Posted On: July 24, 2008, 4:36 pm CDT

Posted By: Agent in Cincinnati

Notice that I am an "Agent in Cincinnati", not a Cincinnati Agent!

There is as reason for my making this distinction. That's because while it is not uncommon to find many agencies proudly representing CIC in other cities and towns, there are only a handful of agencies in the Cincinnati area that represent CIC. I've heard various rumors over the years as to why this is, but it is my understanding that the Schiff family wanted it that way - and any agent who seeks appointment in this geographic area must have the blessing of all the other CIC agents - which would have about as much chance of happening as a Flat Income Tax(can you say "restraint of trade"?).

This goes directly to the perception in these parts of CIC and their licensed agents. CIC is a TOUGH competitor around here and makes no bones about throwing it's weight around. Plus, due to their exclusive representation, Cincinnati area CIC agents are often times rather arrogant - as they see themselves as "The Chosen Ones". These traits have made the other agents in Cincinnati want to dance with glee when this news was released. Even postings on this site have mentioned that CIC is finally going to have it's day of reckoning!

Is this a case of jealousy? Are we like kids on the school playground watching the class bully be escorted to the principal's office?

Well, yes I suppose those of us who are not CIC agents (the "unclean" in the local Cincinnati area) are in a way.

Stock insurers serve two masters - policyholders and shareholders - and it is not often that their interests coincide. For many years CIC was able to balance the interests of both in a way that made other insurers green with envy. But now the game has changed.

Can CIC like the old Timex commercial, "take a lickin' and keep on tickin'"? I think they will, but one thing that might need to change is CIC's posture toward agency appointments in their own backyard and their attitude that they are the INVINCIBLE Cincinnati Insurance Company.