurance professional. These courses meet insurance industry continuing education requirements and instructors consistently meet high educational standards. Members are eligible to attend all educational courses sponsored by the AIIA at discounted rates. For more information, contact Nita Blankenship at (205) 326-4129, x 105 or nblankenship@aiia.org.
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Young Agents Committee
The AIIA has an active Young Agents Committee that provides an opportunity for young agents (under 40 years of age) to be actively involved in their future and the future of the independent agency system. These Young Agents will become the leaders of tomorrow and the AIIA makes every possible effort to help them learn and grow as insurance professionals.
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National Association - IIABA Sponsored Events
IIABA National Convention is an annual IIABA national association meeting that provides several workshops and seminars on current issues facing independent agents. This year it will be held in New Orleans.
IIABA National Legislative Conference is an IIABA sponsored annual event giving members an opportunity to meet personally with our Congressional and Senate delegations.
IIABA National Young Agents Leadership Development Conference provides young agents with an opportunity to network with industry peers and professionals on the national level.
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State Association - AIIA Sponsored Events
AIIA Legislative Conference is an annual meeting that provides a forum for our members to meet their local state representatives and senators and discuss legislative issues facing independent agents. The next conference will occur March 17, 2005.
AIIA Annual Convention and Trade Show is an annual convention that provides several seminars on current industry issues facing independent agents, as well as recognition of the outstanding insurors and CISRs. The next convention is set for June 16-18, 2005
AIIA Young Agent Conference is an annual meeting designed specifically for young agents and provides seminars, which teach the skills, needed to become the Leaders of Tomorrow. The next conference will be June 14-16, 2005.
AIIA Small & Rural Agents Conference is an annual meeting designed specifically for and addresses issues specific to Small & Rural agents. This year’s conference will take place
September 21, 2004.
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Industry News
AIIA produces The Alabama Independent, our quarterly magazine, and NEWSLINE, our weekly newsletter, specifically for our members in order to keep them up to date on current industry news and developments, new markets, as well as what’s happening with fellow AIIA members throughout the state.
Group Dental, Life and AD&D, & Disability Insurance
IIABA offers several options for dental, life, long and short-term disability, accidental death and disability, and medicare supplement insurance coverages. These options range from managed care, PPO plans, standard 80/20 plans, comprehensive plans, individual coverage, or group coverage, depending on your agency’s needs. For more information, contact IIABA at (800) 848-4401 or call IIABA’s Fax On Demand service at (800) 296-0578 and select document #2704.
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Group Dental
IIABA’s dental coverage provides meaningful benefits to our members. Underwritten by the Guardian Life Insurance Company, the plan offers comprehensive and affordable coverage. The Dental Plan encourages preventative care, with outstanding benefits for routine exams and x-rays, teeth cleaning and more. It also helps with treatments including fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures and even children’s orthodontia. The plan offers freedom of choice in selecting a provider/preferred provider option. IIABA’s Dental Plan is available to all IIABA member agents of groups of two or more in endorsed states.
Eligible members are:
• Under the age of 65
• Full time employees working at least 30 hours per week
• Member lawful spouses under age 65 and dependent
• Children under age 19 (or age 25 if enrolled as a full time student in an accredited school)
Life
IIABA’s Life Insurance coverage, underwritten by Guardian Life Insurance Company, offers hard-to-find, affordable group term life insurance. This vital coverage helps pay for final expenses, estate settlement, probate costs, repayment of debts, replacement of lost income, college expenses and more. Life Insurance is available up to $100,000 in basic term benefits, and $500,000 in optional insurance.
IIABA’S Life Insurance (AD&D) offers:
• Life insurance protection with benefits from $10,000 to $500,000
• A choice of plan options
• Cost-effective premium rates and payment options
IIABA’s Life Insurance coverage is available to all IIABA member agents in endorsed states.
Eligible members are:
• Under the age of 65 and a resident of the U.S., their spouses, and dependent children
• Employees who actively work at least 30 hours per week
• Employees that desire life insurance on a contributory basis
Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability
IIABA’s Short Term and Long Term Disability Plans (STD/LTD), underwritten by Guardian Life
Insurance Company offers multiple plan options and comprehensive cost-effective coverage. Short Term Disability (STD) insurance protects insureds from loss of income during illness or accident that last between one and 13 weeks (or between one and 26 weeks for Plan II).
Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits are coordinated with other coverages. Coverage is guaranteed issue for firms with ten or more employees and 75% or greater participation. The LTD plan also offers a benefits duration from five years to age 70 under two different plans. Benefits are paid at 66 2/3% or 60% of pre-disability earnings up to a maximum of $10,000 monthly.
IIABA’s Short Term and Long Term Disability Plan programs are available to all IIABA member agents in endorsed states. 
Eligible members are:
• Under age 60 (full time active employees working at least 30 hours per week)
Big “I” Retirement Programs
IIABA offers a complete range of retirement plans: IRA, Roth IRA, Educational IRA, SEP, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Safe Harbor 401(k) and Regular 401(k). Providing a retirement plan for employees is a great benefit - for them and for you. You add value to your benefits package and save on your agency’s and your employees’ taxes. Depending on your plan, participants can select from among eight to thirteen investment options, with advisors like Putman, Morgan Stanley, Berger & INVESCO. Participants receive quarterly statements, investment monitoring, daily transfer ability and Internet access. In fact, IIABA has leveraged its clout to bring plan participants access to programs, funds, and price levels typically enjoyed only by large, institutional investors. IIABA’s Retirement Programs are available to all IIABA member agents in endorsed states.
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IRA Program
For the agency staff, the IIABA/IRA Program allows member employees to maximize investment earnings with highly competitive returns. Plans available include: Regular, Roth and Education IRAs, EZ Saver and SIMPLE IRAs. Funds are invested in Connecticut General Life Insurance Company which is rated ‘A+’ by A.M. Best Company. For more information, contact IIABA at (800) 848-4401.
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Investor Program
The IIABA/Investor Program provides an investment vehicle for greater returns on member agencies’ qualified pension and/or profit sharing plan assets. This program is available to any member or agency staff. For more information, contact IIABA at (800) 848-4401.
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401(k) Plan
IIABA offers tax-advantaged investing, a mix of investment options, administrative ease, financially sound management, and the national buying power of IIABA. Plans available include: SEP Program, SIMPLE 401(k), Full Service 401(k) and Safe Harbor 401(k). For more information, contact IIABA at (800) 848-4401.
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Discounts
Office Depot Office Supplies Program
AIIA endorses Office Depot to provide our members with office equipment, furniture and supplies!
This free program allows you to save 3% on every order all year long and it’s FREE! The program offers phone, fax and Internet ordering of office products, furniture and equipment with free next day business delivery to the metro areas of Birmingham, Anniston, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Decatur, Montgomery, Auburn, and Mobile. To remote locations, orders are shipped free via UPS (2-3 day ground) with a minimum order of $75. Each member will receive a store-purchasing card, which will enable you to get the same member discounted prices on products even if you purchase them in an Office Depot retail store. You can order from your computer or via fax which would save you the time you would normally spend going to your local office supply store, and your items will be delivered for free ($75 min. order)! We encourage all of you to participate in this great-endorsed program! To sign up for this program, visit our website, www.aiia.org, or contact Alison Ray King at (205) 326-4129, ext. 106.

Car Rental
The Hertz Member Benefits Program offers the ultimate in car rental savings and service. Call 1-
800-654-2000 and give this CDP number: 34948.
• Worldwide discounts for business and leisure rentals.
• Dedicated “Members Only” toll-free reservations number
• Ongoing promotional support
• Meetings and conventions services
• Coupon specials and other enhancements.
• Promotional fee paid to your organization
Express Delivery
The IIABA Airborne Express program offers discounts when shipping letters and packages.
Airborne offers a range of flexible, money saving services including Next Morning, Next Afternoon,
Second Day Service and International Services. Savings increase as volume increases.
A full range of services allows members to match shipments to their exact needs. Airborne’s benefit include:
• Savings on every package sent
• Dedicated, Members-Only customer service support
• 24/7 online package tracking
• 1st shipment free for new Airborne customers (Domestic shipment up to 2 pounds)
Airborne Express also offers low member rates on Flight-ReadyK - prepaid overnight shipping with no weight limits - for just $11.00 per Flight-ReadyK Letter Express® envelope.
