Articles, Press Releases, White Papers & More
Build a Confident & Credible Career with the CIC Designation
Insurance producers understand the importance of continually improving knowledge and skills to better serve clients. One way to ensure that you stay on top of industry trends
What’s the Difference Between Phishing, Spear Phishing, Fishing, and Baiting?
Every year, cybercrime increases as criminals try to profit from insecure company systems. Attackers are frequently searching for ransom with 53% of cyber attacks resulting in damages of
AI Liability: 5 Key Considerations for Risk & Insurance Professionals
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly advancing, and it has the capacity to change the way we work and live. However, with this innovation comes a greater
Insuring Fine Art Exhibits
A crowd of art lovers and collectors in Miami, a city known for its vibrant art scene, was left shaken as a $42,000 Jeff Koons sculpture was accidentally broken
Environmental Impacts: Ohio Train Derailment
What happens when a “neighbor” contaminates your property? Who Are Your “Neighbors”?
Uncover a Business’s Environmental Footprint
An effective environmental management strategy begins with an evaluation of environmental efficiency. This evaluation identifies the various direct and indirect environmental issues that impact a business. Even
The National Alliance Launches Virtual Reality Experience in Risk Management Program
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research proudly announces the first phase of virtual reality experiences within their acclaimed insurance and risk management courses. Unveiled at
Who Are Your “Neighbors”?
Are your neighbors contaminators? When I coach businesses on managing and transferring their environmental exposures, some fail to look beyond their property lines and business models, often
Six Steps of the Underwriting Process
The process of underwriting involves a person or organization accepting financial risk in exchange for compensation. Most frequently, this risk entails loans, insurance, or investments. The practice
The 7 Steps of Developing & Executing an Environmental Management Strategy (eMS)
You can’t be in business without being impacted by environmental issues, exposures, liabilities, investments. But you can use them as a competitive advantage. In order to minimize risk, maximize value and optimize performance while driving your growth and profits, follow the seven steps outlined in this article to discover your business’s environmental footprint and develop your Environmental Management Strategy.
Plans for New Hires That Work
Every agency must figure out how to manage new employees, particularly ones who have little to no formal training or experience in the Insurance and Risk Management
New Year, New Goals!
As we enter a new year, think about how to set your agency up for success. Goals are the concrete aim of an organization and the end
Meet the 2022 National Outstanding CSR of the Year!
“My goal is to make sure that people feel heard and understood. I think that’s a deep driving factor for building long-lasting relationships.” Tiffanie Courtney, CIC, CISR, CRIS,
10 Pawsome Pet Insurance Questions
Amy MacDonald has worked for Nationwide Insurance for nearly 20 years and is now on the pet insurance team. She fused her personal passion for pets with
5 Practical Ways to Elevate Your Firm’s Focus On People
The recent Best Practice Study indicated that CEOs at 282 of the Best Practices agencies believe that strategic human capital structure is the most crucial factor in remaining privately held. This insight may prompt you to imagine things like HR, payroll, benefits, or regulations. But “strategic human capital structure” actually means one simple thing. People.
What is Sales Velocity and How Does Your Agency Compare?
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) publishes the annual Best Practices Study (BPS) which delivers critical financial and operational industry benchmarks to member agencies
Producer Migration: How Firms Can Stay Ahead of this Trend
Will insurance producers “lift-out” or stay? Since 1993, Reagan Consulting and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) publish the annual Best Practices Study
It’s Never Too Early To Be Planning for 2023
Explore next year’s CE options, find new learning opportunities, and sign up for designation updates. Classroom & Webinar Offerings: Certified Insurance Counselors Program (CIC) The 2023 CIC course schedule is
Pandemic-Fueled Growth: How an Insurance Education Provider Weathered COVID and Prevailed
National Alliance President & CEO Will Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR, was interviewed by Michelle Morgan, Executive Director Top Class LMS by WBT Systems for 100Reviews. They discussed digital transformation, how to provide more value for learners, and
4 Positive Employee Mindset Lessons for Leaders
Updated November 2022 J. Karl Sherril, Jr. CIC, CRM, MBA Hello, How Are You? As we make our way daily through the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important
A Deep Dive Into Subrogation
Updated November 2022 Subrogation and the Sutton Doctrine, Made Whole Doctrine Black’s Law Dictionary (Ninth Edition) defines subrogation as the principle under which an insurer that has
3 Strategic Business Planning Concepts
Effective executive and financial management is critical to the success of an insurance company. The company’s executive management team (EMT), the team that executes critical organizational functions
How Excess Liability & Commercial Umbrella Policies Apply
In today’s business environment, insurance with high limits of liability is practically a necessity. That’s because accidents leading to liability claims for damages often exceed the limits
Do Your Clients Need Pollution Liability Coverage for Cyberattacks?
