EDUCATION CALENDAR

ATTENTION - ALL CLASS COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS WITH WHICH YOU REGISTER! 

Questions? Contact the Big I Maryland Education Department at education@bigimd.com or (410)-766-0793. 

Education Calendar

    • December 04, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Watch Your Six - A Half Dozen Ethics Scenarios for Insurance Professionals (ABEN)

    Course #109435 | 3 Ethics

    For instructors as well as producers, the ongoing study of professional ethics is a continuing education class struggle. By the very nature of the subject, ethics classes run the risk of being filled with platitudes or devolving into sermons. Platitudes and sermons do not make for good attendee engagement, which ultimately hurts the effectiveness of the class.

    This seminar uses a few minutes to make this point and to explain what follows. The first hour is to demonstrate that professional ethics are worth studying – and worthy of continuing education – and do have a few objective characteristics to them. The hour concludes with a brief review of how professional ethics is good in theory and often quite bad in practice – it looks at the process of “moral disengagement” from an Insurance Journal article.

    The second and third hour seek to engage the students by reviewing actual, case-based situations to determine the best ethical resolution and decide how the controversy could have been avoided. In each instance, the scenario presented is based on a real case. Students receive “resolution” of the dilemma by the discussion of the outcome of the case, but are also left to ponder some of the ethics quandaries that are embedded in each situation.

    • December 04, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Issues in Construction Bonds (ABEN)

    Course #107731 | 3 P&C

    This seminar is a wide-ranging examination of insurance related issues connected to bonding in the construction industry.  The approach of the seminar is to educate insurance professionals first and foremost about the various legal relationships in the typical commercial construction contract.  This includes a discussion of the design - bid - build methodology and also the construction management methodology for commercial construction contracts.  A brief review of the design - build method of construction is also included. 

    • December 04, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Ethics In The Insurance Industry (ABEN)

    Course #110764 | 3 Ethics

    This course will review of the foundations of ethical behavior, including terms and definitions, ethical vs. legal behavior, ethical considerations for insurance agents.  It will also review the steps agencies can take as an organization to eliminate many of the causes before they take place.

    • December 05, 2023
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    9 Rules for Reading An Insurance Policy (ABEN)

    Course #106859 | 2 P&C

    Insurance policies are subject to the standard law of contracts; but beyond simple contract law, insurance contracts are bound by unique provisions and requirements specific to insurance. An understanding of these unique legal characteristics is necessary to understand the insurance contract. Once the unusual characteristics of insurance contracts are understood, the rules for reading any insurance policy can be applied.

    • December 05, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    3 Keys to Getting the Named Insured Correct (ABEN)

    Course #106082 | 2 P&C

    Before any claim is paid, status as an insured must exist. Is the person or entity suffering or causing loss, injury or damage an insured? If the answer is no, there is no need to go any further. If insured status does not exist, all your hard work is wasted; no one will ever find out how good you are at designing coverage because you messed up at the beginning.

    • December 05, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    An Insurance Horror Story - Hoarders (ABEN)

    Course #111417 | 2 P&C

    This class will look at characteristics that lead to hoarding and examine reasons why insurance companies may not want to insure the increased risks hoarding can bring. It will take a look at some famous hoarders in history, and the obsessive need to keep items.

    We will discuss some of the different types of items that are hoarder and the general issues they can cause. We will review actual insurance claims involving hoarders and discuss other possibilities that could lead to claims, whether damage to the property or from the property.

    We will discuss how carriers can try to address the problem and discuss differences that make these unique claims handling situations.

    • December 05, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Risk Management: Understanding Risk Mitigation & E&O Claims (ABEN)

    Course #109030 | 3 P&C or L&H

    As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This interactive seminar looks at the risks of Error & Omission claim for an independent insurance agency. This course will serve as an update and reminder for insurance professionals about the risks of E&O claims and allegations and also the rewards an agency could earn for strong internal practices and good customer service. It is important to raise awareness of where E&O vulnerabilities exist and take the time to develop strong habits among agency personnel. This seminar will utilize claim statistics, case studies, storytelling, risk assessments and questionnaires to provide an engaging environment for participants to learn in.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understanding Agent Duties
    • Questionnaires and Coverage Checklists
    • The Role of Agency Procedures
    • An E&O Claims - 360 View
    Register Here
    • December 05, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Should I Do A Roth IRA? (ABEN)

    Course #110015 | 2 L&H

    Federal income taxes are at their lowest point in many years. With the National Debt over $30 Trillion, a rise in taxes is imminent. This seminar shows ways to create tax free money for the future. It emphasizes both the Individual Roth IRA and the Roth 401(k). 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • How/What Federal Income tax applies to
    • Types of Retirement Income
    • How a Roth IRA works and it's benefits
    Register Here
    • December 05, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Risk Management: Agency E&O Exposures and Defenses (ABEN)

    Course #109028 | 3 P&C or L&H

    As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This interactive seminar looks at the risks of Error & Omission claim for an independent insurance agency. This course will serve as an update and reminder for insurance professionals about the risks of E&O claims and allegations and also the rewards an agency could earn for strong internal practices and good customer service. It is important to raise awareness of where E&O vulnerabilities exist and take the time to develop strong habits among agency personnel. This seminar will utilize claim statistics, case studies, storytelling, risk assessments and questionnaires to provide an engaging environment for participants to learn in.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Agency Defenses: Documentation
    • E&O Exposures When Using Social Media
    • Limiting Exposures to Data Breaches
    • E&O Considerations of Agency Operations
    Register Here
    • December 05, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Flood Program Overview - NFIP Then & Now (ABEN)

    Course #106534 | 3 Flood

    In seminar, agents will learn the history, products & policies, general rules, claims process, and rating through the NFIP which would allow agents to better inform their customers. They will also receive clarification of the most recent and upcoming NFIP changes. Agents will be better able to advise their insureds on the intricacies of the flood insurance policy.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • National Flood Insurance Program Introduction
    • Flood Maps and Zone Determinations
    • Policies and Products
    • General Rules and Miscellaneous Rules
    • Elements of Rating
    • Claims Handling Process
    • Summary of Coverage 
    • Agent Resources
    Register Here
    • December 05, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    4 Key Personal & Commercial Lines Exposures Every Agent Must Understand (ABEN)

    Course #106083 | 2 P&C

    We cover a lot of ground in this 2 hour session – five topics to be exact - but when we are through, you will be better able to explain some of the new exposures, policy issues, and available options.

    You will also be more at ease with these “disruptors."

    Learning Objectives:

    • Understanding the Ridesharing Exposures and Coverage Options
    • Understanding the Home Sharing Exposures and Coverage Options
    • Understanding the Other “Property Pimping" Exposures
    • Understanding the Drone Exposure and Coverage Options
    • Do “Disruptors" Really Affect You
    • December 05, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    5 Contractor Coverage Concepts Every Agent Must Understand (ABEN)

    Course #106851 | 2 P&C

    Contractor risks are unique. Agents must understand these unique risks, exposures, and coverages to properly manage their contractor clients. This session focuses on five of the most common contractor risk exposures:

    • Contractual Risk Transfer
    • Properly Extending Insured Status
    • Business Auto Issues
    • Misuse of the Absolute Pollution Exclusion
    • Professional and Pollution Exposures Faced by Contractors

    A lot of material is covered in this fast-moving, two-hour session. Agents will be better prepared to analyze the risks presented by their contractor clients and know how to properly respond to their coverage needs and claim questions.

    • December 05, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Personal Lines Issues That Keep You Up At Night (ABEN)

    Course #107104 | 2 P&C

    Insurance is always easy…until the claim arrives. Then we start second guessing ourselves and hope, if not pray that all the right coverages are correct.  This course will take a detailed look at some of the more common mistakes made when writing Personal Lines coverage and how the claims adjusters responded.  We will review topics such as:

    • UBER & LYFT
    • Delivery Issues
    • Drones
    • VRBO
    • Company cars and the PAP
    • Motor Vehicles - How does my insurance cover all these toys?
    • Business in the Home
    • December 06, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    A True Crime Story - Wrong Way Driver (ABEN)

    Course #111424 | 1 P&C

    This course will discuss a four car accident which resulted in multiple fatalities. Attendees will learn what coverages were needed to respond to the loss and to the multiple lawsuits which arose from the loss.

    • December 06, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Cyber & Privacy Insurance - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #106649 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Our world is changing and we as agents & brokers need to help our clients understand the need to protect their businesses as technology impacts exposures in order to do this, we need to understand the exposure and coverage.

    A business used to feel fully protected when they purchased Property, General Liability, Auto and Workers' Compensation. A variety of emerging issues now require we pay special attention to exposures not adequately covered by the Business Owners or Package Policies. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • An Overview of the Insuring Agreements within a Cyber and Privacy Policy and the First-Party Post Breach Response Insuring Agreement
    • Third-Party Liability Insuring Agreements
    • First-Party Time Element Insuring Agreements
    • First-Party Theft of Property Insuring Agreements
    • Limits, Retentions, and Other Important Policy Provisions
    • Policy Exclusions
    Register Here
    • December 06, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Professional & Executive Liability Coverage Gaps & How To Fill Them - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #109588 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Errors and omissions by an insurance producer can be extremely costly and damaging to the producer’s professional reputation. This course is designed to help insurance agents and brokers prevent many types of errors and omissions involving commercial property insurance. The verb prevent is used here in the risk management sense. Loss prevention seeks to reduce the frequency or likelihood of claims. Complete avoidance is impossible. An agent or broker who has handled everything properly, following every guideline within this course, may still be sued for some alleged error or omission. However, the producer who successfully completes this course is less likely to be charged with an error or omission and will probably be better able to defend himself or herself against these allegations.

