Appalachian Underwriters



1047750Access, Choice, IndependenceWe ease the stress of growth by making business easyWHO WE AREThe Direct Select Agencies program has brought together years of insurance experience, the best carriers in the business and the best of breed technology to create a turnkey program for agents seeking to enter the independent agency business or take their current business to new heights. Whether agents are moving from the “captive environment” or a producer making the big step of opening their own agency, or an independent looking to grow, ownership can be rewarding yet stressful. ? Direct Select Agencies, was developed by agency principals that know what it takes to succeed. We have brought together a collection of products and services that will allow agents to hit the ground running, start selling almost immediately, and experience success. If agents are not successful, then we are not successful. The Direct Select Agencies program provides producers a suite of insurance products designed to create efficiency and choice and ease the stress of growing their business. Access to our markets will help close the product gaps agents might have, allowing them to serve clients fully, while maintaining their independence. THE PROGRAMSThe Direct Select Agencies program makes doing business easy for agents and their clients by providing agents access to an array of Personal and Commercial insurance products using 3 access options. Either online with Underwriter support or from the office through direct sub-appointments with our carriers, agents will have real-time access to preferred national carriers. Additionally, agents will have access to one of the strongest Excess and Surplus lines companies in the industry for virtually any hard to place Personal or Commercial risks through our Parent Company Appalachian Underwriters Inc. Direct Select Agencies approved agents, can provide the service and options clients want, in a time frame that clients have come to expect.Access OptionsEach access option is designed to easily fit into any agent’s business model. Market AccessAdvisor AgentExclusive Agent Market Access is a wholesale model that allows agents to access our carriers through our comparative rating engine, provided by EZLynx. Agents can complete data entry and see rates within seconds from multiple carriers. Our experienced Underwriting staff will review referrals and issue once approved, and payment provided. Advisor Agent is a program designed to let agents drive the conversation and control the purchasing process from their office. Advisor Agent provides sub-appointment codes to a variety of Preferred Personal Lines carriers along with access to our comparative rater provided by EZLynx. Advisor Agent provides quote, issue, and service without referring to one of our Underwriters. The Exclusive Agent program provides the same benefits as an Advisor Agent, with the added access to Commercial Lines carriers. The Exclusive Agent program expands an agent’s portfolio, in house and without underwriter referral. To Get Appointed with Direct Select Agencies submit the following items:Completed agency agreement forms Copy of Current E&O Dec PageCompleted Pre-Authorization Deposit Form and a Copy of a Voided CheckSigned & Dated Contract PageSigned & Completed W-9 formCopy of Resident & Non-Resident Agency LicensesCopy of Surplus Lines Resident & Non-Resident Agent(s)/Broker(s) License(s) (if applicable)Payment for Membership Fee.For Advisor or Exclusive Agent programs:Our staff will assist agents with completing the sub-code applications and submit to our carriers.The carrier will review and process the appointment paperwork.Once the carrier(s) approve the application a sub-code will be issued to the agent. Exhibit BAccess LevelMonthly CostsNotesMarket Access$50 1 user Provides agents with wholesale access to multiple carriers via online comparative rater.?Additional user access for $30 a month???Advisor Agent$100 1 user Provides agents with direct carrier appointments to Personal Lines carriers?Additional user access for $30 a month???Exclusive Agent$150 1 user Provides agents with direct carrier appointments to Personal Lines and Commercial Lines carriers?Additional user access for $30 a monthPROGRAM REQUIREMENTSMarket AccessAppointed with Appalachian Underwriters Inc.Approved with Direct Select Agencies Executed Agency AddendumMaintain current monthly feeAdvisor AgentAppointed with Appalachian Underwriters Inc Approved with Direct Select Agencies and CarriersExecuted Agency Addendum3 Years’ experience as an Owner/ PrincipleMaintain monthly program feeDirect Select in-force premium of $100k+1 policy per week, per appointmentMinimum profitability of 52%Exclusive AgentAppointed with Appalachian Underwriters Inc Approved with Direct Select Agencies and CarriersExecuted Agency Addendum5 Years’ experience as an Owner/ PrincipleMaintain monthly program feeDirect Select in-force premium of $250k+1 policy per week, per appointmentMinimum profitability of 52%PROGRAM BENEFITSDirect Select Agencies provide agents the products and tools to help drive real results. From best in class carriers to experienced support staff, and a variety of tools in-between, agents have all the options in a 1 stop solution. When an agency becomes a part of our program they gain access to our markets to round out their product