Independent Market Solutions (IMS) is a market access solution that helps IIAW members expand their reach and offer clients more choices. With IMS, you can access a wide range of quality insurance company appointments with fair and flexible terms.

IMS works with more than two dozen carriers and 1,100 agencies in 17 states, producing over $100 million in direct written premium. IMS attracts carriers to the program through operational efficiencies that result in improved terms and reduced agent on-boarding costs. IMS agents earn competitive commissions and enjoy 100 percent ownership of policy expirations written through IMS while carriers gain access to high-quality producers at a lower cost.

Over the past five years, most carrier partnerships established with IMS have experienced growth in production and profitability. Last year, the program earned and shared contingencies from four IMS carriers that offer profit-sharing. Additionally, thanks to the relationship IMS has established with select carrier partners, the program has opened the door for agents to more easily qualify for appointments that can often lead to "graduation"—a direct appointment when minimum premium thresholds and performance standards are met.

As IMS continues to grow, the number of carriers available to members will also increase. So, if you're looking for a way to expand your market reach and offer your clients more choices, IMS is the perfect solution for you. To learn more, click here.

One of the more challenging aspects of starting an independent agency is securing direct appointments. While it is possible to build carrier relationships on your own, especially if you have prior agency experience, Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin's investment in Independent Market Solutions (IMS) makes accessing markets much more straightforward. 

With approximately 3,000 sub-producers, IMS is an agency network that provides access to various insurance markets, including state-specific standard and niche markets that can help you place a policy designed to fit your customers' needs. Rather than consolidate, IMS works to perpetuate independent agencies by providing competitive terms and a pathway to direct appointments with select insurance carriers. 

Agents who gain appointments through IMS can quickly begin writing policies with our roster of carriers and earn competitive commissions. They also retain 100 percent of ownership of policy expirations and can participate in any earned program contingencies. 

IMS opens the door for agents to more easily qualify for appointments that can often lead to "graduation" - a direct appointment when minimum premium thresholds and performance standards are met. The beauty of IMS is that IIAW members can take advantage of this market access program through their membership with no additional cost or hidden fees. IMS continues to add markets to its ever-growing menu and you can see what markets are available in Wisconsin here. 

Independent agents need competitive insurance markets to grow and succeed. The IIAW knows that the more quality markets your agency can easily access, the better your chances of writing and retaining business. 

That’s why we’ve invested in Independent Market Solutions (IMS), a members-only program that lets agents quickly connect with carriers and find insurance products suitable for their clients’ needs. The IMS programs are designed to give agencies of all sizes the opportunity to gain carrier appointments as subproducers at no additional cost to the agency. Additionally, several IMS markets feature the opportunity to “graduate” to a direct appointment once specific production goals are met.

If you’re ready to join the IMS program, you must complete the IMS market access application. Before you start the application, please make sure you have access to the following: 

• 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 required)

After you upload your completed application, a link to the subproducer agreement will appear in your application confirmation email. Once the application and subproducer agreement are both successfully completed, you will receive a copy of each document.

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.

Since its inception in 2007, Independent Market Solutions (IMS) has expanded its partnership to include 13 state associations across the United States. The IIAW has invested in IMS with the goal of bringing scale and efficiency that provide for the development of better products and terms for producing agencies.

Through your membership in the association, IMS provides independent agents with a viable option for market access while also affording 100 percent ownership of expirations. Many IMS programs are established to allow subagents to reach a predetermined premium volume and qualify for direct appointment at no additional cost to the agent. While incubating with IMS, subagents are paid competitive commissions and can also participate in any earned contingencies.

IMS market availability in Wisconsin includes 13 participating carriers that offer personal, commercial, and various specialty lines. See the full list of carriers IMS can get you connected with here.

Progressive has one of the strongest brands in the industry and spends billions on marketing and advertising. Why not leverage their brand, purchasing power and experience with Independent Market Solutions (IMS)? With a Progressive appointment, you can use their turnkey programs and services designed to generate leads and increase your closing rates. One of the best parts about these services is they are given at cost and are frequently less costly than similar programs in the marketplace. 

Below are a few of the programs and services they offer: 

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Social Media Content

• Website Services (building and maintaining your website)

• Every Door Direct Mail

• Sign Programs (indoor & Outdoor)

• Email and Direct Mail Campaigns

Learn more about Progressive and IMS here: https://www.imsaccess.com/states/wisconsin/.