Flight-ReadyK is a unique way to ship overnight. With no weight limit, you ship as much as you can safely fit in your package. Drop your shipment in an Airborne Express drop box or call for free pickup. Since it’s prepaid, there are no invoices to reconcile.
For more information or to receive a starter kit, contact Airborne Express:
Airborne Express
c/o Member Sales
4601-J Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304-4868
(800) MEMBERS
Fax: (888) 461-4664
Printing-
Mines Press
*You can also go online and research these services through www.bigimarkets.com
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Member Markets
AIIA offers a comprehensive package of services aimed at meeting the needs of independent agents and adding value to your membership. The following is a compilation of all of our benefits and services exclusively for AIIA members. AIIA encourages you to start utilizing the services available to you and start making the most of your membership. If you have any questions or would like further information on any of these excellent programs, please contact Alison Ray King at (205) 326-4129.
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AgentSecure
AgentSecure.com lets your computer do the work for you! This web-based company connects your desktop to many top commercial carriers. With BOPs, CPPs, D & O, Bonds, and some L&H products, AgentSecure is the place to go for commercial markets. AgentSecure.com is a market access provider to multiple commercial lines carriers that is marketed to small and rural agents in need of big name commercial carriers. These carriers include CNA, The Hartford, Zurich, The St. Paul, AIG, and Safeco. AgentSecure was established to be efficient and easy-to-use. “The one-man shops will go through a renaissance. People will create virtual agencies,” says Company President and Founder Ed Gillman. “All you need is a computer, a telephone, and a headset. We have the service center and we handle the back room; you can go out and sell. That’s what agents like to do anyway.” Now is the time to act! Visit their website, www.agentsecure.com to sign up today or to view the appetite guide!
< More than 600 classes of business
< No volume commitments
< Agents own their books
< Multiple quotes on single application
< 24/7 Customer Service
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Eagle Agency
The Eagle Agency is a Managing General Agency (MGA) created exclusively for IIABA members. It is a national IIABA program that offers Travelers personal lines markets and is administered by IIABA’s Agency Administrative Services, (AAS); to provide members easy access to competitive personal lines insurance products. These markets include an Automobile, Homeowners, Homeowners Condominium Policy, and Renters Insurance Coverage. The Eagle Agency program offers 10% commissions along with profit sharing and ownership of expirations. For more information or to apply, call Jodie Bacote with the Eagle Agency at (800) 221-7917.
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Flood Insurance Program
AIIA endorses The Big I Selective Flood Program. Selective has maintained an A+ (Superior) rating with A.M. Best since 1962. With excellent claims service, a fully trained staff, high commissions and 24/7 Flood Claims Service Center, this program has three different ways to set up your agency based on your needs. Visit www.bigimarkets.com to sign up or call Linda Mackey at IIABA at (800) 221-7971 or contact Tammy Goodman with Selective at (866) 861-5978 toll free or at tammy.goodman@selective.com by email.
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Personal Umbrella Policy
The RLI Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) is an unsupported umbrella policy written in a standard market. It does not require that underlying policies be underwritten by RLI. This personal umbrella provides $1 million, $2 million, $3 million, or $5 million limit of liability and $500 self-insured retention coverage above and beyond the insured’s underlying policies. There are three rating tiers, Preferred, Standard and Standard II, which are determined by the insured’s exposures. The RLI PUP is one of the only two national stand-alone personal umbrellas in the standard (admitted) market. This PUP will cover operation of most motor vehicles and small watercraft, incidents involving any premises covered by the basic HO policy, and incidents alleging slander, libel, defamation of character, invasions of privacy, even false arrest. The sales features of this product are as follows: it doesn’t require underlying policies to be underwritten by RLI, it has no volume requirements, it has a simple self-underwriting application, and it provides coverage worldwide. This personal umbrella is available to all IIABA members in endorsed states as a product to offer to their clients. Contact Tangy Underwood at tunderwood@aiia.org or call
(205) 326-4129, ext. 108.