portfolio. Additionally, we provide various software and service to round out the operations, so agents can focus on growing a business.Wholesale access to available carriers. Direct appointments to available carriersComparative rater provided by EZLynxPersonal EZLynx subscriptionLoad current appointments into the comparative rater for a robust quote offeringImproved workflow within the system to refer, communicate, and request bindWholesale access to All Direct Select carriers.Fixed 6% commission on business placed through Direct Select Market AccessEnhanced Direct Select Agencies website with chatPlatinum Service on Appalachian Underwriters E & S submissionsAgents can roll in-force Direct Select policies to their new sub-codesAgents can produce business in any state where they hold a valid producers license. PROGRAM COMMISSIONSContracts with Direct Select Agencies offers a commission split on the business written through our carrier partners. Direct Select Agencies will receive commissions from the carrier and distribute to the agency each month. Commissions are calculated based on the access point in which the policy was issued. Exhibit ACommission percentages are based on admitted Personal Lines businessCommission percentages are subject to maintaining a profitability threshold of 52%Profitability will be measured quarterly2 Consecutive negative quarters may result in lowering the commission splitCommission percentages are for sub appointments obtained with participating carriersSafeco, Travelers, Kemper, and AlliedSurplus lines policies will not count to the overall size of the mission tiers will be evaluated bi-annually and adjusted, with notice, accordingly. Net monthly commissions will be calculated by adding new, endorsement, and renewal business, less chargebacks. Chargeback premium includes policy cancellations and MVR usage. All commissionable and chargeback activity will be listed on the monthly commissions statement. CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTSFor agents seeking a sub-appointment codes we require the agent to enter into a formalized program agreement. Below are a few important highlights of our Producers Agreement.Defines Direct Select Agencies (Appalachian Underwriters Inc) and the agent’s responsibilities.Details Direct Select Agencies right to take corrective action should it be necessary. States Direct Select Agencies course of action if the agreement is terminated and defines termination. States that agents will be prohibited from seeking an appointment directly with any carrier that Direct Select Agencies have provided a sub appointment for. Expresses Direct Select Agencies cannot guarantee that all carriers will approve a request for sub agent appointment.PRODUCTSDirect Select Agencies agents will have access to a variety of products regardless of the access point. From personal Auto to Workers Compensation products, Direct Select Agencies have the markets agents desire to make business easy. *subject to certain state restrictionsPersonal lineso??? Autoo??? Dwelling Fireo??? Homeo??? ATVo??? Manufactured/Modularo??? JetSport Watercrafto??? Umbrellao??? Golf Cart??? o??? Motorcycleo??? Motorhomeo??? Watercrafto??? Collector Autoo??? PAFo??? Seasonal/Secondary HomeCommercial Lines of Businesso??? Autoo??? Homeo??? BOPo??? Workers Comp??? o??? CPLo??? Garageo??? Fleeto??? Contractor LiabilitySpecialty lines pageThrough our parent company Appalachian Underwriters we are able to offer a wide selection of specialty lines of insurance to help agents grow their agency. o??? Coastal Homeo??? Floodo??? High Value Homeo??? Earthquakeo??? Vacant Dwellingo??? Collectionso??? Builder’s Risko??? Dwelling Fireo??? Farmo??? Low Value Homeo??? Condoo??? Short-Term Rentalo??? Umbrellao??? Seasonal/Secondaryo??? Home Based Businesso??? Special EventsCARRIERSDirect Select Agencies agents will have access to a variety of carriers regardless of the access point. All of the carriers on the Direct Select Agencies platform are rated A or better, giving agents and insureds assurance they needs will be in great hands.TravelersSafecoAllied/NationwideKemperKemper SpecialtyNational GeneralUSLIRLINautilusAmerican ModernMarkelAegisChubbMet Life CommercialCNAWestgateBurlingtonWEBSITEWe’ve developed a Direct Select Agencies only website for improved efficiency. Agents will have access to the many features our website offers, such as, training materials, webinars, and field underwriting guidelines for each carrier. Carrier brochures and marketing material will also be available. We have also enhanced our website with Live Chat assistance, so visitors can reach our staff either by phone or online for immediate assistance. The Direct Select Agencies website has all the tools necessary for agents to operate efficiently for any of the 3 access points. ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICESAs agency principals we understand that product alone will not make an agency grow as fast and run as efficiently as desired. That is why we have assembled the other critical pieces of the independent agency puzzle. These products and services include:On line rating and submission of specialty products. We offer on line access to our many insurance products. We utilize web portals where agents can quote and submit business on line. This service is available for both Personal lines and Commercial lines. In addition, we have developed a product matrix that with a few quick questions will direct agents to the correct product for their client’s needs.Agency management system, in today’s fast paced environment it is important to have the insured’s information available at the touch of a button and from anywhere there is internet access. We have partnered with EZLynx to provide agents the opportunity to obtain a state of the art management system. This is an essential piece of the independent agency structure.E&O insurance. Some E&O carriers have lengthy applications and very slow turn around on quotes. We have developed a program that allows agents to rate and bind their own E&O coverage at a very competitive price. This is a simplified issue program that is very easy to process. This coverage applies to all the carriers an agency represents. Convenient Premium Financing options for most surplus and commercial lines policies sold through the program. IPFS is our premium finance company, dedicated to helping build and maintain business by offering competitive financing arrangements, interest rates and payment terms second to none in the industry and a willingness to work with the agents and insured to keep policies in effect.FAQWe know you may have questions regarding the program, so we have put together a short Q&A that may address some of your initial questions. Please call or email with any questions or if you need clarification on any of the answers provided below.Agent FAQsQ: What is Direct Select?A: Direct Select Agencies, a division of Appalachian Underwriters Inc, is a wholesaler services provider that offers market access to national carriers and real-time comparative rating for both commercial and personal lines across the U.S.Q:What are the insurance products Direct Select provides to agents?A:Direct Select Agencies provides personal and commercial insurance products to agents. In addition, we provide a wide variety of specialty and surplus products through our parent company Appalachian Underwriters Inc. Q:What are some of the services you offer that help my agency to succeed?A:In addition to the insurance products we offer to your agency, we have a agents E&O program, a comparative rater (for the personal lines markets we provide), an agency management system, website developments services, and premium financing and on-line rating for many of our surplus insurance products. Q:Who owns the book of business?A:Policies issued through the Direct Select Agencies Program are owned by Direct Select, however you own the relationship with your client.Q:What are the costs to join and are there any monthly fees?A:There are no sign-up fees and the monthly fees are variable depending on which access point you sign up for. The monthly fee covers all the products and services provided for each access point. Q:Are there any minimum productions requirements?A:Minimum production requirements vary based on access point. Q:How fast can I start producing business through Direct Select?A:Our agents usually are up and running within few business days?Q:Am I limited to writing business in just my home state?A:No, you will be able to write business in any state that you hold a current license, provided that the carriers do business in that state.Q: How long is the approval process?A: The level of access applied for will dictate how long the approval will take. Market Access will be approved within 24 hours of meeting all membership requirements. Advisor and Exclusive Agent programs can take 14 business days. Agents are also required to submit a copy of their E&O declarations page, copy(s) of your state licenses and a signed copy of the AUI/DSA Producer Agreement.Q:Do I really need three years of experience to get an appointment?A: Yes. Exceptions may be requested, and we will evaluate those requests on a case-by-case basis.Q:How many users can my agency have on this account?A:Each access point is afforded 1 user with your monthly subscription; all other users will be an additional charge per month.Q: What Program Options and Products do you have available?A: Direct Select Agencies offers the following program options for your agency:Market Access ($50 per month for personal lines)- wholesale access to all of our carriers for personal lines.Advisor Agent ($100 per month for personal lines, additional users $30 per month) - Quote under your sub-appointments through Direct Select Agencies for personal lines.Exclusive Agent ($150 per month for personal lines, additional users $30 per month) - Quote personal and commercial carriers under your sub-appointments through Direct Select Agencies.Q:How does my agency become appointed with Direct Select Agencies and/or Appalachian Underwriters, Inc.?A: Complete all Agency Agreement forms.Return by email to appointment@ or by fax to 866-422-9637 with the following supporting documents Copy of Current E&O Dec PageCompleted Pre-Authorization Deposit Form and a Copy of a Voided CheckCompleted Agency Application FormSigned & Dated Contract PageSigned & Completed W-9 formCopy of Resident & Non-Resident Agency LicensesCopy of Resident & Non-Resident Agent(s) LicensesCopy of Surplus Lines Resident & Non-Resident Agent(s)/Broker(s) License(s) (if applicable)Submit Payment for Membership Fee.Q:Will I be assigned a Marketing Representative? A:Yes, a representative, which we call our Territory