Insurance for Your Agency
Agency Shield Program
- An exclusive loss control service for Westport E&O policyholders
- 10 percent discount on Westport E&O policy upon successful
completion
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What is the Agency Shield Program?
This program is available exclusively to Westport E&O policyholders. It is an agency E&O loss control assessment program – a self-audit tool with consultation from Westport loss control staff – to help agencies reduce E&O exposure, improve client service and build sustainable agency procedures. Download the Agency Shield Program brochure.
How does it work?
After signing the Purchaser Agreement and paying the program fee, your agency will receive details on how to get started from the program coordinator at Westport. You will appoint one person in your agency – the Agency Shield Program Champion – who will be the main contact for the program and will manage all the details from beginning to completion. The Champion will complete an internet-based comprehensive survey customized to your agency size and operations. The completed survey is returned to the program coordinator. The program accreditation staff at Westport will review the results and return a fully customized and completed project tracking sheet, which acts as a guide to help you resolve any issues identified in the survey. When all the issues have been addressed, the accreditation staff approves the agency for the E&O discount.
How much is the discount and how long does it last?
Upon approval by the Westport accreditation staff, your agency qualifies for a 10 percent discount on your next Westport renewal. The discount is applied for the next two renewals (a total of three years). Prior to the fourth renewal, you must complete a recertification process in order to continue receiving the discount for another three years.
How much does the program cost?
Your cost for participating in the Agency Shield Program depends on the size of your agency, meaning the total number of persons shown in Question #7a on your last Westport E&O application. Here is the pricing matrix.
Agency Staff Size |
Price |
1 |
$250 |
2-7 |
$600 |
8-20 |
$800 |
21-50 |
$1,200 |
51+ |
$2,000 |
How much time will this take, from beginning to end?
This will depend somewhat on the size and complexity of your agency, as well as the results of the survey. There are two parts to the process. First, the Agency Champion completes the survey at their own pace, but typically it can be completed in 1-7 days. Then, based on the survey responses, the Agency Shield Program Coordinator provides Project Tracking Sheets which typically can take from 3-12 months to complete. The Coordinator will work with you to set up a timeline geared to your expectations. It is flexible and can be adjusted based on your needs.
Will the Westport E&O underwriter review our completed survey?
No. The information you provide about your agency in the Agency Shield Program will not be made available to Westport or IIAT for the purposes of underwriting, except to the extent that they will be advised that your agency has completed the program in order to determine if a premium credit should be applied.
Is the Agency Shield Program intended to replace the agency audit
discount?
Yes. If your agency currently receives the 10 percent discount for completing the agency audit with a Westport-approved consultant, that discount will expire with your first renewal after Aug. 31, 2011. You will need to participate in the Agency Shield Program prior to that renewal in order to re-qualify for the discount.
Will we lose the discount if we have a claim?
No. The credit is applied for three years regardless of claim activity.
Will we be provided with forms, checklists and manuals if they are required?
Yes, sample form letters and instructions will be provided when appropriate. If a recommendation is made to use a checklist or other type of document, the agent will be referred to the Big I professional liability risk management website, E&O Happens (www.independentagent.com/eohappens) for any supplemental materials.
Once we complete the program, can we still contact the Agency Shield Program Coordinator with questions?
Yes. The Agency Shield Program Coordinators are always available to assist with questions regarding loss control.
How do we get started?
Call 800.880.7428 or e-mail David Surles or Jennifer Fudge and we will send an Invoice and Agreement for your review and signature. Return the agreement with a check payable to IIAT Insurance Agency, P.O. Box 684487, Austin TX 78768.
Who do I contact for more information?
David Surles or Jennifer Fudge at 800.880.7428 or dsurles@iiat.org or jfudg@iiat.org.
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Another exclusive Independent Insurance Agents of Texas member service.
Contact David Surles today for more information • 800.880.7428.
IIAT Insurance Agency is endorsed by and consideration is paid to the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
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