Any business utilizing computers can be vulnerable to a cyberattack; do your clients need pollution liability coverage?
6 Steps to Ethical Decision Making: Considerations for Insurance Professionals
Often Insurance Professionals face circumstances that force them to evaluate and decide what is the right thing to do. If you are facing a situation that seems
Commercial Inland Marine Coverages: Application and Modifications
Learn About the General Concepts Unique to Inland Marine coverages.
11 Risk Management Terms Everyone Should Know
While risk may be inevitable, it is manageable. The ability to effectively predict, prepare for, and manage risks can help individuals and organizations set and achieve future
How to Create an Inclusive Culture
The risk management and insurance industry has made great strides in recent years with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with some organizations beginning to realize a significant return
Wisconsin Nominee Named 2022 National Outstanding CSR of the Year
“It isn’t the large experiences that make you who you are. It’s the small ones.” AUSTIN, TX (October 2022) –Tiffanie Courtney, CIC, CISR, CRIS Senior Account Manager for M3 Insurance,
Five Ways Insurance Sales Coaches Can Help You Achieve Success
A career in insurance sales can be rewarding – both emotionally and financially – but the pathway to success isn’t always obvious, is it? You may be
New Academy Release: Fundamentals of Life & Health Insurance
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research announces the launch of a new Life & Health Insurance publication, authored by Tom Faulconer, CFP, CLY, ChFC, CASL, CPCU, and
Four Questions to Ask Before You Outsource Producer Coaching
Today’s talent market is competitive. Coaching can provide an edge as you seek to retain and attract top producers. As a leader, you navigate the short and
2022 Outstanding CSR of the Year State Winners Announced
Each year, a group of exceptional insurance professionals are selected to represent their states and then compete to become the National Outstanding CSR of the Year. This
5 Things About the New Certified Environmental Strategist (CeS) Course
The Certified Environmental Strategist (CeS) self-paced course, created by Chris Bunbury, Environmental Strategist and President of Environmental Strategist, Inc., educates insurance professionals/risk managers about how to coach clients to manage and transfer their environmental exposures.
The National Alliance Releases New Course – Certified Environmental Strategist
The Certified Environmental Strategist (CeS) course educates on how to advise clients as they manage and transfer their environmental exposures.
Noelle Codispoti Hired as CISR High School Program Director to Lead National Growth & Student Engagement
The National Alliance of Insurance Education & Research welcomes Noelle Codispoti, CPCU, ARM as Director of the CISR High School Program. The Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) High School
Who Will Be the Next Outstanding CSR of the Year?
Every spring, hundreds of CISRs submit nominations to become the next Outstanding CSR of the Year. Originally established to recognize exceptional account managers, CSRs, and individuals who
When Has The Employee Reported To Work?
If you’ve dealt with Workers’ Compensation coverage, you know that only injuries arising in, or out of, the course and scope of employment are compensable. Every state
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research Announces 2022 CIC and CISR Board Officers and new CISR Board Members
The National Alliance announces leadership changes to the Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) and Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) Board of Governors. Serving on the CIC Board of
NEW Self-Paced Courses: Intro to Commercial/Personal Lines, Flood, Ethics, Workers Compensation
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research has launched five self-paced insurance license renewal and introductory classes on the topics of Ethics, NFIP Flood Exposures, Workers
Are We Equipped to Insure Cyber Warfare?
Recent tensions in eastern Europe are giving an increased cause of concern on cyber security. With the U.S. working to counter the tensions, a more prominent bullseye
The National Alliance Re-Opens LIVE In-Person Classroom Programs
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research announces the availability of in-person classes in California, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. Facilitated by active insurance and risk
FSU College of Business, Dr. William T. Hold and The National Alliance celebrate a 10-year partnership, No. 1-ranking
Florida State University, Dr. William T. Hold and The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research recently celebrated a decade of a partnership that has spawned the top-ranked risk
National Alliance Brings CISR High School Program to Laredo School District Thanks to 2022 Spencer Educational Foundation Grant
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is a proud recipient of a 2022 Spencer Educational Foundation grant to support and expand the Certified Insurance Service Representative
The Deadly Astroworld Festival: Risk Management and Crowd Control Lessons
Learn from CRM Academic Director Sarah Warhaftig, CRM, JD as she reflects on the crowd control/management of the 2021 Astroworld Festival. Learn how a CRM Control of Risk course can help you be better prepared for Crisis Management.
