Author Spotlight
IVANS Communications
IVANS is the insurance industry's exchange connecting insurers, MGAs, agencies and the insured. IVANS cloud-based software automates the distribution and servicing of insurance products.
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Industry Trends
Catching Up with IVANS’ CEO – Insights from His First 100 Days
Now that he’s been at the helm for over 100 days, we thought it would be a good time to hear from IVANS CEO Reid Holzworth about what’s holding back the industry and how we move it forward for the benefit of all stakeholders.
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Industry Trends
Celebrating Women In Insurance
March is Women’s History Month. To celebrate, we wanted to acknowledge the many contributions made by women.
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Industry Trends
Less Is More When Agents Go Digital
IVANS recently sat down with Jay Green, Agency General Manager for Crye-Leike Insurance, an Big I agency and IVANS Connected Agent, to talk about going digital.
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IVANS Index
IVANS Index: 2020 Year in Review
Take a look at the premium renewal rate change trends for 2020 in our just-released infographic, and unlock the full report for a more in-depth look at last year’s trends.
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
Does Your Agency Have What It Takes to Become IVANS Connected?
Each year, IVANS recognizes agencies committed to getting the most out of IVANS Exchange and IVANS Markets with the IVANS Connected program.
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
The State of Agency-Insurer Connectivity
Check out this blog post to view 6 insights on the state of agency-insurer connectivity.
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Industry Trends
Have Yourself a Happy, Healthy Holiday
Take a look at our latest blog post for a cheerful message from all of us at IVANS.
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Marketing & Distribution
Industry Voices: Solving the Challenge of Managing Submissions with Acuity
IVANS Vice President of Product Management, Kathy Hrach recently sat down with the Digital Sales Director at Acuity Insurance, Joel Katsma to discuss Acuity’s participation in a project to tackle commercial lines process improvement including the challenges and how to address them.
2020, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Industry Trends, Insurers, Marketing & Distribution
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Marketing & Distribution
The Importance of Data Insights in the Insurance Industry Pt. 2: Growing Business
We recently sat down with Melanie Watkins, VP of Product Management for State Auto Insurance, to explore some exciting advancements in distribution solutions specifically with respect to commercial lines.
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Marketing & Distribution
The Importance of Data Insights in the Insurance Industry Pt. 1: Market Appetite
We recently sat with EMPLOYERS Client Relationship Manager and Product Owner for API Distribution Strategy and Development Basilios Manousogiannakis to discuss marketing and distribution related topics.
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
You Go First
The apprehension to be the first mover or first adopter is being overcome by a community process of development that promises a major move forward in reducing roadblocks and inefficiencies in the quote and bind process.
2020, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Industry Trends, Insurers
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Access to Markets
Solving the Challenge of Finding Markets for Nonprofit Organizations
One organization that’s making a real difference in getting coverage for nonprofits is the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance. To learn more about who they are, what they do and how they do it, we recently spoke to their CEO Pamela Davis.
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Marketing & Distribution
IVANS and Aon Affinity: Supporting Agents Where They Are: Part 1
IVANS’ Vice President of Data Products Group Brian Wood recently sat down (via Zoom of course) with IVANS Markets client, Aon Affinity, to discuss AON Affinity and AON Programs.
2020, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Industry Trends, Insurers, Marketing & Distribution
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Marketing & Distribution
Test Your Knowledge: Commercial Lines Submissions Process
Test your commercial lines submissions knowledge and learn ways to improve the process for the benefit of all those involved – agents, insurers and insureds.
2020, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Industry Trends, Insurers, Marketing & Distribution
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Industry Trends
COVID-19: Personal and Commercial Lines Policy Transaction Index Report
Analyzing more than 120 million data transactions, this special COVID-19 Index report measures the month-to-month volume of specific policy transaction types, like new policies, policy changes, policy cancellations and policy renewals for both personal commercial lines policies relative to transaction trends.