    Part 2 Covers:

    • Avoiding Directors and Officers (D&O) Errors and Omissions
    • Avoiding Errors with other Executive Liability, Crime Insurance
    Learning Objectives: 
    • Professional Liability Insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance;
    • Directors and Officers Liability Insurance;
    • Fiduciary Liability Insurance;
    • Employment Practices Liability Insurance; and 
    • Crime Insurance
    Register Here
    • December 06, 2023
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Commercial Property Coverage Gaps & How To Fill Them - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #109586 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Errors and omissions by an insurance producer can be extremely costly and damaging to the producer’s professional reputation. This course is designed to help insurance agents and brokers prevent many types of errors and omissions involving commercial property insurance. The verb prevent is used here in the risk management sense. Loss prevention seeks to reduce the frequency or likelihood of claims. Complete avoidance is impossible. An agent or broker who has handled everything properly, following every guideline within this course, may still be sued for some alleged error or omission. However, the producer who successfully completes this course is less likely to be charged with an error or omission and will probably be better able to defend himself or herself against these allegations.

    Chapter 1 sets the stage for a discussion of producer errors and omissions by summarizing agency law and how it affects insurance agents’ and brokers’ duties to both insurers and their clients. The course then deals specifically with some of the more common problems associated with the following:

    • Commercial Property Insurance (Chapters 2 & 3) - Part I & II
    • Time Element Insurance (Chapter 4) - Part II
    • Inland Marine Insurance (Chapter 5) - Part II
    Learning Objectives: 
    • Commercial Property Insurance
    • Equipment Breakdown Insurance
    • Business Interruption and Extra Expense Insurance
    • Commercial Inland Marine Insurance
    Register Here
    • December 07, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Insurance - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #110780 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to help insurance producers prevent claims based on alleged errors or omissions in performance of professional duties in selling and servicing personal auto and personal umbrella insurance. In this course:

    • Agent, broker, and producer are interchangeable terms
    • Prevent is used in the risk management sense - i.e., reducing the frequency or likelihood of claims

    Focal point of the course: the agent who fully understands and skillfully customizes coverage not only demonstrates his or her value to clients but also avoids errors and omissions (E&O) charges that can result from a failure to meet clients' needs.

    • After an in-depth analysis of the standard personal auto policy (PAP) and how it applies, this course shows how standard endorsements can customize coverage
    • A chapter examines common client questions and emerging issues: rental cars and transportation network companies
    • A final chapter emphasizes the important role of the personal umbrella
    • Each chapter concludes with sales tips and E&O loss control
    Register Here
    • December 07, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    To Be or Not to Airbnb - Sharing Exposures and Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #110192 | 2 P&C

    This course addresses aspects of the emerging sharing economy's use of personal autos and homes. It provides a discussion of the nature of these exposures and how Personal Auto policies and Homeowners policies respond. There is also a brief discussion of the impact these exposures can have on the Business Auto policies.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Discuss the Emergence of the Sharing Economy 
    • Understand the insurance applications of Auto Sharing
    • Understand the insurance applications of Home Sharing
    Register Here
    • December 07, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    The Many Faces of Insurance Fraud (ABEN)

    Course #111485 | 2 Ethics

    Did you know that fraud is like a parasite, feeding on the lifeblood of the insurance industry and causing billions in losses each year? Join Chuck Gallagher, a renowned expert in fraud prevention, for 'The Many Faces of Fraud: Shedding Light on the Tactics of Modern-Day Swindlers,' a captivating two-hour course that will empower you to thwart these financial predators.

    Chuck will guide you through the most common forms of insurance fraud, revealing the psychology and motivations of swindlers. Through real-life case studies and hands-on exercises, you'll learn practical strategies for identifying red flags and responding effectively to safeguard your organization.

    This course is perfect for claims adjusters, underwriters, agents, or any insurance professional seeking to fortify their defenses against fraud. Enroll now to gain invaluable insights and join the fight against these cunning adversaries!

    • December 07, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements & Personal Inland Marine - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #111008 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    The standard Homeowners policy provides broad coverage designed to meet the needs of the average American homebuyer. This "average" home owner may be single or married, with or without children, living in a free-standing single-family home. This typical home owner maintains a modest lifestyle, owns no unusual property, has no unusual hobbies or activities and is not the "exciting" cast of characters you would see in a reality TV show or sitcom. 

    To keep premiums reasonable - and for other reasons, these standard policies also exclude or limit coverage for insurable exposures that a minority of families face. These excluded exposures create coverage gaps that can often be filed for an additional premium, by modifying the standard policy's limits or other provisions, adding an appropriate endorsement, or purchasing an additional policy.

    This course is designed to help insurance practitioners identify and overcome many of the coverage caps, exclusions, limitations, and uninsured exposures their Homeowners clients face. The approach varies by topic, but the general goal is first to discuss circumstances that might create an atypical exposure or a need for additional insurance beyond that provided by a standard policy, and then to explain measures that can be used to eliminate this coverage gap by insuring or otherwise managing the exposure.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand the coverages provided by the HO6 and HO4 Homeowners Forms;
    • Have a better understanding of the nuances of insuring homes held in trust;
    • Have solid knowledge of common coverage gaps that individual and families face with respect to their real and personal property; residential liability; business or professional activities;
    • Understand the policy coverage provisions, exclusions, and limitations that lead to these coverage gaps or inadequacies;
    • Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe pertinent coverage gaps in the insurance programs of current and prospective clients;
    • Know how to address the gaps by making appropriate changes to the policy, recommending an additional line of insurance to cover the gaps, or using noninsurance approaches; and 
    • Use approaches that result in properly coordinated Homeowners and Personal Inland Marine programs
    Register Here
    • December 07, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    How To Thrive In An Ever Changing Work Environment (ABEN)

    Course #110073 | 1 P&C

    This course will address the positive effects that Organizational Culture can have on your agency. While many E&O classes focus on mistakes employees can make that create potential problems, this course will attempt to create an awareness that there are steps we can take as an organization in creating a positive agency culture, that can eliminate many potential E&O issues before they arise. Employees that thrive work better together, collaborte better and communicate better, thus reducing the exposure for E&O loss. The course will also discuss the ever-changing Personnel Management issues of remote workforces and how they contribute to your organizations culture and success. 


    • December 08, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Agency Management Based E&O and Ethics (ABEN)

    Course #109951 | 3 Ethics

    This is not your usual Ethics and E&O course.  Rather than focusing on what you’re doing wrong, this program deals with structuring your agency in a way that will reduce the likelihood of having an E&O claim while firmly establishing proper ethical standards.  We will address some issues every organization needs to face such as: Agency Culture, Management Styles, Policy and Decision Making, Team Building,  Ethics through Transparency.  By establishing a proper culture within the agency, managing E&O exposures and setting professional ethical standards becomes much more efficient and effective.

    Please Note: This class does not qualify for any E&O premium discounts!
    • December 08, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding the Insurance Industry: From Regulations to Operations (ABEN)

    Course #106854 | 3 P&C

    Insurance is regulated at the state level, but this has not always been the case. Philosophical differences regarding antitrust and regulation in general have altered the course of insurance regulation twice in the last 80 years.

    Within this heavily regulated industry, three distinct types or "styles" of insurance exist in the modern economy: 1) Private; 2) Social; and 3) Public Guarantee Insurance. Other than most "public gurantee" schemes, insurance carriers provide the majority of insurance products consumed in the US. 

    Insurance carriers juggle five main functions and, to varying degress, three minor functions. Major functions include: ratemaking; new business production; underwriting; loss adjustment; and investing. Minor carrier functions include engineering and loss control; legal counsel; and accounting. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • The purpose of and need for insurance regulation;
    • The regulatory past and present of insurance;
    • The types of insurance products;
    • The functions within an insurance carrier;
    • The non-regulatory "authorities" insurance carriers depend upon to do their job; and 
    • The needs met by various insurance industry trade associations
    Register Here
    • December 08, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Torts, Negligence and Legal Liability (ABEN)

    Course #106859 | 3 P&C

    Coverage Part A of the commercial general liability (CGL) policy begins: "We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of 'bodily injury' or 'property damage' to which this insurance applies." Somewhat similar wording is found in the business auto policy, and most "general" liability coverage. These policies extend coverage when the insured is "legally liable" for specific injury or damage. But what is legal liability and how does the insured become legally liable? 

