Search found 43 matches

by gforaker
Tue Aug 12, 2014 11:06 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Agency Management System
Replies: 243
Views: 2472915

Re: Agency Management System

Last time I looked at Hawksoft a few years ago, it seemed to be one of the better choices for a very small agency. It is minimal and not as complete as they like to claim, but still OK as a starter system. Give up on the Mac's. I know there are lots of Apple Fanboys out there and I use many Apple pr...
by gforaker
Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:48 pm
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Agency Management System
Replies: 243
Views: 2472915

Re: Agency Management System

I was going to say to myself "Geez, just what we need is to hear from another vendor or consultant." Then I saw who it is from. I don't think there is anyone who knows the topic better than Steve.
by gforaker
Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:09 pm
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Agency Management System
Replies: 243
Views: 2472915

Re: Agency Management System

Let's face it - both Applied and Vertafore are owned by Venture firms. Thier job (not the vendor, but the bankers) is to maximize the return to their investors. I agree that this is not relevant to this discussion, as we're talking about the VALUE to the users on the ground. Had to chuckle when the...
by gforaker
Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:57 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Agency Management System
Replies: 243
Views: 2472915

Re: Agency Management System

Our agency of 16 people is looking at switching from TAM to AMS 360. I have been a TAM user for many many years through 2 different agencies. In between both times using it I was at an agency that used AMS 360. In personal comparison, I like the TAM system better but could be just bias as I already...
by gforaker
Mon Nov 18, 2013 1:35 pm
Forum: Opinions
Topic: "Independent contractor" covered under "employer's" GL?
Replies: 2
Views: 8251

Re: "Independent contractor" covered under "employer's" GL?

A subcontractor is not covered as an insured on the insured's policy, but the association is covered. He needs to have his own GL coverage, but if drawn into the lawsuit, the association is covered. The company could then subrogate against the independent contractor who caused the damage. Recommend ...
by gforaker
Wed Oct 30, 2013 11:29 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Travelers reducing commissions
Replies: 69
Views: 219636

Re: Travelers reducing commissions

It's not an 8% cut, it's actually a 20% cut: 15% x .80 = 12%. Despite the cut, many agents will think it's great for awhile. Travelers will be highly competitive and get us to write our new business and force us to move many of our existing customers there with their new, lower rates. Then they'll ...
by gforaker
Wed Oct 09, 2013 11:28 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Erie Insurance, feedback please.
Replies: 7
Views: 18152

Re: Erie Insurance, feedback please.

They called on me several years ago. They definitely consider themselves on the Independent side, but want to be #1 in the agency. I can't answer about them having increased their commissions, but is sounds odd in this market. It might be a short time come-on for you. Check with some other Erie agen...
by gforaker
Mon Sep 16, 2013 10:53 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Will Insurance Co pay existing claim after cancelling?
Replies: 4
Views: 6866

Re: Will Insurance Co pay existing claim after cancelling?

Yes, they will still continue to pay the claim. The adjuster would probably not even know if you cancelled. I am more curious about the changes to the policy. It sounds like rather than increasing your premium because of the fire, the company found out your business risk was not what they expected. ...
by gforaker
Wed Aug 07, 2013 11:30 am
Forum: Hard-to-Place Accounts
Topic: Canadian Auto ID Cards
Replies: 2
Views: 9877

Re: Canadian Auto ID Cards

Our lead insurance company supplies them to us.
by gforaker
Tue Jul 23, 2013 11:25 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: The Age Old Question-How much to split
Replies: 10
Views: 30785

Re: The Age Old Question-How much to split

I'll tell you what. I will let you come into my agency and take it over. Just give me 70% of the commissions and you can run it and have the rest.
by gforaker
Fri Oct 26, 2012 10:43 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Designation Suggestions
Replies: 9
Views: 29417

Re: Designation Suggestions

I have had my CPCU designation for over 30 years and have taken and passed all of the CIC courses (though not in a 5 year period). I think that for most any producer or agent the CIC course would be better to start with. After the CIC you can take CPCU if you feel the need. I do have complaints abou...
by gforaker
Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:05 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Agent no legal duty to inform on cancellations?
Replies: 37
Views: 248320

Re: Agent no legal duty to inform on cancellations?

Sorry, ins-atty, but you are wrong We were sued for just this situation over 10 years ago. After almost a year of CSRs being called in for depositions and a drawn out lawsuit, we finally got off because we had a policy of calling no one on direct bill. The judge explicitly said he would have found a...
by gforaker
Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:48 am
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Agency Management System
Replies: 243
Views: 2472915

Re: Agency Management System

The latest word on the street is that Applied is a bit higher on the purchase, but AMS is higher for support. That is just 2nd hand info, I have no figures. Hawksoft is fine for a first system, but won't do many things TAM can do. Check with your Applied sales rep for full details. I;m sure they hav...
by gforaker
Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:34 pm
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Do you purchase Damage Waiver when renting a car?
Replies: 24
Views: 34657

Re: Do you purchase Damage Waiver when renting a car?

That is a silly comparison comparing CDW to Life Insurance. You should insure the catastrophes that you can not afford to pay and retain or self insure the other smaller risks you can afford to pay. Life Insurance is the former and CDW is usually the later. If paying a CDW claim over and above your ...
by gforaker
Thu Dec 15, 2011 1:21 pm
Forum: Opinions
Topic: Agency Management System
Replies: 243
Views: 2472915

Re: Agency Management System

People don't hire consultants because their systems don't work right, it is because their systems are so complete and customizable that no one person can easily be an expert in all areas of their management system and how to use it the best possible way. Larger agencies have IT people to study and i...