Happy Wednesday! We're talking about the newest travel that you may want to start packing for trips and insurance concerns that come along with the summer's most popular activities. 

Travel Essentials: Passport, Money, Bluetooth Luggage Trackers? 

In the aftermath of last year's travel chaos and luggage pileups, airlines are still struggling to keep up with the demands of air travel. A recent incident involving Harley Hendrix, a traveler returning to New York from Oslo in late May, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in handling baggage. Hendrix discovered her suitcase, containing a cherished Alexander McQueen dress and packs of cheese, had been diverted to Copenhagen. Despite using an AirTag to track her bag, it took a week for Delta and KLM to locate and forward her suitcase, by which time the cheese had spoiled and the McQueen dress had to be discarded. The incident reflects the broader issues within the industry, including outdated baggage systems and the lack of interoperability between airlines and device manufacturers. While airlines are working on incorporating trackers into their existing systems, the pressure is on to improve the bag-handling system to meet customers' expectations. In the meantime, it may be wise to pick up a few AirTags before you travel. 

Summer Fun: Make Sure These Insurance Policies Are Up-to-Date

According to a recent study from the Outdoor Industry Association, roughly 55% of people in the U.S., ages 6 and up enjoy alfresco recreations. As temperatures continue to soar and vacation calendars are swelling with planned summer activities, it's a great time to follow-up with your clients. Here are some of the most popular summer activities along with the insurance concerns that come along with them, according to the consumer education and comparison-shopping website VIU by Hub.

• Boating - "If you own a boat, you may want to consider purchasing boater's insurance. Perhaps surprisingly, most states do not require this coverage. Check your state regulations to find out if you need it, but consider purchasing it even if they don't. It typically covers damage to your boat, liability for injuries or damages caused by your boat. It may also include coverage for personal property on board the boat. "
• Swimming pools - "If you have a backyard pool, your insurance company will need to know. You may want to consider adding liability coverage to your home insurance policy, or an umbrella policy, in case someone is injured in or around your pool."
• Cycling - "Your bicycle is likely covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy in case of theft or damage, as well as liability coverage if you cause an accident while riding your bike."
• Backyard parties - "Grills, fireworks and swing sets are common sources of injuries in the backyard. You may want to check your liability coverage to be sure that you have enough sufficient financial protection if someone is hurt."
• Vacations - "Keeping your vacated home safe while you are away is important for any homeowner. If you're going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, have someone check in on the property and let you know if there are any possible claims that need to be made. For example, if a window is broken in a storm or by a baseball from the neighbors playing."
• Road trips - "Auto insurance is a must to cover any damage or injuries that occur while you're driving. If you're planning to cross borders during your road trip, check to make sure that you'll be covered in those countries as well. It's also a good idea to consider travel insurance to cover any unexpected expenses or emergencies that arise during your trip."
• ATVs - "Unlike a boat, an ATV does need insurance. ATV insurance typically covers damage to your ATV and liability for injuries or damages caused by it. Your homeowners or umbrella policies may offer some additional protection."
  

Read more here. 

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Independent Market Solutions was created with the goal of providing Wisconsin agents with access to quality insurance markets. Whether you're looking to diversify your current book of business or just need a little head start securing company appointments, IMS can help. 

If you haven't signed up with IMS yet, here are five reasons to join: 

1. It's free to join. There is no cost for IIAW members to join IMS, and agents own their book of business. The larger your strike zone, the easier it is to hit a home run, so we've made market access an integral part of your membership.

2. You can earn competitive commissions. Profitable growth is key to the success of an independent agency. That's why IMS offers agents competitive commissions as well as 100 percent ownership of expirations to help maximize agency income. 

3. You can graduate to direct carrier appointments. IMS opens the door for agents to more easily qualify for appointments that can often lead to "graduation" - a direct appointment after minimum premium thresholds and performance standards are met. 

4. You can earn contingency commissions. When agents consistently produce profitable business with certain IMS markets, they can qualify to participate in any earned program contingencies. IMS also shares 100 percent of any carrier production bonuses and incentives with agents, putting more money in the pockets of IIAW members. 

5. The IMS menu is always evolving. Thanks to the partnership among several state associations, the IMS program creates greater volume, leverage and ultimately, better terms for member agents. 

If you'd like to apply for an appointment or learn more about the carriers IMS can get you connected with, click here. 

We hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are discussing five reasons to join IMS and the most common homeowners claim.

Five Reasons to Join Independent Market Solutions

Independent Market Solutions was created with the goal of providing Wisconsin agents with access to quality insurance markets. Whether you're looking to diversify your current book of business or just need a little head start securing company appointments, IMS can help. 

If you haven't signed up with IMS yet, here are five reasons to join: 

1. It's free to join. There is no cost for IIAW members to join IMS, and agents own their book of business. The larger your strike zone, the easier it is to hit a home run, so we've made market access an integral part of your membership.