    Legal liability is imposed by statute or the corts on the person or entity responsible for causing financial injury or damage to another "person". Legal liability can arise from intentional acts, unintentional acts or contracts (express or implied). 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Define and differentiate between "public wrongs" and "private wrongs"
    • Introduce the various types of "torts"
    • Detail the concept of "negligence"
    • Define "damages"
    • Break down causation and ultimate liability 
    • Introduce several common and unique legal theories related to degrees of negligence 
    Register Here
    • December 08, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Insurance - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #110781 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to help insurance producers prevent claims based on alleged errors or omissions in performance of professional duties in selling and servicing personal auto and personal umbrella insurance. In this course:

    • Agent, broker, and producer are interchangeable terms
    • Prevent is used in the risk management sense - i.e., reducing the frequency or likelihood of claims

    Focal point of the course: the agent who fully understands and skillfully customizes coverage not only demonstrates his or her value to clients but also avoids errors and omissions (E&O) charges that can result from a failure to meet clients' needs.

    • After an in-depth analysis of the standard personal auto policy (PAP) and how it applies, this course shows how standard endorsements can customize coverage
    • A chapter examines common client questions and emerging issues: rental cars and transportation network companies
    • A final chapter emphasizes the important role of the personal umbrella
    • Each chapter concludes with sales tips and E&O loss control
    Register Here
    • December 08, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    What a Crime - Understanding Crime Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #111652 | 3 P&C

    This seminar will explore the need for crime insurance and explain the methods of writing crime insurance. Participants will learn the difference in the Loss Sustained and the Discovery forms of crime policies and examine some of the most widely needed crime insurance forms. The course concludes by examining crime insurance exclusions and policy conditions.

    • December 08, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    To Simply Comply or Truly Excel Ethically (ABEN)

    Course #108862 | 1 Ethics

    This course will address why corporate ethics can't and shouldn't be reduced to simple compliance. Participants will be encourages to consider a framework focused on behavior and virtues that can lead to excelling ethically and an even greater success and service for our industry and the consumers we serve. 

    • December 08, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements & Personal Inland Marine - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #111009 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    The standard Homeowners policy provides broad coverage designed to meet the needs of the average American homebuyer. This "average" home owner may be single or married, with or without children, living in a free-standing single-family home. This typical home owner maintains a modest lifestyle, owns no unusual property, has no unusual hobbies or activities and is not the "exciting" cast of characters you would see in a reality TV show or sitcom. 

    To keep premiums reasonable - and for other reasons, these standard policies also exclude or limit coverage for insurable exposures that a minority of families face. These excluded exposures create coverage gaps that can often be filed for an additional premium, by modifying the standard policy's limits or other provisions, adding an appropriate endorsement, or purchasing an additional policy.

    This course is designed to help insurance practitioners identify and overcome many of the coverage caps, exclusions, limitations, and uninsured exposures their Homeowners clients face. The approach varies by topic, but the general goal is first to discuss circumstances that might create an atypical exposure or a need for additional insurance beyond that provided by a standard policy, and then to explain measures that can be used to eliminate this coverage gap by insuring or otherwise managing the exposure.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand the coverages provided by the HO6 and HO4 Homeowners Forms;
    • Have a better understanding of the nuances of insuring homes held in trust;
    • Have solid knowledge of common coverage gaps that individual and families face with respect to their real and personal property; residential liability; business or professional activities;
    • Understand the policy coverage provisions, exclusions, and limitations that lead to these coverage gaps or inadequacies;
    • Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe pertinent coverage gaps in the insurance programs of current and prospective clients;
    • Know how to address the gaps by making appropriate changes to the policy, recommending an additional line of insurance to cover the gaps, or using noninsurance approaches; and 
    • Use approaches that result in properly coordinated Homeowners and Personal Inland Marine programs
    Register Here
    • December 08, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Commercial Insurance Coverages, Court Cases and Chaos (ABEN)

    Course #111650 | 3 P&C

    This course reviews actual claims and court cases from a variety of commercial exposures. Each scenario is discussed from the position of both the actual policy language as well as possible solutions. Types of coverage and claims discussed in this course include Commercial Property Coverage Forms, Business Income, Commercial Auto and Commercial General Liability.

    • December 11, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    The Basics of Commercial Property Underwriting and Rating: COPE (ABEN)

    Course #106861 | 3 P&C

    Today’s commercial property underwriters use the same information their predecessors used nearly 400 years ago:

    • Construction
    • Occupancy
    • Protection
    • Exposure

    Combined, these four elements are known as “COPE underwriting.”

    There is no “magic” to commercial property underwriting. The “magic” is in knowing how these four key elements direct the property underwriter’s decision: 1) to extend coverage; and 2) how to price the property.

    All four parts of COPE are detailed in this class. Students leave understanding:

    • Construction: How to determine the proper construction class (1-6); why square footage matters; and how age affects the underwriting decision? We will also discuss mixed-construction issues – this is worth the price of admission.
    • Occupancy: Why HOW the insured does what they do matters more than what they do.
    • Protection: The basics of sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, fire doors and fire walls and public fire protection; how each affects property pricing will also be discussed.
    • Exposure: The external factors that affect the insured property.

    With this information, you will know how to paint the proper property picture to help your underwriter, your client, and ultimately you.

    • December 11, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Hot Topics In Personal Lines (ABEN)

    Course #12292 | 2 P&C

    This seminar begins with practically oriented inquiry into how losses are adjusted on a day-to-day basis. The seminar introduces not only the two key adjustment valuation measures – “actual cash value” and “replacement cost” – but also stresses to the students that the concepts are not as uniform and concrete as industry practice may suggest.  It then explains why this matters and includes practical illustrations of loss adjustment scenarios in which it is either impractical, impossible, or at least implausible to recreate precisely what the insured had prior to the loss.  These situations include older homes with ornate or impossible to replace materials; farm structures which cannot be rebuilt; and similar instances in which loss adjustment or settlement is complicated.

    The seminar then turns to the increasingly frequent and vexing problem of who is a “resident” of a household for insurance purposes. For nearly two decades, states such as Indiana has used formulations such as, “[O]n the whole, the person will be a resident if all the facts demonstrate that he or she has maintained a ‘fixed abode’ in the household for some continuous time.” (Allstate Insurance Co v. Shockley (S.D. In. 1991)).

    Practically speaking, this is not of much assistance to producers. The section (and the problem) is illuminated by examining some of the other rules for “residency,” such as:

    • The person need not be a permanent member of the household.
    • The person must possess the subjective intent to stay for more than a “transitory” period;
    • That subjective intent may be found in objective words and actions.

    The seminar then turns to issues connected with having a personal lines insured operate a business out of the insured home. This section discusses the prevalence of such arrangements, and also how those arrangements are treated under industry standard forms. This section concludes with a discussion of case law.

    • December 11, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Professional & Executive Liability Coverage Gaps & How To Fill Them - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #109587 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Errors and omissions by an insurance producer can be extremely costly and damaging to the producer’s professional reputation. This course is designed to help insurance agents and brokers prevent many types of errors and omissions involving commercial property insurance. The verb prevent is used here in the risk management sense. Loss prevention seeks to reduce the frequency or likelihood of claims. Complete avoidance is impossible. An agent or broker who has handled everything properly, following every guideline within this course, may still be sued for some alleged error or omission. However, the producer who successfully completes this course is less likely to be charged with an error or omission and will probably be better able to defend himself or herself against these allegations.

    Part 1 Covers:

    • Professional and Executive Liability Exposures and Coverage Triggers
    • Common Features of Professional and Executive Liability Policy Forms
    • Avoiding Professional Liability Errors and Omissions
    Learning Objectives: 
    • Professional Liability Insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance;
    • Directors and Officers Liability Insurance;
    • Fiduciary Liability Insurance;
    • Employment Practices Liability Insurance; and 
    • Crime Insurance
    Register Here
    • December 11, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Cyber & Privacy Insurance - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #106648 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Our world is changing and we as agents & brokers need to help our clients understand the need to protect their businesses as technology impacts exposures in order to do this, we need to understand the exposure and coverage.

    A business used to feel fully protected when they purchased Property, General Liability, Auto and Workers' Compensation. A variety of emerging issues now require we pay special attention to exposures not adequately covered by the Business Owners or Package Policies. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Demystifying Cyber and Privacy Loss Exposures and Insurance Coverage
    • Information Security Liability Exposures
    • Privacy Liability Exposures
    • First-Party Property Loss Exposures
    • Emerging Cyber and Privacy Exposures
    • Cyber Space and Privacy Loss Control
    • Underwriting Cyber and Privacy Insurance
    Register Here
    • December 11, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    The Basics of Contractual Risk Transfer, Additional Insureds and Certificates of Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #106863 | 4 P&C

    Contractual risk transfer is a common risk management technique. The purpose is to push the responsibility for any injury or damage down to the party closest to and best able to control the operation or the outcome the person or entity doing the work. Upper tier contractors have the potential to be held vicariously liable for the actions of their subcontractors, so they use contractual risk transfer as one method for mitigating their exposure; that’s just good risk management.

    Beyond contractual risk transfer, upper tiers generally place specific insurance requirements on the lower tier (or downstream) contractor. One of these requirements is that the lower tier name the upper tier (the upstream contractor) as an Additional Insured on its policy. What affect does this have on the lower tier’s coverage?

    With all the contractual risk transfer and insurance requirements in place, the upper tier is going to ask for proof that the lower tier has complied with all the requirements by providing a Certificate of Insurance. The problem with certificates is all the weird and excessive wording sometimes requested or required. Should the agent comply with these requirements?