FREE Instructor-Led Webinar: CGL Endorsements That Belong on the Naughty List
We’re making a list and checking it twice, and these endorsements are right at the top of the naughty list. Understanding how endorsements can negatively impact Commercial
FREE Instructor-Led Webinar: Commercial Property Problems Your Clients Will Be Thankful You Understand
It is the season to give thanks, and your client will be thankful that you understand three important property coverage problems and how to fix them. Why
FREE Instructor-Led Webinar: Is Your Agency Ready for a Brand Refresh? Here Are 5 Clues
A firm’s leadership must clearly understand, embrace and communicate its brand and culture direction. Your brand is like a house. A fresh coat of paint will look nice for a while. That’s a tactic. But consider the foundation and the framing underneath the paint: Are they weak
The Face Masks in School Conundrum
School and district risk managers must provide school boards and administrations with the best guidance possible. As concerns over masks, mandates, and public health come to the
Texas Nominee Named 2021 National Outstanding CSR of the Year
Darnella Rodriguez, CIC, CRM, CISR, Account Manager for Higginbotham, in Austin, Texas, has been awarded the most prestigious honor available to insurance customer service representatives: National Outstanding CSR of
Elite Women 2021
This year’s Elite Women, chosen by IBA, aren’t just dedicated to the insurance industry – they are trailblazers forging a path for colleagues and future industry professionals. Women
FSU College of Business Ranks No. 1 for Dr. William T. Hold/The National Alliance Program in Risk Management and Insurance
Florida State University College of Business undergraduate Risk Management/Insurance Program is ranked No. 1 in the country, by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2022 Guidebook,”
A Cautionary Tale: Champlain Towers Condominium Collapse
As details begin to emerge about the collapse of the Champlain Towers Condominium South building, blame is being laid at the feet of the board of directors,
7 Tips for Computing and Supporting Business Income Loss
By Keith Wilts, CIC, CPCU: Keith provides education and support to the insurance community in the understanding and application of business income and extra expense coverages at
Aaron and Sara Hoffman– CIC Tag Team
A Dynamic Duo Aaron and Sara Hoffman take partnership to a whole new level. They have been partners in almost everything since 1995. Married for 26 years, Sara
Business Income Insurance – Asking the Right Questions
By Keith Wilts, CIC, CPCU: Keith provides education and support to the insurance community in the understanding and application of business income and extra expense coverages at
Insurance Coverage Lessons: Surfside Building Collapse
By now, every risk and insurance professional in the country is aware of the tragedy that took place in Surfside, Florida on June 24th 2021. The collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium was
2021 Outstanding CSR of the Year State Winners Announced
Each year, a group of exceptional insurance professionals are chosen by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research to compete for the National Outstanding CSR of the Year Award.
How to Get Results from Your New Producer
By Diane Masterson, CIC, CPCU Twenty-five years ago my business partner, Ken Fields, and I were tapped to create a new one-of-a kind program designed to help
Producer Compensation – A Deadly Basket of Snakes?
Bill Toll, CIC Too many agency owners and managers, producer compensation resembles a basket of snakes. It is not particularly pretty, it is constantly moving, and if
Managing Cyber Exposure: 2020 and Beyond – Part 1
How is the insurance marketplace responding? The industry is seeing an increased interest on coverages related to cyber liability, specifically, first party coverages. Where the focus once
Characteristics of a Successful Producer—the Insurance Implications
Paul Z. Martin, CPCU Agency principals and managers often ask the question, “Where can I find a good producer?” For many reasons, this is typically the wrong
Managing Cyber Exposure: 2020 and Beyond – Part 5
E&O Exposures and Risk Management: The impact on agents. Ransomware is driving 2020’s loss ratios and it’s causing cyber insurance prices to go up. Analysts and brokers,
Changing Insurance Education for a Changing World
By: Paul Martin, CPCU When the pandemic hit, the team at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research had to pivot quickly. We were forced to use an
The National Alliance CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representatives) High School Program Expands into Birmingham School System
May 3, 2021 – Austin, TX – The National Alliance today announces the expansion of the CISR High School Program into seven high schools in Birmingham, Alabama. The
Jonathan Thomas Jr., CISR– A Student Success Story
Wanting to expand his knowledge regarding the insurance industry, Jonathan Thomas earned his CISR designation this year while attending the University of Georgia (UGA). Regarding his new
Commercial General Liability Policy: The Insurance MVP
There are dozens of property policies that provide protection for anything from common business buildings and personal property to one-of-a-kind types of property insured with inland marine.