2. You can earn competitive commissions. Profitable growth is key to the success of an independent agency. That's why IMS offers agents competitive commissions as well as 100 percent ownership of expirations to help maximize agency income. 

3. You can graduate to direct carrier appointments. IMS opens the door for agents to more easily qualify for appointments that can often lead to "graduation" - a direct appointment after minimum premium thresholds and performance standards are met. 

4. You can earn contingency commissions. When agents consistently produce profitable business with certain IMS markets, they can qualify to participate in any earned program contingencies. IMS also shares 100 percent of any carrier production bonuses and incentives with agents, putting more money in the pockets of IIAW members. 

5. The IMS menu is always evolving. Thanks to the partnership among several state associations, the IMS program creates greater volume, leverage and ultimately, better terms for member agents. 

If you'd like to apply for an appointment or learn more about the carriers IMS can get you connected with, click here. 

Water Damage Most Common Homeowners Claim

The importance of homeowners insurance and being adequately covered is emphasized in the wake of natural disasters that can cause devastating financial loss. In 2022, the US experienced 18 billion-dollar disaster events, resulting in $171.5 billion in damage. While large-scale catastrophes are not common, millions of homeowners face property loss each year and need to file insurance claims. The most frequent claims are related to water damage, which can occur at any time. Homeowners are advised to conduct routine maintenance, repair leaks promptly, and turn off the main water supply when away for an extended period. Implementing smart home technology, such as water pressure sensors, can provide added protection and often leads to insurance discounts. Flood damage caused by rising water or fires are other concerns for homeowners. Fire damage can be prevented by avoiding negligence and taking precautions like not leaving lit stoves, fireplaces, candles, or portable heat sources unattended. Mitigating wildfire risks involves yard maintenance and ensuring roofs and gutters are cleared. Theft, although not a threat to the physical structure, can still be costly. Homeowners can safeguard against theft by securing doors and windows, avoiding obvious spare key locations, and utilizing smart home devices for remote monitoring and security system activation. Ultimately, the goal of insurance companies like Mercury Insurance is to help homeowners recover after a loss and return their lives to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are discussing the growing challenge of "dark data" and a final reminder to RSVP for the IIAW Emerging Leaders Summerfest Meetup. 

'Dark Data' Muddies Picture, Holds Promise for Insurance Industry

According to InsuranceNewsNet.com, the insurance industry faces a growing challenge known as "dark data", referring to the data that is collected but left unused. This untapped information, whether obtained manually or electronically, has the potential to provide valuable insights and generate additional revenue for insurers. Estimates suggest that carriers only utilize around 12% of their collected data, leaving the majority inaccessible or unutilized. Dark data from sources like telematics can offer opportunities for incentivizing safer driving behaviors and even monitoring and pricing for climate change. However, hurdles such as outdated technology, proprietary systems and disconnected data within departments hinder the effective utilization of this valuable resource. By addressing these challenges, insurers can unlock the potential of dark data, enhancing efficiency, customer understanding and decision-making processes within the industry. Read more here. 

Meet with IIAW Emerging Leaders at Summerfest

When: 1 p.m. Thursday, June 22nd

Where: Miller Lite Oasis

Who: This event is open to all industry professionals.

Join the members of the IIAW Emerging Leaders and IIAW staff for Summerfest's Insurance Day on June 22nd. We will meet at the Miller Lite Oasis at 1 p.m. to listen to amazing music and have a great time. 

Questions? Contact Evan Leitch at evan@iiaw.com. RSVP here: https://s.pointerpro.com/elsummerfest

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz we are sharing how a single voicemail could violate Telephone Consumer Protection Act and an upcoming Emerging Leaders event you won't want to miss!

Single Voicemail Enough to Violate Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 6th Circuit Rules

A panel from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a single unauthorized voicemail message on a cellphone is enough to proceed with a class-action lawsuit under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991. The ruling reversed a previous decision that found the plaintiff lacked standing because no concrete harm was suffered. The plaintiff, Matthew Dickson, seeks damages of $1.4 billion to $4.2 billion or Direct Energy's robocalling campaign, which allegedly violated the TCPA. The court's decision establishes that even on unsolicited voicemail can be considered an intrusion upon seclusion and a concrete injury, allowing the lawsuit to move forward on behalf of an estimated 2.5 million affected consumers. Read more here. 

Meet with IIAW Emerging Leaders at Summerfest

When: 1 p.m. Thursday, June 22nd

Where: Miller Lite Oasis

Who: This event is open to all industry professionals.

Join the members of the IIAW Emerging Leaders and IIAW staff for Summerfest's Insurance Day on June 22nd. We will meet at the Miller Lite Oasis at 1 p.m. to listen to amazing music and have a great time. 

Questions? Contact Evan Leitch at evan@iiaw.com. RSVP here: https://s.pointerpro.com/elsummerfest

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.