6/3/2021 Agents Confidential: Hurricane Season, E&O Claims, and an In-Person Ruble

https://faia.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9ODM5MDE5NCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9ODA4MjM2ODUz 1/7

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FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AGENTS

for your eyes only

JUNE 3, 2021 | VOLUME LXX, ISSUE 19

Help Shape FAIA's Priorities

FAIA has a long history of dedicated volunteer leaders who give their time and talent tobenefit independent agents and the insurance industry as a whole. As the world emergesfrom a global pandemic and Florida’s insurance industry faces extraordinary challenges,your input regarding FAIA’s upcoming Plan of Work is more important than ever. Recently you should have received an email asking you to volunteer for one of FAIA’scouncils, committees, or task forces. Whether it’s a legislative or regulatory issue, YoungAgents, mentorship, or workforce development that interests you, we have opportunitiesfor you to get involved. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to shape your association’s priorities; volunteertoday!

GET INVOLVED

INDUSTRY AFFAIRS

OIR Approves Citizens' Commercial LinesChanges

Citizens received approval from the Office of Insurance Regulation(OIR) for commercial lines, 2021 rate, rating rules, and form changes.

6/3/2021 Agents Confidential: Hurricane Season, E&O Claims, and an In-Person Ruble

https://faia.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9ODM5MDE5NCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9ODA4MjM2ODUz 2/7

Vice President ofMembership &

Industry RelationsDave Newell

The changes apply to new and renewal policies with effective dateson or after August 1, 2021. The base rate changes vary by policy typeand currently are subject to a 10 percent cap, excluding coveragechanges, mitigation adjustments, A-rated risks, sinkhole losscoverage rate changes, surcharges, and a required rapid cash-build-up provision for the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), ifapplicable.

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DOL Withdraws Worker Classification Rule

Vice President &General Counsel

Laura Pearce

Late last year, the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a rule thatwould have made it easier to classify workers as independentcontractors. The proposed rule adopted an "economic reality" test fordetermining which workers qualify as independent contractors,explaining that contractors must be in business for themselves ratherthan being economically dependent on the possible employer forwork. Initially set to take effect on March 8, 2021, the proposed rulehas been withdrawn.

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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Advocacy Matters

Director ofGovernment Affairs

BG Murphy

There is no doubt that the 2021 Legislative Session produced manyvictories for the independent agents of Florida. With your help andparticipation, FAIA checked off every box on the Legislative Plan ofWork. The advocacy work done over the summer is equally, if notmore, important as the work done during committee weeks andSession. Now is the time for advocates to educate, vet, and preparebills to be heard during the Legislative Session. Fortunately, FAIA hastwo great events coming up where agents will have the opportunity tomeet with and hear from industry stakeholders on the critical issuesahead of us.

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FAIA's Legislative Summary Now Available

6/3/2021 Agents Confidential: Hurricane Season, E&O Claims, and an In-Person Ruble

https://faia.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9ODM5MDE5NCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9ODA4MjM2ODUz 3/7

FAIA has prepared its 2021 Legislative Summary, featuring eight bills of importance toinsurance agents. Only one bill on FAIA's list of priorities has been signed by the governorto date. As the others are signed (and most are expected to be), the summary will beupdated.

EDUCATION

July Ruble to Be In Person!Are you ready to get back into the classroom? If the answer is yes,FAIA is excited to offer an in-person Ruble Graduate Seminar on July15–16 in Marco Island. This class will be the first in-person RubleFAIA has provided since the COVID-19 pandemic began over a yearago, and it will be our only in-person seminar this year.

REGISTER

Negotiating Conflict

EducationInstructor &

Insurance AnalystJeff Odom

Everyone hates conflict. Well, I won’t say everyone—some familymembers seem to thrive on it. The thing to remember about conflict isthat it is inevitable. So when it comes, and it will, knowing how toidentify the type of conflict will help you properly handle it. Negotiatingconflict can enhance workplace morale, improve office and clientrelationships, and save valuable time that can be used elsewhere.

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The Washed-Out Wedding

InsuranceConsultant David

Thompson

Another claim story so good you just can't make it up! It all starts witha wedding, a dress, and a hanger setting off an emergency sprinkler.It ends with a whopping $23,000 claim, subrogation papers, and adenied homeowners claim. David Thompson shares the whole storyand breaks down the nitty-gritty details. Keep reading to find out whathappened and why the "Distraught Dad's" claim was denied.

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6/3/2021 Agents Confidential: Hurricane Season, E&O Claims, and an In-Person Ruble

https://faia.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9ODM5MDE5NCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9ODA4MjM2ODUz 4/7

HURRICANE SEASON

Are You Ready?

Vice President ofMembership &

Industry RelationsDave Newell

Hurricane season began on June 1, and now is a good time to remindagents that FAIA has your back when it comes to hurricanepreparedness. Check out the Disaster Command Post and theassociation's Catastrophe Guide and develop your agency plan today.As the old saying goes: Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!

