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.

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.