New CIC Board Members Welcomed at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
March 24, 2021, Austin, TX – The National Alliance is proud to announce that Board Members Denise D. Brown, CIC, CPCU, AINS, AIC, ARM, CISC, CRIS, AIS, MLIS,
New Academy Board Members Welcomed at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
March 24, 2021, Austin, TX – The National Alliance is proud to announce that Cameron Alford, UACRM, ARM, Jill M. Bisco, Ph.D., CIC, CRM, CSRM, Pamela B. Kusma, CIC,
On-demand, Online ACORD Forms Training Now Offered from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
The National Alliance released a new online, self-paced ACORD form training as part of a new insurance bootcamp series. The new ACORD Bootcamp trains insurance agents on how
The Value of a Cyber Policy for a B2B Insured
By Chris Christian, CIC, RPLU Most insureds who are aware of cyber coverage think immediately of large retailers and credit card breaches or of healthcare systems and
Keeping It Together When It All Falls Apart
By: Paul Martin, CPCU and Dustyne Bryant, CIC, CISR, MBA The past year has stretched everyone. There has been so much uncertainty all around: job insecurity, stretched
To Mandate or Not to Mandate
The COVID-19 vaccine is slowly becoming available. While the vaccine is free to all Americans, employers face a series of challenges and risks.
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research CISR High School Program Exam Success
Austin, TX – January 12, 2021 – The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research received recognition on local Lansing news station FOX News 47 for the Certified Insurance
Homeowners’ Endorsements– the Details Make the Difference
By: Jerry Kennedy, CIC Properly covering an insured’s home is no simple task. Often, when a client is buying a new home, they’re too busy to take
Is It Covered? The Lack of Coverage for COVID-19 Under Standard Business Income and Extra Expense Coverage Forms
By: Paul Burkett, J.D., CPCU, CIC, CRM, ARM, ALCM Across the country, agencies and their clients are concerned about coverage under standard Business Income and Extra Expense
Fiduciary Liability Insurance: Under-loved and Under-utilized
By Richard (Dick) G. Clarke, CIC, CPCU, RPLU As insurance products go, fiduciary liability insurance is not old—the first policies emerged in 1975, following the passage of
Do You Need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage If You Have Health Insurance?
Dwight M Kealy, J.D., MA, CIC, AAI Does your insured really need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if they have health insurance? In these difficult times, people are
The Health Plan 401(k) Has Arrived
By Brian Gilmore, J.D. January 1, 1980, was a momentous day in the employee benefits field. It was the day Internal Revenue Code 401(k) went into effect,
Protecting and Insuring Wine Collections
By Neil Kaplan, J.D., DipWSET, AAA It was wildfire season in California. Fires were raging through the hills, threatening lives and property. One wine lover’s last act
Josh Kroeger, UACIC—A Student Success Story
After a 14-year career in professional baseball, Josh Kroeger, UACIC has transitioned careers into the risk management and insurance industry. During a recent interview, Josh was asked
What is Actual Cash Value?
David Walker, CIC, CRM, ARM, AAI, LIC, discusses this important definition; most think it is replacement cost minus depreciation, but this answer may be just the default response due to a lack of knowledge.
The History of Rough Notes Magazine
In this Resources webinar, President & CEO, Walter J. Gdowski, uncovers the unique history behind the insurance industry’s most recognized publication, Rough Notes Magazine. Rough Notes Magazine began in the late 1800’s and is considered the
New Mexico Nominee Named 2020 National Outstanding CSR of the Year
Austin, TX October 13, 2020 – Judi Vaughn, CIC, CISR, Account Manager for Kysar Leavitt Insurance Agency, in Farmington, New Mexico, has been awarded the most prestigious honor available to
Alex Factor, UACRM– A Student Success Story
Alex A. Factor, UACRM recently graduated from Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee with a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Risk Management and Insurance. Alex began his
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research Releases Insuring Healthcare Providers Course
This course is part of the PROFocus Series and is open to all risk and insurance professionals. August 21, 2020 – Austin, TX: The National Alliance for
The Power of Female Insurance Producers
Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR- Personal Lines Academic Director Joan E. Sansing, CIC, ARM, AAI- Faculty- Dynamics of Selling Are you a new female insurance producer? Do you want
Are You Insuring A Pandemic Pod?
Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR- Personal Lines Academic Director The pandemic is lasting longer than we ever thought, and we’re all looking for new ways to solve
New to the Insurance Industry? What’s the Next Step?