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Hurricanes and E&O Claims

FMS OperationsManager Amanda

Chatham

Hurricane season is here, and if the past few years are any indication,2021 will likely be an active season. Here's another way to help youprepare for the season: take a look at a few examples of recurringerrors & omissions claim scenarios from the past few years. One bigstorm is all it takes to flood your office with claims, and whether youragency is located along the coast or miles inland, now is the time toget prepared.

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TECHNOLOGY

ACT Releases New Cyber Self-Assessment ToolThe Big "I" Agents Council for Technology (ACT) has released theAgency Cyber-Readiness Self-Assessment, now available online as asupplement to the Agency Cyber Guide 3.0. Agencies can use thefree self-assessment tool to determine where they stand on cyberreadiness, including vulnerabilities, best practices, and compliancewith the ever-growing list of regulations and legislation surroundingcybersecurity compliance.

6/3/2021 Agents Confidential: Hurricane Season, E&O Claims, and an In-Person Ruble

https://faia.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9ODM5MDE5NCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9ODA4MjM2ODUz 5/7

Vice President &Chief Operating

Officer PaulPeeples

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EVENTS

The Countdown is on!In less than two weeks, FAIA will be hosting the 117th Convention and EducationSymposium at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. Whether you are looking tocatch up on continuing education, or want to meet your friends and colleagues in-personin the Exhibit Hall, there is something for you. Check out all the details and, if you haven'talready, register online!

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Catching Waves of Change in FAIA's Exhibit Hall

Director ofMembership

Melissa Weaver

FAIA’s 2021 Convention is right around the corner, and we are soexcited to be able to host this event! New to the exhibit hall this yearis our Waves Lounge. This lounge creates more networkingopportunities for agents and vendors, fun games to play, and seatingareas for meet and greet options. On Thursday, June 17, thebeverage break and the specialty popsicle break on Friday, June 18will be here also, so do not miss out! A special thanks to our WavesLounge sponsors: Ascendant Underwriters, Foremost, SLB, andStandard Premium Finance.

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6/3/2021 Agents Confidential: Hurricane Season, E&O Claims, and an In-Person Ruble

https://faia.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9ODM5MDE5NCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9ODA4MjM2ODUz 6/7

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Big I Hires, developed in partnership with IdealTraits, is a one-stop resource for independent insurance agencies to identify,hire, and assess producers and CSRs.

Trusted Choice released new summer social media content foragents to use. The content includes graphics and articles ontopics like boat safety, pool usage, and more. Visit the Contentto Share page and use the "Summer" filter to see what'savailable.

NEW MEMBERS

AGENCY MEMBERS

A&A Insurance Services Int, Inc.: West Palm BeachDavid A Beck, LLC dba Beck Agency: St. AugustineJetstream Insurance Group: Miami LakesNovakovich Insurance, LLC: St. PetersburgSeascape Insurance Group, Inc.: Port St. Joe

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

AssuranceAmerica Managing General Agency, LLC: Atlanta, GAFetch! Underwriting Made Easy: ClearwaterImprov Learning: Encino, CAInspection Xpress: West Palm BeachSynchrono Group, Inc. dba SynchronoSure: Raleigh, NC

HEADLINES

INDUSTRY NEWS

SUNZ Insurance Company: expanded into 13 states.Vertafore: released MarketTrends, which helps agencies identify coverage trends,cross-sell opportunities, and markets.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

6/3/2021 Agents Confidential: Hurricane Season, E&O Claims, and an In-Person Ruble

https://faia.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9ODM5MDE5NCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9ODA4MjM2ODUz 7/7

FAIA EVENTS

June 16–18, 2021: 117th Anniversary Convention and Education Symposium; RosenShingle Creek Resort, Orlando.August 17–20, 2021: Summer Leadership Conference; Naples Grande BeachResort, Naples.

LOCAL BOARD EVENTS

June 3, 2021: IA of Tampa Bay, Meet & Greet; In The Loop Brewing, Land O’Lakes.June 10, 2021: Pinellas AIA, June Mixer; Big Storm Brewery, Clearwater.

YOUNG AGENT EVENTS

June 16, 2021: YAC Golf Tournament at FAIA’s Convention; Orlando.Sept. 1–3, 2021: Sales & Leadership Conference, Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek,Orlando.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

July 21, 2021: Elevate Trilogy Part 2, the Data Event; Virtual.Sept. 28–Oct. 1, 2021: IIABA Education Convocation; Kansas City MarriottDowntown, Kansas City, MO.

A publication of the Florida Association of Insurance AgentsPO Box 12129, Tallahassee, FL 32317-2129850-893-4155 | Visit us online

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted inany form or by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise-without the priorwritten permission of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. FAIA does not give legal advice. Agents areurged to seek the counsel of a licensed Florida attorney familiar with the Florida Insurance Code.