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What is the Appalachian Underwriters "Direct Select" program?
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Direct Select is a new program designed to give Independent Agents direct market access to multiple competitively priced insurance products and national carriers. The term Direct is key, as unlike our other product offerings, we connect the agency with our carriers directly through our rating engine to provide real-time quoting 24/7. This empowers you with choice to Select what carrier you'll place the customer with. No carrier specific volume requirement, No upfront fees, You own the customers and the book, Great earning potential plus we give you the ability to get your own direct agency appointment once certain GWP level's are met!
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Are there initial start-up fees?
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None, other companies range from $200 to $9,000 just to get started.
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Are there any re-occurring monthly fees?
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None, other companies range from $50 to $200 a month just to have access to this technology and top carriers.
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What are the volume requirements?
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None, we do not set any carrier specific volume requirements! Agents are free to quote and request bind as often as they like. Note: there are various reward levels associated with our program that make us completely different from our competition, click here to see our Commission Structure.
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Who owns the business?
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You own the business by way of contract with Appalachian Underwriters. The
brokerage agreement you are asked to sign clearly spells this out.
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Where is the program available and for what carriers?
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See our program availability matrices on our website, located under the Marketing tools area or click one of the following: Personal Lines,
or Commercial Lines.
These are updated as new initiatives are implemented, so check these frequently.
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Can my agency write business through Direct Select in multiple States?
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Yes, your agency will be able to write business in all of the states in which you hold a license. Proof will be required prior to binding.
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Will I have binding authority?
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No, unless you are a
Platinum Partnership agency. Once you find a rate you want to bind, the second phase is to process the request to Appalachian on-line where we underwrite, verify, and ultimately issue the policy.
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What is the Commission Structure?
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The program starts with a 70/30 percentage split of commissions (Agent gets higher percentage) of the carriers commission rate for the first $50,000 in earned written premium. From there, agents attain higher ratios based on modest production thresholds. Note: once a threshold is attained, all commissions, regardless of when written move to the new split! Please consult our Commission Structure
at anytime for further clarification.
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Are there any other program rewards that an agent may pursue with Direct Select?
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Yes, there are several. Should an agent develop a successful hit ratio with a given carrier and a quality mix of business, an agent may apply for a Platinum
Partnership reward. This allows the agency to obtain a carrier direct sub-producer code by which they can quote, bind and issue policies out of their own office. Levels II and III increase the commission split ratios based on very reasonable production levels. Level IV is completely unique to our program and the industry. Once a typical directly appointed carrier premium volume is attained within a calendar year for a single carrier, (normally $150,000 to $200,000 in earned premiums), we facilitate setting the agency up with a direct agency appointment to that carrier with no strings attached! Please consult our Commission
Structure at anytime for further clarification.
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What is a Platinum Partnership reward?
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As an agent demonstrates to us that they can produce a flow of profitable business with a given carrier, typically 3-4 new business policies a month for four consecutive months. An agent can then apply for a Platinum Partnership, which rewards the agency with a direct
sub-appointment to the Appalachian carrier they have developed a knack of writing with. This allows the agent to have carrier direct rating, issuing, and servicing capabilities. Most importantly, policies are now being issued by you and directly out of your office. Additionally, this is your foot in the door to build a direct relationship with a carrier and one which provides you special carrier training and assistance. This is the first milestone at earning your way to Level IV, and a carrier direct appointment!
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Describe the Platinum Partnership workflow between the agent and the carriers?
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Agents transmit their applications directly to the carriers according to their defined processes. Usually by mail, fax, or internet. You are free to work directly with the carriers and their underwriting teams as you have binding authority. You are a sub-appointed producer with these companies and policies are typically issued in the agency's name and not ours. Direct billing by the carrier to the insured. Then, in most cases, commissions are sent to Appalachian Underwriters who in turn pays the Agency monthly by check or direct deposit.
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If I lost an appointment, or desire to roll a book of business, is Direct Select an option?
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Absolutely, we provide assistance in assessing the opportunity with the carriers. Most book rolls through our program allow the agent to attain a Platinum Partnership
right out of the gate! Additional overrides and or commission points are commonly available!
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What paperwork is required to quote and bind through Appalachian Underwriters, Direct Select program?
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The only paperwork required is for the agent to get appointed to AUI through the Appalachian Underwriters standard
brokerage agreement, If you already have one and are in good standing, you can start selling the proposals. Otherwise, we need the following AUI agent/ broker agreement completed in it's entirety. Follow the directions on the fax cover sheet. Our marketing department will follow up shortly after to advise of status.
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Is my customers information secure and confidential?
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We provide a confidential and secure quoting environment for any and all data transacted through our website. Our technology partner has each and every page of their application approved by Starfield. The security systems are configured to provide privacy, integrity, and authentication in internet communications. these measures help to ensure your data is secure and encrypted, so that a third party cannot capture, read, or access the information being transacted during a quoting session.
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How quickly can we get started?
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You can create you own login and start quoting business in minutes right here today..
Click here to get started Link to Login Page
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