    • December 11, 2023
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Commercial Property Coverage Gaps & How To Fill Them - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #109585 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Errors and omissions by an insurance producer can be extremely costly and damaging to the producer’s professional reputation. This course is designed to help insurance agents and brokers prevent many types of errors and omissions involving commercial property insurance. The verb prevent is used here in the risk management sense. Loss prevention seeks to reduce the frequency or likelihood of claims. Complete avoidance is impossible. An agent or broker who has handled everything properly, following every guideline within this course, may still be sued for some alleged error or omission. However, the producer who successfully completes this course is less likely to be charged with an error or omission and will probably be better able to defend himself or herself against these allegations.

    Chapter 1 sets the stage for a discussion of producer errors and omissions by summarizing agency law and how it affects insurance agents’ and brokers’ duties to both insurers and their clients. The course then deals specifically with some of the more common problems associated with the following:

    • Commercial Property Insurance (Chapters 2 & 3) - Part I & II
    • Time Element Insurance (Chapter 4) - Part II
    • Inland Marine Insurance (Chapter 5) - Part II
    Learning Objectives: 
    • Commercial Property Insurance
    • Equipment Breakdown Insurance
    • Business Interruption and Extra Expense Insurance
    • Commercial Inland Marine Insurance
    Register Here
    • December 12, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Adding Value In Personal Lines (ABEN)

    Course #111211 | 3 P&C

    Our personal lines clients depend upon us to place proper coverages as a major part of their risk management strategy. The property and liability coverages we place on their behalf may ultimately stand between them and bankruptcy in the event of a large loss. This presentation will address the exposures our personal lines clients have which are not well-handled by their unendorsed ISO Homeowners and Personal Auto Policies. A review of endorsements available in these programs will remind the participant that, as all clients are unique, it is routinely necessary to discuss the need for and availability of these very important coverage enhancements. The presentation will conclude with a review of the Personal Umbrella/Excess Liability coverage needs of the personal lines client and discussion of coverages currently available to meet those needs.

    Learning Objectives: 

    • Recognize the importance of protecting our Personal Lines clients with proper coverages, endorsements and limits of insurance
    • Understand that 'base' coverage forms are not sufficient for all clients and that coverages must be molded to fit the needs of each client
    • Determine the importance of definitions, insuring agreements, exclusions and conditions in constructing coverage for each client
    • Realization that what we do, as insurance professionals may be the only thing standing between our clients and financial ruin 
    • December 12, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Workers' Compensation and the Law (ABEN)

    Course #109432 | 3 P&C

    This course will look at the legal obligations and defenses of the employer-employee relationship, and how the Workers Compensation system modifies the legal concepts of common law. We will examine the major characteristics of the benefits provided by state workers compensation laws and discuss the coverages provided by the policy including Employers Liability coverage. Several Workers Compensation endorsements will also be reviewed. 

    • December 12, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Rules for Developing the Correct Premium (ABEN)

    Course #106088 | 2 P&C

    Insurance premiums are based upon certain exposures which cannot be definitively known at policy inception, only estimated. Since the basis of premium is only estimated, the insurer may not be paid the correct premium for the insured exposure. To assure proper premiums, a premium audit is performed after the policy period ends.

    Since agents are often caught in the middle of an audit, they need to understand all the facets involved.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Discuss the various entities and agencies involved in creating premium audit rules and guidelines;
    • Discuss who is and is not included in audits;
    • Discuss the who, what, and how of workers' compensation audits;
    • Discuss the who, what, and how of commercial general liability audits;
    • Discuss some highlights of commercial auto and garage audits; 
    • Learn the "ABC's" or rules of premium audits.
    • December 12, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding (and Managing) the Largest Governement Benefits: Social Security & Medicare (ABEN)

    Course #109939 | 3 L&H

    The United States government provides various programs to us - two of the largest are Social Security and Medicare. The qualification rules for both are very specific. This three-hour webinar will review the various qualification rules and the complex, and potentially confusing benefits of each program. Additionally, there will be a review of the various insurance products that are available to the Medicare beneficiary that can fill the gaps and a discussion of various products and concepts the Social Security beneficiary can consider so as not to be 100% dependent on that program at retirement time.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • To understand how, and when, Social Security provides various benefits to qualified beneficiaries
    • To analyze when is the best time - and the various options - for an eligible person to select the Social Security Retirement Benefit
    • To understand the role of various Life and Health insurance products that can assist at retirement time so an individual (or couple) does not have to rely on the Social Security Retirement Benefit
    • An overview of the Medicare Program: Who are qualified beneficiaries; when to enroll; cost to the enrollee; various components, and options?
    • To understand the role of various Health insurance products that can assist with deductibles, co-pays, or excluded coverage areas found in Medicare
    Register Here
    • December 12, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    What Ever Happened to "And They Lived Happily Ever After?" (ABEN)

    Course #110016 | 2 L&H

    Planning for retirement took a big turn in the early 1980’s with the passing of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), This presentation compares retirement planning before and after ERISA. With a much greater responsibility on each individual to decide what is best for their retirement, needs and solutions are emphasized.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Retirement Plans of the Past and Today's Solutions
    • How to Organize Your Resources
    • Tax Free Strategies 
    Register Here
    • December 13, 2023
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding Trucking & Motor Truck Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #109144 | 2 P&C

    Trucking coverage and Motor Carrier coverage are very similar, but each is designed for different types of risks and somewhat different operations. This session focuses on the similarities of these coverage forms as well as the differences between them.

    Primary vs. excess coverage is unique in trucking and motor carrier coverages because a contract can change the “natural order" of the policy. Which policy is primary and which is excess? It depends. And this can be different for the trailer. A key section of this class details primary vs. excess coverage.

    What about the MCS-90? What does this endorsement do when it is attached to the policy? Many agents just throw it in without considering the ramifications. That's…bad. Learn the purpose and effect of the MCS-90.

    Learning Objectives: 

    • Understanding trucking insurance
    • Learn primary vs excess coverage
    • Learn about MCS-90
    • December 13, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Why Business Income is the MOST Important Property Coverage (ABEN)

    Course #107666 | 2 P&C

    Business income is the most undersold property coverage - perhaps because it's the most misunderstoof and scary - but businesses exist to make money and without income, the business ceases to exist. 

    In reality, business income is quite simple once the basic concepts are understood. 

    • December 13, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Why Certificates of Insurance - Just Why? (ABEN)

    Course #106085 | 2 P&C

    Without using hyperbole, thousands of certificates of insurance (COIs) are issued every day; and, again without hyperbole, most of them are issued improperly. In fact, your agency may have issued an improper certificate as recently as this morning. 

    What is it about COIs that can get an agency in trouble? If there were just one or two things, it would make your job a whole lot easier, but in reality, there are about 27 different ways a COI can get you in trouble. OK, so 27 isn't an exact number, but you get the idea. A "simple" COI is a potentially dangerous weapon that can be used against your agency. 

    • December 13, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding the Importance of Ordinance or Law Coverage (ABEN)

    Course #107665 | 2 P&C

    Insurance agents do a bad job of explaning the concept of "replacement cost." We tend to tell clients they will get new stuff for old junk and while that may be partially true, partial truths get you sued. 

    One roadblock to replacement cost is building codes or what we insurance practicioners refer to as ordinance or laws. Unendorsed policies offer only a VERY limitied amount of coverage for the increased costs to rebuild due to these ordiances or laws, and when your insured is forced to pay these additional costs out-of-pocket, they are going to be mad! 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Learn the purpose of ordinance or law coverage;
    • Learn coverage gaps creating the need for ordinance or law coverage;
    • Learn sources and enforcement of building codes;
    • Learn common ordinance or law requirements and coverage limitations;
    • Learn ordinance or law coverage (CP 04 05);
    • Learn ordinance or law - increased period of restoration (CP 15 31);
    • Learn how to develop ordinance or law premiums; and 
    • Learn ordinance or law example
    Register Here
    • December 14, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Homeowners Insurance Facts and Follies (ABEN)

    Course #109437 | 3 P&C

    This course will look at the wide variety of scenarios faced by the typical homeowner and discuss how, if at all, the Homeowners policy would respond. Topics discussed are valuation, the cost to build vs re-build, insurance to value, other structures, the definition of premises, deductibles, special limits, trees and debris removal, mold, and host liquor liability. What you think you know and what the policy provides, may be surprising! 


    • December 14, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Policy Analysis - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #110096 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to guide experienced professionals step by step through the process of reading policy language, applying a basic coverage analysis to look for possible gaps in coverage, and understanding advanced coverage issues. It will explain what to look for in terms of wording, punctuation, and formatting, including negative and positive implications of specific wording. In addition, the course will address E&O loss control issues and help the agency look at ways to obtain and retain business. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand important contract features in general as well as those specific to insurance policies and how they may or may not affect coverage;
    • Know the general sections of a policy, their purpose, how they can be modified, and the importance of each;
    • Understand how the sections of a policy interact and explain how they work together to determine coverage;
    • Explain the importance of each area of special interest and how they can affect coverage;
    • Understand and explain how a program of insurance should be coordinated and why it is important; and 
    • Understand how all the above impact errors and omissions (E&O) loss control, new sales, and retention of existing business
    Register Here
    • December 14, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Exposures: Websites & Social Media (ABEN)

    Course #108874 | 1 P&C

    This course is designed to educate insurance industry professionals on the Errors and Omissions exposures they face in various areas of public-facing marketing. This course will cover Standard of Care laws in all states and how special relationships are affected and duties heightened when agencies use certain language in their written materials.  