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Access to Markets
The Future of Markets: Appetite On-Demand, At Your Fingertips
While the volume of insurer appetite available to agents searching for markets is high, finding the right match for a commercial risk remains a challenge for many agents.
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
A Book Roll Solution Made for These Times
Even in this time of social distancing and remote working, your day-to-day business activities need to continue. Some activities traditionally involve working with agents face-to-face, but the current world we are living in doesn’t allow for in-person office visits – and might not for some time. How can you do so if you can’t visit offices in person?
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Industry Trends
Coming Together in a Time of Crisis
We are all going through a trying time right now but through all the anxiety, confusion, isolation and Tiger King, the human spirit remains. People around the world, our industry, and here at Team IVANS are doing amazing things to support educators, first responders, healthcare workers, and local businesses they used to frequent. We want to share some of them with you because who doesn’t love Some Good News.
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Industry Trends
Tech Talk with IVANS Expert Brian Wood: Part 2
IVANS’ Vice President of Data Products Group Brian Wood recently answered a lightning round of questions for IVANS. Read on for Brian’s insights about the transformative properties of data analytics for independent agencies.
2020, Access to Markets, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Industry Trends
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Industry Trends
Tech Talk with IVANS Expert Brian Wood: Part 1
IVANS’ Vice President of Data Products Group Brian Wood recently answered a lightning round of questions for IVANS. Read on for Brian’s insights about the transformative properties of data analytics for independent agencies.
2020, Access to Markets, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Industry Trends
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Industry Trends
A Conversation with IVANS Expert Paul Warga
IVANS’ vice president of product management, Paul Warga, recently sat down virtually with Olivia Schmitt of Total CSR on Agency Nation Radio. Read on for a few excerpts from the interview.
2020, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Industry Trends, Insurers, MGAs
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Industry Trends
How to Celebrate Earth Day While Sheltering in Place
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused concerts, sporting events and other exciting spring plans to be put on hold, one thing that’s not cancelled is Earth Day.
2020, Agents, Best Practices, Industry Trends, Insurers, MGAs
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
Connect with Your Insurers
To assist you in getting started or even more connected through additional digital tools, IVANS offers educational resources, including webinars, product videos, brochures and more. See what these resources can do to help your business collaborate better with your insurer partners.
2020, Access to Markets, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Automated Servicing
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Business Continuity
Breaking Down the CARES Act – What This Means for Your Business
This past Friday, March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act made headlines as the largest economic stimulus package in U.S. history. The Act includes relief for businesses and individuals, assistance to states, and key protections for workers.
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Marketing & Distribution
Putting a New Lens on Digital Distribution
Does your business already take advantage of digital distribution or plan to soon? The digital ecosystem of insurance is rapidly evolving and those businesses reluctant to implement digital practices, in place of outdated traditional methods, may fall behind the curve. Your continued success may depend on how you react as we navigate toward the future of insurance.
2020, Agents, Industry Trends, Insurers, Marketing & Distribution, MGAs
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Business Continuity
Coronavirus Outbreak: Business Continuity for IVANS Customers
Your business continuity is our #1 concern. As your trusted technology partner, we are here to help your business continue to operate without interruption.
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Automated Servicing
The Secret to Generating More Benefits Business for Your Insurance Company
Benefits carriers face many challenges when manually handling the exchange of benefits information such as policy details, coverage, minimums, premium payments, and commissions among other information between their businesses and broker partners.
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Industry Trends
4 Things Insurers Need to Know About Agents of the Future
The way independent insurance agents conduct business is changing. Faced with an aging workforce, new insurtech competition, and the digital transformation of the industry, agents are quickly embracing technology to ensure future success and longevity.
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Automated Servicing
Enhancing Relationships and Growing Your Business, One Download At a Time
If you’re an MGA and you are not offering download – you should be. As the insurance landscape becomes more competitive, independent agencies are moving to automation technology to better compete in the digital world. They expect their ecosystem partners to do the same.
