Independent Market Solutions (IMS) was established in 2007 with the goal of creating greater market access for member agents. Wisconsin made the investment to be a part of IMS and we have grown market availability in Wisconsin to include nine participating carriers that offer personal, commercial and various specialty lines. 

The purpose of IMS is to provide member agents access to quality insurance markets and alternatives that may be otherwise unavailable. IMS creates marketplace leverage through its negotiated contracts, which can be particularly helpful for smaller or rural agents. 

IIAW membership allows your agency to sign up for the program and gain carrier appointments as an IMS sub-producer at no additional cost. Agencies are paid competitive commissions, enjoy 100% ownership of expirations and can participate in earned contingencies. Additionally, several IMS markets feature the opportunity to "graduate" to a direct appointment once certain production goals are met - again, at no additional cost to your agency. 

Ultimately, our mission is to add to the success and prosperity of independent agencies by providing viable market access through IMS. Wisconsin is a proud owner of IMS, along with our association colleagues in other states. To learn more about the carriers IMS could help connect you with, click here. 

Relationship building is vital to the success of any insurance agency. As agents, you build relationships with clients, and, equally important, you build relationships with carriers. When starting or operating your agency, obtaining access to carriers and building those key relationships can be challenging.

The good news is your association can help through Independent Market Solutions (IMS). This program is designed exclusively for Wisconsin agents to assist with market access and establish a clear pathway to direct appointments with many carriers.

The IMS program affords agencies of all sizes the opportunity to add carrier appointments as IMS subproducers. That means your agency can have a direct working relationship with insurance companies, improving efficiency and allowing you to grow your relationships with company staff. And, as you write more policies as a subagent, certain insurance markets feature the opportunity to “graduate” to a direct appointment once the carrier’s minimum premium threshold and performance standards are met—all at no additional cost to you.

Your association is a proud investor in IMS, a program that favors independent agents by providing 100 percent ownership of expirations, competitive commissions, and a path to direct appointments. IMS helps your agency earn more revenue and build a sustainable business.

Click here to learn how to connect with our carrier partners.  

The Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin helps agencies gain access to useful insurance markets through its investment in Independent Market Solutions (IMS). This members-only program allows agents to quickly connect with carriers and find insurance products suitable for their clients’ needs.

IMS offers very competitive terms, and there is no cost to join. To start taking advantage of this exclusive member resource, you must complete IIAW's market access application. Before you begin the application, please make sure you have quick access to the following, which you’ll need to complete the process:

·       Agency and individual agent license numbers

·       Agency Federal Employee ID Number (FEIN)

·       Agency E&O policy information

·       Policy count information

·       Premium volume information

·       Agency and individual agent license numbers. Copies of the licenses will be required to upload. Please include a copy of all individual agent licenses (in one uploaded file) who would like access to the carrier’s quoting system.

A sub-producer agreement will also be required as part of the IMS sign-up process. After uploading the application, a link to the sub-producer agreement document will appear in your application confirmation email. Once you complete both steps, you will receive a copy of the application and sub-producer agreement.

Applications must be submitted separately for agencies that have branches with separate FEINs. To learn more about IMS and how to sign-up in your state, click here.