    Please Note: This class does not qualify for any E&O premium discounts!
    • December 14, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Contracts Agents Should Read (ABEN)

    Course #107106 | 2 P&C

    Most insurance agents are not attorneys, but there are certain contracts that our insureds enter into that we, as insurance agents, need to understand. Contracts can CREATE exposures for our insureds that did not exist prior to their signing. In order to provide proper coverage, agents need to be aware of the common pitfalls. This course will address the tough issues that are so often not talked about even in most CE seminars.  Should an agent read leases?  What advice should we give or not give?  Who should insure the building when the owner leases the building to a tenant?  And let’s not forget the most difficult, how to insure tenant improvements and betterments.  If you insure any lessor/lessee risks this class will be worth the time!

    • December 14, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Policy Analysis - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #110097 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to guide experienced professionals step by step through the process of reading policy language, applying a basic coverage analysis to look for possible gaps in coverage, and understanding advanced coverage issues. It will explain what to look for in terms of wording, punctuation, and formatting, including negative and positive implications of specific wording. In addition, the course will address E&O loss control issues and help the agency look at ways to obtain and retain business. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand important contract features in general as well as those specific to insurance policies and how they may or may not affect coverage;
    • Know the general sections of a policy, their purpose, how they can be modified, and the importance of each;
    • Understand how the sections of a policy interact and explain how they work together to determine coverage;
    • Explain the importance of each area of special interest and how they can affect coverage;
    • Understand and explain how a program of insurance should be coordinated and why it is important; and 
    • Understand how all the above impact errors and omissions (E&O) loss control, new sales, and retention of existing business
    Register Here
    • December 14, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    An Insurance Horror Story - Hoarders (ABEN)

    Course #111417 | 2 P&C

    This class will look at characteristics that lead to hoarding and examine reasons why insurance companies may not want to insure the increased risks hoarding can bring. It will take a look at some famous hoarders in history, and the obsessive need to keep items.

    We will discuss some of the different types of items that are hoarder and the general issues they can cause. We will review actual insurance claims involving hoarders and discuss other possibilities that could lead to claims, whether damage to the property or from the property.

    We will discuss how carriers can try to address the problem and discuss differences that make these unique claims handling situations.

    • December 15, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Premium Auditing - What Every Agent Must Know (ABEN)

    Course #106860 | 2 P&C

    Insurance premiums are based upon certain exposures which cannot be definitively known at policy inception, only estimated. Since the basis of premium is only estimated, the insurer may not be paid the correct premium for the insured exposure. To assure proper premiums, a premium audit is performed after the policy period ends. In this course we discuss: 

    • The various entities and agencies involved in creating premium audit rules and guidelines;
    • Who is and is not included in audits;
    • The who, what and how of workers' compensation audits;
    • The who, what and how of commercial general liability audits;
    • Some highlights of commercial auto and garage audits; and
    • The "ABC's" (or rules) of premium audits
    • December 15, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Flood Program Overview - NFIP Then & Now (ABEN)

    Course #106534 | 3 Flood

    In seminar, agents will learn the history, products & policies, general rules, claims process, and rating through the NFIP which would allow agents to better inform their customers. They will also receive clarification of the most recent and upcoming NFIP changes. Agents will be better able to advise their insureds on the intricacies of the flood insurance policy.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • National Flood Insurance Program Introduction
    • Flood Maps and Zone Determinations
    • Policies and Products
    • General Rules and Miscellaneous Rules
    • Elements of Rating
    • Claims Handling Process
    • Summary of Coverage 
    • Agent Resources
    Register Here
    • December 18, 2023
    • 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Condos & How to Insurance Them (ABEN)

    Course #106080 | 1 P&C

    Because the unit owner's coverage must dovetail seamlessly with the association's coverage, the same information is required for both parties regardless which person or entity is the agent's client. Every agent writing either a unit owner OR a condominium association must have:

    • A copy of the association's declarations and covenants, conditions and restrictions (CCRs);
    • A copy of the applicable state statute;
    • An official letter documenting the unit's boundaries and detailing who is responsible for insuring which property; and
    • A verifiable or signed property valuation.

    Having this information allows the agent to answer the three KEY questions when analyzing and placing coverage for either a unit owner OR a condominium association:

    1. Who "owns" what property?
    2. What value applies to the owned property? (And what should be used?)
    3. Who is liable for bodily injury and/or property damage?

    Not knowing, or just guessing, the answers to these three questions can leave gaping holes in coverage. The unit owner, the association, or both may be vastly underinsured. 

    • December 18, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Personal Lines Issues That Keep You Up At Night (ABEN)

    Course #107104 | 2 P&C

    Insurance is always easy…until the claim arrives. Then we start second guessing ourselves and hope, if not pray that all the right coverages are correct.  This course will take a detailed look at some of the more common mistakes made when writing Personal Lines coverage and how the claims adjusters responded.  We will review topics such as:

    • UBER & LYFT
    • Delivery Issues
    • Drones
    • VRBO
    • Company cars and the PAP
    • Motor Vehicles - How does my insurance cover all these toys?
    • Business in the Home
    • December 18, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Should I Do A Roth IRA? (ABEN)

    Course #110015 | 2 L&H

    Federal income taxes are at their lowest point in many years. With the National Debt over $30 Trillion, a rise in taxes is imminent. This seminar shows ways to create tax free money for the future. It emphasizes both the Individual Roth IRA and the Roth 401(k). 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • How/What Federal Income tax applies to
    • Types of Retirement Income
    • How a Roth IRA works and it's benefits
    Register Here
    • December 18, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Cyber 101 - The Basics of Cyber Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #110906 | 1 P&C

    This course is designed to introduce the basics of insuring cyber risks. It is designed for producers who are not familiar with the coverage and the basic contours of the risk that insureds have. 

    • December 18, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Workers' Compensation: 5 Mistakes Every Agent Makes (ABEN)

    Course #106087 | 2 P&C

    Workers' compensation, as a coverage, is simple. A worker gets hurt, the work comp policy says theoretically. That's the simple part. The more complicated areas of workers' compensation involve the state laws and legal doctrines applicable to workers' comp. 

    Agents must be able to answer these questions when they arise. But there is much confusion and misinformation surrounding these topics. This session undertakes to introduce and answer these five questions to help prepare agents to better manage their client's usual and unusual workers' compensation exposures. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand whom is the insured actually responsible for under workers' comp laws
    • Understand who counts as an employee
    • Learn what happens when employees travel out-of-state to work
    • Learn when should insured's experience mod be combined
    • Discuss what are some of the key premium audit problems
    Register Here
    • December 18, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    The Many Faces of Insurance Fraud (ABEN)

    Course #111485 | 2 Ethics

    Did you know that fraud is like a parasite, feeding on the lifeblood of the insurance industry and causing billions in losses each year? Join Chuck Gallagher, a renowned expert in fraud prevention, for 'The Many Faces of Fraud: Shedding Light on the Tactics of Modern-Day Swindlers,' a captivating two-hour course that will empower you to thwart these financial predators.

    Chuck will guide you through the most common forms of insurance fraud, revealing the psychology and motivations of swindlers. Through real-life case studies and hands-on exercises, you'll learn practical strategies for identifying red flags and responding effectively to safeguard your organization.

    This course is perfect for claims adjusters, underwriters, agents, or any insurance professional seeking to fortify their defenses against fraud. Enroll now to gain invaluable insights and join the fight against these cunning adversaries!

    • December 19, 2023
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding the Importance of Ordinance or Law Coverage (ABEN)

    Course #107665 | 2 P&C

    Insurance agents do a bad job of explaning the concept of "replacement cost." We tend to tell clients they will get new stuff for old junk and while that may be partially true, partial truths get you sued. 