In this interview Mitch Dunford speaks with Paul Gaglioti, CIC, President of Diversified Risk Solutions and CEO of Harbor.ai. Learn how Paul began in the industry, and
The Top Three Reasons Your New Salesperson is Struggling
By Carletta Clyatt, The Omnia Group, Inc. Whether talented salespeople are born or made remains a topic of debate, with the answer undoubtedly lying somewhere between nature
What’s That Sound? Could It Be Opportunity Knocking?
By Kenneth L. Fields, MSM, CIC, CPCU, CLU, ChFC About 10,000 baby boomers (76.4 million people born from 1946–1964) turn 65 every day in the United States,
Refuting Myths and Misconceptions About Residential Water Damage: Inform and Encourage Clients to Adopt a Mitigation Mindset
By Anne Martin As a high-net-worth personal lines risk manager who specializes in water damage mitigation, I speak to homeowners frequently about the peril of water. Although
Starting, Buying, Selling, and Perpetuating Insurance Agencies
You and your agency are at a transition point. Maybe you’ve reached a fork in the road or need to respond to an action you can’t control.
What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There: An Insurance Agency’s Roadmap to a Thriving Future
By Laura Sherman, CPRM, CAPI As we insurance agency professionals make plans for the future, the saying “what got us here won’t get us there” comes to
Article: Are You Asking the Right COVID-19 Questions for Your Clients?
We are living in unprecedented times. COVID-19 has disrupted our daily lives worldwide. How we work and socialize is now unfamiliar and uncertain. But the insurance industry
Creating a Culture of High Performance
By Carletta Clyatt With the pending arrival of Spring, many of us are inspired to contemplate new beginnings, fresh starts, and improved ways of being. Individual goals
Mind the Millennial Gap
By Kelly Surles, CIC, CPRM, CISR, ACSR As one of the cities that is consistently on lists of the best places to live, or work, in the
Top 5 Things Every CSR Should Do
Customer Service Representatives are the backbone of the independent insurance agency. They must possess a multitude of skills to juggle tasks, stay informed and foster relationships. Every
Social Media for Your Insurance Agency: When, Why and How
Social media marketing can guide your insurance agency to more leads, promote consumer trust and heighten engagement with your target audience. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? In this Nat
Producer Compensation: How Does Your Agency Stack Up?
Attracting and retaining talent remains among the top insurance agency challenges as the industry continues to face a shortage of qualified candidates intending to pursue a long-term
Aviation Insurance: Kobe Crash & Out of Control Claims
Last month’s tragic helicopter crash that killed NBA star Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others is putting aviation coverage on many insurance professionals’ minds right now,
OCSRY 2018 Winner
Watch the 2018 OCSRY award winner, Ashley Fitzsimmons, as she talks about her experience in risk and insurance, her passion for helping her clients, and her mission
Discourse, Discord, and Defamation: When Does the CGL Respond?
In the tumult of our modern public discourse, do you ever wonder how someone can blatantly…
Cultivating Leadership at the University Level
Filling the gaps in industry talent that will result from the retirement of baby boomers…
Keep Your Fingers on the Pulse of Customer Service
The CSR Profile, first published in 1995, has become the essential reference…
What’s that Sound? Could It Be Opportunity Knocking?
About 10,000 Baby Boomers (76.4 million people born from 1946–1964) turn 65 every day…
Difficult Clients Are a Part of Business: How you handle them sets you apart
Anyone who has worked in agency sales or service has a story about a difficult client or two…
Experiential Education—The Butler University Captive Way
In less than a decade, the insurance industry is set to experience a major talent gap…
Marijuana: New Markets and Legal Uncertainty
We’re hard at work, putting together new National Alliance courses on the trend toward legalizing marijuana…
Embracing Change: Positioning Your Business for the Future
As we continue to witness the transition of insurance distribution within our industry, the role…
Helping Your Commercial Clients through a Property Claim: From Basics to Business Interuption
Maintaining client relationships is critical for insurance brokers and agencies, especially…
Interested in Internships?
Internships represent a growing avenue for employers to attract and evaluate potential employees…
Drive into the future with the 2018 ISO PAP
One thing is for certain—Personal Lines is not static! We have seen more coverage revisions…
2018 National Outstanding CSR of the Year©
Presented here are the top five essays submitted for the 2018 Outstanding CSR of the Year® award. Competitors from across the nation shared their insights related to customer
Socially Conscious Tech—To Address Life’s Challenges
Few would dispute that life brings challenges to all of us. People confront and sometimes struggle with those challenges in different ways. For those who struggle with
Opioids at Work: Employer Actions to Address the Risk
By Sue Mathiesen Our nation is facing the deadliest drug crisis in its history. The media’s coverage of the opioid crisis has been hard to miss, and