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In-Home Business Policy
The RLI In-Home Business Policy (IBP) is a stand-alone policy developed for the millions of people who operate businesses from their homes. The IBP offers more coverage than standard homeowner endorsements with a much lower price than traditional BOP. It provides coverage for business personal property and up to $1 million for business general liability. Medical payments and business interruption protection are two key fringe benefits to this niche product. There are other optional coverages, such as money and securities and EDP that can be added to the IBP. Over 100 classes of business are covered. The main sales feature of this niche product is exactly that: there are very few companies (6-8) that will provide coverage for an In-Home Business on a stand-alone basis. This In-Home Business policy is available to all AIIA / IIABA members as a product to offer clients. IIABA and RLI provide members the opportunity to offer clients an in-home business policy for more than 115 classes of business. RLI offers stand-alone convenience and general liability coverage limits up to $5 million, premiums starting as low as $150 and significant commission dollars (12%) on new and renewals for participating agents. For more information, contact Tangy Underwood via email at tunderwood@aiia.org or call (205) 326-4129.
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Premium Finance Program
AIIA offers a premium finance program through Siuprem, Inc. This program makes insurance more accessible for agency customers by offering flexible down-payment schedules, competitive rates, online quoting, online payments and excellent customer support. For more information, call Kitty Buchanan at (678) 498-4706 or at kbuchanan@siuprem.com via email.
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Member Products
Member Products are available for your agency to purchase through AIIA. Some of these products are available on the open market but are offered through AIIA to members at a competitive rate with the same and sometimes broader coverage. In addition, some of these products are exclusively offered to AIIA 
members.
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Errors & Omissions Insurance
AIIA offers comprehensive and affordable Errors and Omissions Insurance coverage through Westport Insurance Corporation, Fireman's Fund, CNA and other competitive carriers. As an AIIA member, you will be eligible for competitively priced, broad coverage E & O Insurance coverage. Policyholders have an opportunity to qualify for loss control credit subject to each program’s specific requirements, to attendance of an AIIA sponsored loss control seminar and to the agent having a clear claims history. AIIA can now accept non-member business on an Open Brokerage Westport policy form. For more information, contact Alison Ray King at (205) 326-4129.
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Commercial Umbrella Policy
IIABA offers an umbrella policy for an agency’s liability exposures (including E&O) through Westport Insurance Company, a subsidiary of GE, that protects against catastrophic loss due to business and professional liability exposures. This policy also offers a personal umbrella sub-limit for the agency owner(s) to purchase. For more information, call Tangy Underwood at (205) 326-4129.
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Employment Practices Liability Insurance
IIABA offers an employment practices program to member agencies through Rockwood administered by AIIA that provides excellent coverage for defense, whether the action against you is groundless, a retaliatory act, or one the court might deem justifiable. This coverage is only available for agents with supporting business. For more information, call AIIA at (205) 326-4129.
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Big “I” Certs
IIABA offers the Big “I” Certs program, powered by CertificatesNow.com, which uses the Internet and a high-level fax system to provide rapid delivery of certificates of insurance. Through the program, agents can empower their insureds that generate large volumes of these documents simply to log onto the agent’s designated web page and send needed certificates. This technology enables agents to mass distribute certificates for their insureds at policy renewals. This program requires no additional software purchase and is accessible from virtually anywhere. Use of this program will free up CSRs to handles more complex transactions, which will lead to reduced overhead.
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Caliper Employment Profiles
The Caliper Profile and Service Profile are personality assessment tests designed to help employers learn more about an individual’s personality traits and occupational motivations. By matching an individual’s personality strengths with the requirements of a particular job, this test can help reduce costly hiring mistakes and employee turnover.
The Caliper tests consist of multiple-choice questions and an answer sheet. Once completed, the tests can be faxed or mailed to Caliper. Their consultants will contact the employer by telephone as well as provide a full written report on the results of the test. This program is designed to assist agency principals, managers and state association staff to hire new employees and better manage existing staff.
The Caliper Profile:
• Designed to assist hiring agency managers and producers
• IIABA Member Discount Price: $180.00 each
• Nonmember price: $225.00
The Caliper Service Profile:
• Designed to assist in hiring customer service personnel
• IIABA Member Discount Price: $75.00 per month
• Nonmember price: $85.00 per month
Call Caliper Assessment Inc. at (609) 924-3800 for more information. If you have questions concerning this program, contact Big “I” Membership Services at (800) 221-7917.
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Alabama
Independent
Insurance Agents,
Inc.
141 London Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35211
(866) 315-8324 toll free

(205) 326-4129 phone
(205) 326-3086 fax
www.aiia.org

 
 
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