Two U.S. senators have drafted a new legislation that would exclude insurance agencies from the medical loss ratio provision of the Affordable Care Act. The provision requires insurers to spend no less than 80% of the money they collect from premiums on improving medical care. The provision would have dire implications for agents as it includes the money they collect from commissions. Senators Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., have introduced the legislation to the House of Representatives and hope that it will bring insurance agents the protections they…
Read MoreTag: Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
Study suggests recovery for independent insurance agents and brokers
A new study from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), the largest insurance agent and broker association in the U.S., brings some good news regarding the state of the nation’s independent agencies. The 2011 Best Practices Study outlines the organic growth that is currently moving throughout the industry. The study notes that 2010 was a year of promising growth and that the trend has continued throughout this year as well. The IIABA says that independent agencies are showing real signs of recovery for the first time since…
Read MoreMetLife Auto & Home supports GM free insurance promotion
MetLife Auto & Home has announced that it stands by General Motors in its direct marketing agreement to offer new car buyers a year of free auto insurance. The promotion gives MetLife Auto the opportunity to increase its brand recognition, which it hopes will then help it to build its force of independent agents. That said, many independent agents have voiced concerns over this deal, which is offered only in Washington state and Oregon. The president and chief executive officer of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America…
Read MoreAgents concerned of GM free MetLife insurance offer
Independent insurance agents in the Pacific Northwest have been voicing their apprehension over a promotion made by General Motors that offers auto buyers in the area a year of free MetLife Auto & Home liability and damage coverage. In an effort to encourage more drivers in Washington and Oregon to purchase new GM vehicles, the auto manufacturer has announced that until September 6, when customers in those two states purchase a new 2010, 211, or 2012 car, crossover, or truck, they would also receive a free year of MetLife Home…
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