The ability to adapt quickly to change is not only a virtue in life, but also a tenet of any good business. As agents know oh-so-well, the insurance industry is changing rapidly and so are the needs of independent agents. The IIAW recognized many of these trends early on and strategically invested in Independent Market Solutions (IMS). 

IMS provides markets to agencies with the goal of perpetuating the independent agency system, especially for small and rural agencies that can sometimes struggle to keep markets. It also works to solve problems when markets are distressed or the need for new specialty or niche markets arises.

Because IMS takes a broad approach to market access, it means any member agency, whether a start-up or a mid-to-large sized, can take advantage of the greater efficiencies through scale, enhanced insurance company-agency relationships, and competitive terms the program offers. Thanks to the partnership among several state associations through IMS, the program creates greater volume, leverage, and, ultimately, better terms for IMS sub-producers.

As the industry evolves, the menu of product offerings at IMS continues to expand to provide a robust market access alternative for our members—with no strings attached. To get started with IMS, click here.

If you’re looking to grow your business, expanding your agency’s product offerings is a great way to generate more revenue. Whether you’re looking to diversify your current book of business or just need a little head start securing company appointments, Independent Market Solutions (IMS) can help.

IMS was created with the goal of providing member agents access to quality insurance markets. Since its creation, the program’s carrier roster has grown each year. In 2022, IMS added six new carriers to its roster of company appointments. Looking ahead to 2023, the program will continue working to add carriers that offer personal, commercial, and specialty lines.

Unlike some other market access arrangements, there are no subscription fees and low to no volume commitments with IMS. Agents who gain appointments through IMS can maintain a direct working relationship with carriers, all while taking advantage of competitive commissions, 100 percent ownership of expirations, and participation in any earned program contingencies.

IMS market availability in Wisconsin includes 13 participating carriers. If you’d like to apply for an appointment or learn more about the carriers IMS can get you connected with, click here.

Whether your agency is big or small, the more markets you have access to, the better chance you have to write more business. Wisconsin has made market access an integral part of your membership through our investment in the Independent Market Solutions (IMS) program, a market access solution for any size agency.

For new or smaller agencies with few or no direct appointments, IMS can help you gain new carrier appointments as IMS subproducers. As an IMS subproducer, you’ll start building relationships directly with carriers, earn standard commissions, and, once minimum premium thresholds and performance standards are met, gain the opportunity to “graduate” to a direct appointment. Agents can also participate in any earned contingencies as an IMS subproducer.  

If you manage a mid- to large-sized agency, there are likely times when you’re presented with niche pieces of business. You’ve worked hard to earn your clients’ business, so why turn away a request on a risk that your agency doesn’t currently write? Our IMS program can help satisfy your clients’ needs without taking on additional minimums or referring them elsewhere due to the lack of available markets.

No matter the size of your agency, the IMS menu is constantly evolving to include new carriers intended to expand your strike zone. Click here to see which carrier partners might be the right fit for your agency.

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.