As developments continue to unfold with the growing spread of COVID-19 and the impact it is having at the state, national and global level, your association continues to monitor the rapidly changing situation to make informed decisions regarding our classes/events, operations and assistance we can offer to our members. The Big I is continuing to update available resources to help member agencies better understand and respond to the insurance and workplace implications of the COVID-19 outbreak. We are here to help our members navigate this difficult time. Please reach out to us with questions if they are not covered in our resource center below.


Top News for Your Agency

October 14, 2020 Update: NCDOI Licensing Notice

All NC licensed insurance producers and adjusters whose Continuing Education (CE) compliance period ends in July, August, September, October and November 2020 (based on birth date) will be granted an extension through December 31, 2020 in order to meet the state mandated CE requirements. This includes NC nonresident adjusters with NC as the Designated Home State (DHS). If the CE requirements are not met by December 31, 2020, the license will be expired.
   

NCDOI Advisory to Companies on COVID-19 Savings Option and Reporting
NCDOI document which provides information about reporting requirements and a savings option that provides financial benefits for companies to their policyholders during the pandemic.

   

COVID-19 Filing Guidelines

NCDOI document which provides essential information to assist companies who wish to provide COVID-19 benefits to their Private Passenger Automobile and Homeowners policyholders in North Carolina.

   

Commissioner Causey Helps Insurers Offer Discounts to Policyholders

In regards to the discounts related to the COVID-19 pandemic that many insurers are nationally advertising, many of these tout a giveback, payback, return of premium, etc. The North Carolina Department of Insurance indicated to IIANC that their goal is to help companies who apply for these benefits (and each company will have to apply separately to the DOI) for their policyholders and do so within NC insurance laws. The Department has provided two options for insurers to consider that would accomplish the desire to provide a COVID-19 policyholder benefit discount to their NC customers without running afoul of NC rebate laws.

Top Resources for Your Agency

Returning to Work in the COVID-19 Environment
As states allow businesses to reopen, more guidelines and regulations are being put in place to help protect the health and safety of employees and customers. Read this article from IIABA for some helpful tips on several aspects, especially face coverings, personal protective equipment (PPE) and coronavirus screening.

  
A Workplace Checklist, New Benefit Rules
As state, local and municipal governments take steps to reopen businesses across the country, employers are taking a fresh look at their physical workspace, their workplace practices and their communication and training of employees to protect against the spread of the coronavirus and to protect their employees and clients. Affinity HR, a Big “I" Hires partner, created a checklist for employers to consider when planning to reopen. This checklist serves to provide ideas, resources and reminders on how to improve the level of safety and protection in your workplace. 

  
 Town Hall Tuesday: Update on COVID-19 Related Issues Impacting Independent Agencies
Our Town Hall style discussion was designed to keep you informed on the many updates and news relating to the COVID-19 pandemic that are affecting agencies. Check out past recordings at the link below.

 
IIABA: Coronavirus Resource Page for Clients
Trusted Choice® and the Big “I" created a landing page that contains resources you can share with your clients directly. Easy to navigate and featuring articles written in plain English geared toward any small business, this page can be linked directly from any individual independent agency's homepage. 

The page includes HR resources, CARES Act and FFCRA resources, FAQs for businesses, and planning, preparation and marketing resources. The page will continue to be updated with pertinent information.

 
Trusted Choice: Marketing in a Crisis
Marketing during a natural disaster or a crisis is of paramount importance. How your brand portrays itself during that time will be remembered. Make sure you listen and evolve your brand's tone to maintain a consistent message. Trusted Choice has added ready-to-use content for your social media platforms that you can easily add to your agency's channel, to help encourage consumer engagement and maintain a consistent presence!

 
Numerous Webinars and Videos Available
We have compiled a list of many webinars that are available on topics related to COVID-19, including remote working, best practices for Zoom, insurance related issues, insurance coverage, workplace topics, and more.

Class & Event Status

Get the latest updates on IIANC class and event cancellations and refund/transfer procedures. Classroom courses are currently cancelled through August 31.

CE & Licensing

IIANC has been in close communication with NCDOI regarding CE compliance deadline extensions and licensing issues. Get updates on the current status here.

Online Education

IIANC offers a variety of high-quality live and on-demand webinars to help you stay current with CE credits, professional development and skills training while classroom courses are cancelled.

Coverage Issues

Info to help agencies better understand coverage issues and respond to customers on topics like business income coverage and food delivery/auto exposures.

E&O Risk Management

The Big I Professional Liability program provides helpful risk management advice for agencies handling customer inquiries, including a sample letter that can be used and webinar.

State Updates

Get updates on the latest issues, executive orders and resources from NC, including the Shelter in Place order, unemployment benefits, disaster recovery loans and more.

Agency Operations

Variety of webinars and articles provide guidance on workplace issues, like remote work and maintaining operations, cyber security and financial assistance. 

Regulatory Updates

IIANC is in close consultation with the NCDOI to identify and address issues impacting agents. Get the latest regulatory updates and answers to your questions here.

Federal Updates

Get updates on the latest issues, legislation and resources from the federal level, including the CARES Act, Recovery Fund, tax credits and filing extensions, disaster recovery loans and more.