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How do I request a policy to be bound?
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To bind a policy, click on the BUY button at the far right of the customer you are submitting. This will bring up a Bind Request Form which you can fill out online. Please remember, incorrect information on the Bind Request form requires endorsements, policy corrections, and causes delays in commission payments. Other considerations for binding include: (1) Bind Request Forms should be submitted to us at least one business day in advance of the effective date. (2) Many carriers will not bind coverage less than 1 day prior to the effective date. (3) Payment information (electronic funds transfer) may also be required prior to binding. (4) D&B reports may be required prior to binding and generally take one business day to receive. (5) Please review the terms of the quote very carefully so there are no delays in getting the coverage bound for you.
NOTE: Once the policy is bound in the carrier's system, a Binder or the policy will be uploaded to the Dashboard and the status will be shown as a "B". Most binders will be available on the dashboard within 3 business days. You will receive an email notification advising there has been activity on the application with the Application Status shown as "Bound". If you are collecting a down payment from the insured, please have the check made payable to the Insurance Carrier and mail the check directly to the carrier. Please be sure to include the policy number on the check so that it can be matched up by the carrier. Direct bill addresses for each carrier are located on our website under Carrier
Contact Details. Mailing the check to our office will delay receipt of premium by the carrier, will result in your commission payments being delayed, and may result in a Notice of Cancellation being issued by the carrier.
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What are the turnaround times for Bind requests, and what are the hours of operations?
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Appalachian will maintain a 24 hour turnaround time Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Std time. In the event a submission/ bind request is received on a Friday, these will be addressed
on the following Monday. No bind requests will be honored via phone messages, recordings, or over weekends. Additionally, we will not handle any insured requests. These calls will be re-directed back to the agent, or specific carrier on in-force business.
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How does the bound policy get delivered to the insured (who handles the mail)?
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Our carriers mail the policy directly to your insured in most cases. We try to take the hassle out of the back office details. We generally provide you (the producing agent) with a copy of the policy as available via email. Note: all final quote proposals are available through your personal dashboard.
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Can I use my current premium finance company?
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No, outside premium financing is prohibited. Most of our policies are "direct bill" but if premium financing is needed, Appalachian may be able to assist through "PIPCO", our in-house finance company. You may inquire by calling (866) 551-8830.
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Am I required to send in a signed application?
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Normally the online application is all that is required. With certain classes and lines of business, carriers may require an application or an addendum prior to binding a policy. Additionally, insured's may be sent trailing documentation that is required of them to complete and maintain coverage. Appalachian will advise the agent of any such requirements for you to follow-up and secure.
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How do I or my customer pay the premiums required?
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All premiums should be made payable and mailed directly to the carrier unless otherwise advised. Carrier addresses are provided on our website or by visiting or clicking
Carrier Contact Details on our website.
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Am I allowed to send Appalachian Underwriters a net check?
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No, most policies are direct billed to the insured. All checks should be sent to the carrier.
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When will I receive my commissions on bound policies?
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Appalachian Underwriters will issue a commission check for Direct Select policies (or Invoice on debts) within 60 days of the initial transition month end activity date. The initial 2 mth window allows for the proper download of carrier activity (normally 15 days) plus and additional 15 for the accounting department to process. Normal monthly checks will transpire from that month forward.
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