Underwriter Managers, will be assigned to you based on your location. Q:Do you offer premium financing? A:Yes. We have several financing programs available for our Surplus lines such as, Commercial Specialty, Personal Lines, and Brokerage policies. To qualify for premium financing, total premium of the policy must exceed $1000. Any premium less than $1000 must be paid in full. Outside premium finance sources are accepted. Premium financing is not available on admitted, direct billed policies.Q:Do I have binding authority? A:Depends! On Market Access, No. Those quotes have to be referred to a DSA underwriter for review and issuance. You’ll be part of the process, and no policies will be issued without your approval. For Advisor and Exclusive agents, Yes. Quote, issue, and service without an underwriter referral. You’re in the driver seat. Q:Will you assign an underwriter to my agency?A: When you are an Advisor or Exclusive Agent partner, you are assigned a Territory Underwriter Manager. The TUMs are responsible for day to day interaction with you and your staff as you navigate through building your business including Underwriting review, issuance assistance, and profit management. (TUMs are your resource to limit the heartburn of growing your business) Q: How many quotes should I expect to receive on each submission?A:Quote results will vary based on product, geography, carrier appetite, and risk criteria. Normally, each personal lines risk returns 1-2 quotes.Q: Who decides which carriers will be quoted? A:Whether using wholesale access or sub-appointment access, the carrier appetite and underwriting guidelines determine whether your risk will be quoted. Direct Select Agencies Underwriters will provide a quote from each carrier that has an appetite for your risk when a risk is submitted using Market Access. We do not decide which carriers to present. For Advisor and Exclusive Agent programs, you control which carrier to present to the named insured from the quotes returned. Q: If I have appointments with some or all your carriers, can you provide quotes under my producer codes?A:Direct Select Employees will not be able to provide rates using your producer codes. However, with our contract you receive personalized access to EZLynx regardless of your access level. This access will allow you to load your carriers onto EZLynx so that you can have a single point of entry, bridge, and bind. Q: How does a policy get delivered to the insured?A: Our carriers mail the policy directly to your insured. Q: How do I access a quote?A: Your applications and quote results are stored on your EZLynx dashboard. Log in to your EZLynx account to access any quote you’ve entered into the system Q: Is a signed application necessary?A: In most cases yes, the insured is required to send back a signed application.Q: Can I pay the down payment or entire premium by sending Direct Select Agencies a check?A: No. Policies are direct billed to the insured. All checks should be sent to the carrier. Q: When will I receive my commissions on sold policies?A: Direct Select Agencies will pay due commission when we receive payment from the carrier, which is typically 30-45 days after the effective date of the policy. This is true in most instances regardless of when or how your customer made their premium payment to the carrier. Direct Select Agencies pays commissions once a month if your agency is due commissions. Q: Can I use my current premium finance company? A:No, outside premium financing is not allowed on direct billed policies. However, if you choose to purchase a surplus policy, financing option are available, and you can use your own as well. Q: Does Direct Select Agencies charge brokerage fees, or do you allow my agency to charge fee? A: No, Direct Select Agencies does not charge brokerage fees. Direct Select Agencies has never charged brokerage fees on the policies it sells. Agents can charge broker fees in certain states; however, this will be independent of Direct Select Agencies. The Direct Select Agencies Producer Agreement states that if your agency decides to charge a brokerage fee to your insureds, your agency will adhere to all state insurance laws, provide the required disclosure(s), and will obtain customer authorization, signatures and acknowledgements regarding broker fees.Q: Once appointed, can my agency use the Direct Select Agencies logo or the logos of the carriers that Direct Select Agencies represents?A: Carrier logos may not be used without the express and written consent from each carrier. However, the Direct Select Agencies logo may be used. You must email our office with your marketing plan and receive approval from an authorized representative of Direct Select Agencies.Q.Will my agency name appear on any Declarations Page or Billing Documents?A. No, not on Market Access issued policies. All documents will have the name Appalachian Underwriters (our parent company) on them. Policies sold under an Advisor or Exclusive Agent contract will show your agency name. Q.Will I have access to all carriers Direct Select Agencies carriers? A.Yes. With our contract you receive personalized access to EZLynx regardless of your access level. This provides you the ability to see quote results from all our carriers. However, not all carriers write insurance in each state. ................
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