2019, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Automated Servicing, Insurers, MGAs
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
The Latest Trends in Digital Distribution and Automated Servicing
The digital age of insurance is here. Insurtechs are starting daily. Consumers are demanding new digital services. And regulatory changes are forcing organizations to adapt more quickly than ever before.
2019, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Automated Servicing, Industry Trends, Insurers, Marketing & Distribution, MGAs
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
Building Better Relationships with Your Insurer Partners
Is your agency realizing the benefits of greater connectivity with insurers? Now more than ever, the most successful agencies are those building and maintaining close ties to the insurers and MGAs they work with on a regular basis.
2019, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Best Practices, Industry Trends
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Automated Servicing
Going Beyond Download – What’s Available and How You Can Benefit
According to the latest IVANS Connectivity Survey, 82% of agents surveyed reported they place more business with insurers that provide automation. In the digital age of insurance, efficiency through automation can build stronger agency relationships and lead to significant time and cost savings for both your business and agencies. Are you using all the automation available to be as efficient as possible?
2019, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Automated Servicing, Industry Trends, Insurers, MGAs
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Industry Trends
The Agent of the Future: What Carriers Need to Do to Prepare
The world of the independent agency is changing rapidly and dramatically. Shifting customer expectations are creating a need for new business models.
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Marketing & Distribution
Embracing Digital Distribution: Instantly Reach More Agents
A challenge for many insurers is finding the right agents to fit their appetite. It’s even more difficult for a new insurer since many agencies do not know where or how to find you.
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Industry Trends
A Visual Guide to Millennial and Gen Z Buying Preferences
As previous generations retire and move to a life stage in which they consume fewer products and services, younger millennial and Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 38 are becoming more relevant to the insurance industry in terms of size and spending power.
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Automated Servicing
The Secret to Delivering Superior Service to Your Benefits Clients
Keeping up with consumer demand for instant service is vital in the digital age of insurance. Are you sure your agency is taking advantage of every chance to automate servicing and improve customer satisfaction?
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Industry Trends
Growing Insurtech Together
Every day, articles on the latest insurtech company or trends are covered in trade publications. The subject of insurtech continues to be a hot topic as the insurance industry evolves. Once a conventional industry, we’re regularly seeing more positive change and growth among small and large, new and old companies.
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
A Journey Through IVANS’ 35-Year History
For 35 years, IVANS’ commitment to innovation has enabled thousands of insurers, MGAs and agencies from around the globe to safeguard and protect what matters most in people’s lives.
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Best Practices
Prepare Your Agency for the Unexpected
Extreme weather and natural disasters are becoming more commonplace and can have financially debilitating effects on businesses that are not prepared. Take last year’s hurricane season for example.
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
Insurers, Ever Wonder How You Can Better Support Your Agency Partners?
Today, insurance agencies face many challenges that they didn’t contemplate years ago. Consumer buying behaviors and patterns are different.
2018, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Industry Trends, Insurers, MGAs
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Agent-Insurer Connectivity
Connectivity: The Secret to Competing in the Age of the Customer
Today, insurance agencies face many challenges that they didn’t contemplate years ago. Consumer buying behaviors and patterns are different.
2018, Access to Markets, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Best Practices
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Access to Markets
One Click Away from the Best Markets: New Market Discovery Tools
Have you ever spent several hours reviewing appetite guides or visiting insurer portals to see if they have appetite for the business you are looking to write?
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Automated Servicing
Surety Bond Download: Save Even More Time
Do you find yourself spending hours sifting through emails, printing and scanning documents and attaching files for surety bonds? For years, producers have manually managed surety bond documents and information, greatly reducing staff productivity and wasting valuable time.
2017, Agent-Insurer Connectivity, Agents, Automated Servicing
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Industry Trends
Women in Insurance: Meet 2 Industry Leaders Paving the Way for the Future of Insurance
Insurance Networking News’ 9th Annual Women in Insurance Leadership conference took place recently in Chicago, celebrating gender diversity in the workplace and honoring the important contributions of women who have helped redefine the insurance industry.
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