    One roadblock to replacement cost is building codes or what we insurance practicioners refer to as ordinance or laws. Unendorsed policies offer only a VERY limitied amount of coverage for the increased costs to rebuild due to these ordiances or laws, and when your insured is forced to pay these additional costs out-of-pocket, they are going to be mad! 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Learn the purpose of ordinance or law coverage;
    • Learn coverage gaps creating the need for ordinance or law coverage;
    • Learn sources and enforcement of building codes;
    • Learn common ordinance or law requirements and coverage limitations;
    • Learn ordinance or law coverage (CP 04 05);
    • Learn ordinance or law - increased period of restoration (CP 15 31);
    • Learn how to develop ordinance or law premiums; and 
    • Learn ordinance or law example
    Register Here
    • December 19, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding (and Managing) the Largest Governement Benefits: Social Security & Medicare (ABEN)

    Course #109939 | 3 L&H

    The United States government provides various programs to us - two of the largest are Social Security and Medicare. The qualification rules for both are very specific. This three-hour webinar will review the various qualification rules and the complex, and potentially confusing benefits of each program. Additionally, there will be a review of the various insurance products that are available to the Medicare beneficiary that can fill the gaps and a discussion of various products and concepts the Social Security beneficiary can consider so as not to be 100% dependent on that program at retirement time.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • To understand how, and when, Social Security provides various benefits to qualified beneficiaries
    • To analyze when is the best time - and the various options - for an eligible person to select the Social Security Retirement Benefit
    • To understand the role of various Life and Health insurance products that can assist at retirement time so an individual (or couple) does not have to rely on the Social Security Retirement Benefit
    • An overview of the Medicare Program: Who are qualified beneficiaries; when to enroll; cost to the enrollee; various components, and options?
    • To understand the role of various Health insurance products that can assist with deductibles, co-pays, or excluded coverage areas found in Medicare
    Register Here
    • December 19, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    What Ever Happened to "And They Lived Happily Ever After?" (ABEN)

    Course #110016 | 2 L&H

    Planning for retirement took a big turn in the early 1980’s with the passing of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), This presentation compares retirement planning before and after ERISA. With a much greater responsibility on each individual to decide what is best for their retirement, needs and solutions are emphasized.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Retirement Plans of the Past and Today's Solutions
    • How to Organize Your Resources
    • Tax Free Strategies 
    Register Here
    • December 19, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Ethics In The Insurance Industry (ABEN)

    Course #110764 | 3 Ethics

    This course will review of the foundations of ethical behavior, including terms and definitions, ethical vs. legal behavior, ethical considerations for insurance agents.  It will also review the steps agencies can take as an organization to eliminate many of the causes before they take place.

    • December 19, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding Trucking & Motor Truck Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #109144 | 2 P&C

    Trucking coverage and Motor Carrier coverage are very similar, but each is designed for different types of risks and somewhat different operations. This session focuses on the similarities of these coverage forms as well as the differences between them.

    Primary vs. excess coverage is unique in trucking and motor carrier coverages because a contract can change the “natural order" of the policy. Which policy is primary and which is excess? It depends. And this can be different for the trailer. A key section of this class details primary vs. excess coverage.

    What about the MCS-90? What does this endorsement do when it is attached to the policy? Many agents just throw it in without considering the ramifications. That's…bad. Learn the purpose and effect of the MCS-90.

    Learning Objectives: 

    • Understanding trucking insurance
    • Learn primary vs excess coverage
    • Learn about MCS-90
    • December 19, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Why Business Income is the MOST Important Property Coverage (ABEN)

    Course #107666 | 2 P&C

    Business income is the most undersold property coverage - perhaps because it's the most misunderstoof and scary - but businesses exist to make money and without income, the business ceases to exist. 

    In reality, business income is quite simple once the basic concepts are understood. 

    • December 19, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Workers' Compensation and the Law (ABEN)

    Course #109432 | 3 P&C

    This course will look at the legal obligations and defenses of the employer-employee relationship, and how the Workers Compensation system modifies the legal concepts of common law. We will examine the major characteristics of the benefits provided by state workers compensation laws and discuss the coverages provided by the policy including Employers Liability coverage. Several Workers Compensation endorsements will also be reviewed. 

    • December 19, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    A True Crime Story - Wrong Way Driver (ABEN)

    Course #111424 | 1 P&C

    This course will discuss a four car accident which resulted in multiple fatalities. Attendees will learn what coverages were needed to respond to the loss and to the multiple lawsuits which arose from the loss.

    • December 19, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Watch Your Six - A Half Dozen Ethics Scenarios for Insurance Professionals (ABEN)

    Course #109435 | 3 Ethics

    For instructors as well as producers, the ongoing study of professional ethics is a continuing education class struggle. By the very nature of the subject, ethics classes run the risk of being filled with platitudes or devolving into sermons. Platitudes and sermons do not make for good attendee engagement, which ultimately hurts the effectiveness of the class.

    This seminar uses a few minutes to make this point and to explain what follows. The first hour is to demonstrate that professional ethics are worth studying – and worthy of continuing education – and do have a few objective characteristics to them. The hour concludes with a brief review of how professional ethics is good in theory and often quite bad in practice – it looks at the process of “moral disengagement” from an Insurance Journal article.

    The second and third hour seek to engage the students by reviewing actual, case-based situations to determine the best ethical resolution and decide how the controversy could have been avoided. In each instance, the scenario presented is based on a real case. Students receive “resolution” of the dilemma by the discussion of the outcome of the case, but are also left to ponder some of the ethics quandaries that are embedded in each situation.

    • December 19, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Issues in Construction Bonds (ABEN)

    Course #107731 | 3 P&C

    This seminar is a wide-ranging examination of insurance related issues connected to bonding in the construction industry.  The approach of the seminar is to educate insurance professionals first and foremost about the various legal relationships in the typical commercial construction contract.  This includes a discussion of the design - bid - build methodology and also the construction management methodology for commercial construction contracts.  A brief review of the design - build method of construction is also included. 

    • December 19, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Why Certificates of Insurance - Just Why? (ABEN)

    Course #106085 | 2 P&C

    Without using hyperbole, thousands of certificates of insurance (COIs) are issued every day; and, again without hyperbole, most of them are issued improperly. In fact, your agency may have issued an improper certificate as recently as this morning. 

    What is it about COIs that can get an agency in trouble? If there were just one or two things, it would make your job a whole lot easier, but in reality, there are about 27 different ways a COI can get you in trouble. OK, so 27 isn't an exact number, but you get the idea. A "simple" COI is a potentially dangerous weapon that can be used against your agency. 

    • December 20, 2023
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    5 Contractor Coverage Concepts Every Agent Must Understand (ABEN)

    Course #106851 | 2 P&C

    Contractor risks are unique. Agents must understand these unique risks, exposures, and coverages to properly manage their contractor clients. This session focuses on five of the most common contractor risk exposures:

    • Contractual Risk Transfer
    • Properly Extending Insured Status
    • Business Auto Issues
    • Misuse of the Absolute Pollution Exclusion
    • Professional and Pollution Exposures Faced by Contractors

    A lot of material is covered in this fast-moving, two-hour session. Agents will be better prepared to analyze the risks presented by their contractor clients and know how to properly respond to their coverage needs and claim questions.

    • December 20, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Commercial Insurance Coverages, Court Cases and Chaos (ABEN)

    Course #111650 | 3 P&C

    This course reviews actual claims and court cases from a variety of commercial exposures. Each scenario is discussed from the position of both the actual policy language as well as possible solutions. Types of coverage and claims discussed in this course include Commercial Property Coverage Forms, Business Income, Commercial Auto and Commercial General Liability.

    • December 20, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    9 Rules for Reading An Insurance Policy (ABEN)

    Course #106859 | 2 P&C

    Insurance policies are subject to the standard law of contracts; but beyond simple contract law, insurance contracts are bound by unique provisions and requirements specific to insurance. An understanding of these unique legal characteristics is necessary to understand the insurance contract. Once the unusual characteristics of insurance contracts are understood, the rules for reading any insurance policy can be applied.

    • December 20, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    3 Keys to Getting the Named Insured Correct (ABEN)

    Course #106082 | 2 P&C

    Before any claim is paid, status as an insured must exist. Is the person or entity suffering or causing loss, injury or damage an insured? If the answer is no, there is no need to go any further. If insured status does not exist, all your hard work is wasted; no one will ever find out how good you are at designing coverage because you messed up at the beginning.

    • December 20, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Risk Management: Understanding Risk Mitigation & E&O Claims (ABEN)

    Course #109030 | 3 P&C or L&H

    As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This interactive seminar looks at the risks of Error & Omission claim for an independent insurance agency. This course will serve as an update and reminder for insurance professionals about the risks of E&O claims and allegations and also the rewards an agency could earn for strong internal practices and good customer service. It is important to raise awareness of where E&O vulnerabilities exist and take the time to develop strong habits among agency personnel. This seminar will utilize claim statistics, case studies, storytelling, risk assessments and questionnaires to provide an engaging environment for participants to learn in.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understanding Agent Duties
    • Questionnaires and Coverage Checklists
    • The Role of Agency Procedures
    • An E&O Claims - 360 View
    Register Here
    • December 20, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Risk Management: Agency E&O Exposures and Defenses (ABEN)

    Course #109028 | 3 P&C or L&H

    As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This interactive seminar looks at the risks of Error & Omission claim for an independent insurance agency. This course will serve as an update and reminder for insurance professionals about the risks of E&O claims and allegations and also the rewards an agency could earn for strong internal practices and good customer service. It is important to raise awareness of where E&O vulnerabilities exist and take the time to develop strong habits among agency personnel. This seminar will utilize claim statistics, case studies, storytelling, risk assessments and questionnaires to provide an engaging environment for participants to learn in.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Agency Defenses: Documentation
    • E&O Exposures When Using Social Media
    • Limiting Exposures to Data Breaches
    • E&O Considerations of Agency Operations
    Register Here
    • December 20, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    4 Key Personal & Commercial Lines Exposures Every Agent Must Understand (ABEN)

    Course #106083 | 2 P&C

    We cover a lot of ground in this 2 hour session – five topics to be exact - but when we are through, you will be better able to explain some of the new exposures, policy issues, and available options.

    You will also be more at ease with these “disruptors."

    Learning Objectives:

    • Understanding the Ridesharing Exposures and Coverage Options
    • Understanding the Home Sharing Exposures and Coverage Options
    • Understanding the Other “Property Pimping" Exposures
    • Understanding the Drone Exposure and Coverage Options
    • Do “Disruptors" Really Affect You
    • December 20, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    What a Crime - Understanding Crime Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #111652 | 3 P&C

    This seminar will explore the need for crime insurance and explain the methods of writing crime insurance. Participants will learn the difference in the Loss Sustained and the Discovery forms of crime policies and examine some of the most widely needed crime insurance forms. The course concludes by examining crime insurance exclusions and policy conditions.

    • December 21, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Commercial Property Coverage Gaps & How To Fill Them - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #109586 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Errors and omissions by an insurance producer can be extremely costly and damaging to the producer’s professional reputation. This course is designed to help insurance agents and brokers prevent many types of errors and omissions involving commercial property insurance. The verb prevent is used here in the risk management sense. Loss prevention seeks to reduce the frequency or likelihood of claims. Complete avoidance is impossible. An agent or broker who has handled everything properly, following every guideline within this course, may still be sued for some alleged error or omission. However, the producer who successfully completes this course is less likely to be charged with an error or omission and will probably be better able to defend himself or herself against these allegations.

    Chapter 1 sets the stage for a discussion of producer errors and omissions by summarizing agency law and how it affects insurance agents’ and brokers’ duties to both insurers and their clients. The course then deals specifically with some of the more common problems associated with the following:

    • Commercial Property Insurance (Chapters 2 & 3) - Part I & II
    • Time Element Insurance (Chapter 4) - Part II
    • Inland Marine Insurance (Chapter 5) - Part II
    Learning Objectives: 
    • Commercial Property Insurance
    • Equipment Breakdown Insurance
    • Business Interruption and Extra Expense Insurance
    • Commercial Inland Marine Insurance
    Register Here
    • December 21, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Hot Topics In Personal Lines (ABEN)

    Course #12292 | 2 P&C

    This seminar begins with practically oriented inquiry into how losses are adjusted on a day-to-day basis. The seminar introduces not only the two key adjustment valuation measures – “actual cash value” and “replacement cost” – but also stresses to the students that the concepts are not as uniform and concrete as industry practice may suggest.  It then explains why this matters and includes practical illustrations of loss adjustment scenarios in which it is either impractical, impossible, or at least implausible to recreate precisely what the insured had prior to the loss.  These situations include older homes with ornate or impossible to replace materials; farm structures which cannot be rebuilt; and similar instances in which loss adjustment or settlement is complicated.

    The seminar then turns to the increasingly frequent and vexing problem of who is a “resident” of a household for insurance purposes. For nearly two decades, states such as Indiana has used formulations such as, “[O]n the whole, the person will be a resident if all the facts demonstrate that he or she has maintained a ‘fixed abode’ in the household for some continuous time.” (Allstate Insurance Co v. Shockley (S.D. In. 1991)).

    Practically speaking, this is not of much assistance to producers. The section (and the problem) is illuminated by examining some of the other rules for “residency,” such as:

    • The person need not be a permanent member of the household.
    • The person must possess the subjective intent to stay for more than a “transitory” period;
    • That subjective intent may be found in objective words and actions.

    The seminar then turns to issues connected with having a personal lines insured operate a business out of the insured home. This section discusses the prevalence of such arrangements, and also how those arrangements are treated under industry standard forms. This section concludes with a discussion of case law.

    • December 21, 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Big I Maryland Headquarters
    Register


    • December 21, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Cyber & Privacy Insurance - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #106649 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Our world is changing and we as agents & brokers need to help our clients understand the need to protect their businesses as technology impacts exposures in order to do this, we need to understand the exposure and coverage.

    A business used to feel fully protected when they purchased Property, General Liability, Auto and Workers' Compensation. A variety of emerging issues now require we pay special attention to exposures not adequately covered by the Business Owners or Package Policies. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • An Overview of the Insuring Agreements within a Cyber and Privacy Policy and the First-Party Post Breach Response Insuring Agreement
    • Third-Party Liability Insuring Agreements
    • First-Party Time Element Insuring Agreements
    • First-Party Theft of Property Insuring Agreements
    • Limits, Retentions, and Other Important Policy Provisions
    • Policy Exclusions
    Register Here
    • December 21, 2023
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Professional & Executive Liability Coverage Gaps & How To Fill Them - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #109588 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    Errors and omissions by an insurance producer can be extremely costly and damaging to the producer’s professional reputation. This course is designed to help insurance agents and brokers prevent many types of errors and omissions involving commercial property insurance. The verb prevent is used here in the risk management sense. Loss prevention seeks to reduce the frequency or likelihood of claims. Complete avoidance is impossible. An agent or broker who has handled everything properly, following every guideline within this course, may still be sued for some alleged error or omission. However, the producer who successfully completes this course is less likely to be charged with an error or omission and will probably be better able to defend himself or herself against these allegations.

    Part 2 Covers:

    • Avoiding Directors and Officers (D&O) Errors and Omissions
    • Avoiding Errors with other Executive Liability, Crime Insurance
    Learning Objectives: 
    • Professional Liability Insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance;
    • Directors and Officers Liability Insurance;
    • Fiduciary Liability Insurance;
    • Employment Practices Liability Insurance; and 
    • Crime Insurance
    Register Here
    • December 22, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Insurance - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #110780 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to help insurance producers prevent claims based on alleged errors or omissions in performance of professional duties in selling and servicing personal auto and personal umbrella insurance. In this course:

    • Agent, broker, and producer are interchangeable terms
    • Prevent is used in the risk management sense - i.e., reducing the frequency or likelihood of claims

    Focal point of the course: the agent who fully understands and skillfully customizes coverage not only demonstrates his or her value to clients but also avoids errors and omissions (E&O) charges that can result from a failure to meet clients' needs.

    • After an in-depth analysis of the standard personal auto policy (PAP) and how it applies, this course shows how standard endorsements can customize coverage
    • A chapter examines common client questions and emerging issues: rental cars and transportation network companies
    • A final chapter emphasizes the important role of the personal umbrella
    • Each chapter concludes with sales tips and E&O loss control
    Register Here
    • December 22, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements & Personal Inland Marine - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #111008 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    The standard Homeowners policy provides broad coverage designed to meet the needs of the average American homebuyer. This "average" home owner may be single or married, with or without children, living in a free-standing single-family home. This typical home owner maintains a modest lifestyle, owns no unusual property, has no unusual hobbies or activities and is not the "exciting" cast of characters you would see in a reality TV show or sitcom. 

    To keep premiums reasonable - and for other reasons, these standard policies also exclude or limit coverage for insurable exposures that a minority of families face. These excluded exposures create coverage gaps that can often be filed for an additional premium, by modifying the standard policy's limits or other provisions, adding an appropriate endorsement, or purchasing an additional policy.

    This course is designed to help insurance practitioners identify and overcome many of the coverage caps, exclusions, limitations, and uninsured exposures their Homeowners clients face. The approach varies by topic, but the general goal is first to discuss circumstances that might create an atypical exposure or a need for additional insurance beyond that provided by a standard policy, and then to explain measures that can be used to eliminate this coverage gap by insuring or otherwise managing the exposure.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand the coverages provided by the HO6 and HO4 Homeowners Forms;
    • Have a better understanding of the nuances of insuring homes held in trust;
    • Have solid knowledge of common coverage gaps that individual and families face with respect to their real and personal property; residential liability; business or professional activities;
    • Understand the policy coverage provisions, exclusions, and limitations that lead to these coverage gaps or inadequacies;
    • Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe pertinent coverage gaps in the insurance programs of current and prospective clients;
    • Know how to address the gaps by making appropriate changes to the policy, recommending an additional line of insurance to cover the gaps, or using noninsurance approaches; and 
    • Use approaches that result in properly coordinated Homeowners and Personal Inland Marine programs
    Register Here
    • December 23, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    How To Thrive In An Ever Changing Work Environment (ABEN)

    Course #110073 | 1 P&C

    This course will address the positive effects that Organizational Culture can have on your agency. While many E&O classes focus on mistakes employees can make that create potential problems, this course will attempt to create an awareness that there are steps we can take as an organization in creating a positive agency culture, that can eliminate many potential E&O issues before they arise. Employees that thrive work better together, collaborte better and communicate better, thus reducing the exposure for E&O loss. The course will also discuss the ever-changing Personnel Management issues of remote workforces and how they contribute to your organizations culture and success. 


    • December 23, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    To Be or Not to Airbnb - Sharing Exposures and Insurance (ABEN)

    Course #110192 | 2 P&C

    This course addresses aspects of the emerging sharing economy's use of personal autos and homes. It provides a discussion of the nature of these exposures and how Personal Auto policies and Homeowners policies respond. There is also a brief discussion of the impact these exposures can have on the Business Auto policies.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Discuss the Emergence of the Sharing Economy 
    • Understand the insurance applications of Auto Sharing
    • Understand the insurance applications of Home Sharing
    Register Here
    • December 23, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Adding Value In Personal Lines (ABEN)

    Course #111211 | 3 P&C

    Our personal lines clients depend upon us to place proper coverages as a major part of their risk management strategy. The property and liability coverages we place on their behalf may ultimately stand between them and bankruptcy in the event of a large loss. This presentation will address the exposures our personal lines clients have which are not well-handled by their unendorsed ISO Homeowners and Personal Auto Policies. A review of endorsements available in these programs will remind the participant that, as all clients are unique, it is routinely necessary to discuss the need for and availability of these very important coverage enhancements. The presentation will conclude with a review of the Personal Umbrella/Excess Liability coverage needs of the personal lines client and discussion of coverages currently available to meet those needs.

    Learning Objectives: 

    • Recognize the importance of protecting our Personal Lines clients with proper coverages, endorsements and limits of insurance
    • Understand that 'base' coverage forms are not sufficient for all clients and that coverages must be molded to fit the needs of each client
    • Determine the importance of definitions, insuring agreements, exclusions and conditions in constructing coverage for each client
    • Realization that what we do, as insurance professionals may be the only thing standing between our clients and financial ruin 
    • December 27, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Torts, Negligence and Legal Liability (ABEN)

    Course #106859 | 3 P&C

    Coverage Part A of the commercial general liability (CGL) policy begins: "We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of 'bodily injury' or 'property damage' to which this insurance applies." Somewhat similar wording is found in the business auto policy, and most "general" liability coverage. These policies extend coverage when the insured is "legally liable" for specific injury or damage. But what is legal liability and how does the insured become legally liable? 

    Legal liability is imposed by statute or the corts on the person or entity responsible for causing financial injury or damage to another "person". Legal liability can arise from intentional acts, unintentional acts or contracts (express or implied). 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Define and differentiate between "public wrongs" and "private wrongs"
    • Introduce the various types of "torts"
    • Detail the concept of "negligence"
    • Define "damages"
    • Break down causation and ultimate liability 
    • Introduce several common and unique legal theories related to degrees of negligence 
    Register Here
    • December 27, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Agency Management Based E&O and Ethics (ABEN)

    Course #109951 | 3 Ethics

    This is not your usual Ethics and E&O course.  Rather than focusing on what you’re doing wrong, this program deals with structuring your agency in a way that will reduce the likelihood of having an E&O claim while firmly establishing proper ethical standards.  We will address some issues every organization needs to face such as: Agency Culture, Management Styles, Policy and Decision Making, Team Building,  Ethics through Transparency.  By establishing a proper culture within the agency, managing E&O exposures and setting professional ethical standards becomes much more efficient and effective.

    Please Note: This class does not qualify for any E&O premium discounts!
    • December 27, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Understanding the Insurance Industry: From Regulations to Operations (ABEN)

    Course #106854 | 3 P&C

    Insurance is regulated at the state level, but this has not always been the case. Philosophical differences regarding antitrust and regulation in general have altered the course of insurance regulation twice in the last 80 years.

    Within this heavily regulated industry, three distinct types or "styles" of insurance exist in the modern economy: 1) Private; 2) Social; and 3) Public Guarantee Insurance. Other than most "public gurantee" schemes, insurance carriers provide the majority of insurance products consumed in the US. 

    Insurance carriers juggle five main functions and, to varying degress, three minor functions. Major functions include: ratemaking; new business production; underwriting; loss adjustment; and investing. Minor carrier functions include engineering and loss control; legal counsel; and accounting. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • The purpose of and need for insurance regulation;
    • The regulatory past and present of insurance;
    • The types of insurance products;
    • The functions within an insurance carrier;
    • The non-regulatory "authorities" insurance carriers depend upon to do their job; and 
    • The needs met by various insurance industry trade associations
    Register Here
    • December 27, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Insurance - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #110781 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to help insurance producers prevent claims based on alleged errors or omissions in performance of professional duties in selling and servicing personal auto and personal umbrella insurance. In this course:

    • Agent, broker, and producer are interchangeable terms
    • Prevent is used in the risk management sense - i.e., reducing the frequency or likelihood of claims

    Focal point of the course: the agent who fully understands and skillfully customizes coverage not only demonstrates his or her value to clients but also avoids errors and omissions (E&O) charges that can result from a failure to meet clients' needs.

    • After an in-depth analysis of the standard personal auto policy (PAP) and how it applies, this course shows how standard endorsements can customize coverage
    • A chapter examines common client questions and emerging issues: rental cars and transportation network companies
    • A final chapter emphasizes the important role of the personal umbrella
    • Each chapter concludes with sales tips and E&O loss control
    Register Here
    • December 27, 2023
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements & Personal Inland Marine - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #111009 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    The standard Homeowners policy provides broad coverage designed to meet the needs of the average American homebuyer. This "average" home owner may be single or married, with or without children, living in a free-standing single-family home. This typical home owner maintains a modest lifestyle, owns no unusual property, has no unusual hobbies or activities and is not the "exciting" cast of characters you would see in a reality TV show or sitcom. 

    To keep premiums reasonable - and for other reasons, these standard policies also exclude or limit coverage for insurable exposures that a minority of families face. These excluded exposures create coverage gaps that can often be filed for an additional premium, by modifying the standard policy's limits or other provisions, adding an appropriate endorsement, or purchasing an additional policy.

    This course is designed to help insurance practitioners identify and overcome many of the coverage caps, exclusions, limitations, and uninsured exposures their Homeowners clients face. The approach varies by topic, but the general goal is first to discuss circumstances that might create an atypical exposure or a need for additional insurance beyond that provided by a standard policy, and then to explain measures that can be used to eliminate this coverage gap by insuring or otherwise managing the exposure.

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand the coverages provided by the HO6 and HO4 Homeowners Forms;
    • Have a better understanding of the nuances of insuring homes held in trust;
    • Have solid knowledge of common coverage gaps that individual and families face with respect to their real and personal property; residential liability; business or professional activities;
    • Understand the policy coverage provisions, exclusions, and limitations that lead to these coverage gaps or inadequacies;
    • Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe pertinent coverage gaps in the insurance programs of current and prospective clients;
    • Know how to address the gaps by making appropriate changes to the policy, recommending an additional line of insurance to cover the gaps, or using noninsurance approaches; and 
    • Use approaches that result in properly coordinated Homeowners and Personal Inland Marine programs
    Register Here
    • December 27, 2023
    • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    To Simply Comply or Truly Excel Ethically (ABEN)

    Course #108862 | 1 Ethics

    This course will address why corporate ethics can't and shouldn't be reduced to simple compliance. Participants will be encourages to consider a framework focused on behavior and virtues that can lead to excelling ethically and an even greater success and service for our industry and the consumers we serve. 

    • December 28, 2023
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Rules for Developing the Correct Premium (ABEN)

    Course #106088 | 2 P&C

    Insurance premiums are based upon certain exposures which cannot be definitively known at policy inception, only estimated. Since the basis of premium is only estimated, the insurer may not be paid the correct premium for the insured exposure. To assure proper premiums, a premium audit is performed after the policy period ends.

    Since agents are often caught in the middle of an audit, they need to understand all the facets involved.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Discuss the various entities and agencies involved in creating premium audit rules and guidelines;
    • Discuss who is and is not included in audits;
    • Discuss the who, what, and how of workers' compensation audits;
    • Discuss the who, what, and how of commercial general liability audits;
    • Discuss some highlights of commercial auto and garage audits; 
    • Learn the "ABC's" or rules of premium audits.
    • December 28, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Policy Analysis - Part I (ABEN)

    Course #110096 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part I of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to guide experienced professionals step by step through the process of reading policy language, applying a basic coverage analysis to look for possible gaps in coverage, and understanding advanced coverage issues. It will explain what to look for in terms of wording, punctuation, and formatting, including negative and positive implications of specific wording. In addition, the course will address E&O loss control issues and help the agency look at ways to obtain and retain business. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand important contract features in general as well as those specific to insurance policies and how they may or may not affect coverage;
    • Know the general sections of a policy, their purpose, how they can be modified, and the importance of each;
    • Understand how the sections of a policy interact and explain how they work together to determine coverage;
    • Explain the importance of each area of special interest and how they can affect coverage;
    • Understand and explain how a program of insurance should be coordinated and why it is important; and 
    • Understand how all the above impact errors and omissions (E&O) loss control, new sales, and retention of existing business
    Register Here
    • December 28, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    Homeowners Insurance Facts and Follies (ABEN)

    Course #109437 | 3 P&C

    This course will look at the wide variety of scenarios faced by the typical homeowner and discuss how, if at all, the Homeowners policy would respond. Topics discussed are valuation, the cost to build vs re-build, insurance to value, other structures, the definition of premises, deductibles, special limits, trees and debris removal, mold, and host liquor liability. What you think you know and what the policy provides, may be surprising! 


    • December 28, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • ABEN Webinar

    E&O Roadmap to Policy Analysis - Part II (ABEN)

    Course #110097 | 3 P&C

    This course is Part II of II of this module. As of January 1, 2020, 3 hours is required to be eligible for the 10% Swiss Re/Fireman's Fund premium discount!

    This course is designed to guide experienced professionals step by step through the process of reading policy language, applying a basic coverage analysis to look for possible gaps in coverage, and understanding advanced coverage issues. It will explain what to look for in terms of wording, punctuation, and formatting, including negative and positive implications of specific wording. In addition, the course will address E&O loss control issues and help the agency look at ways to obtain and retain business. 

    Learning Objectives: 
    • Understand important contract features in general as well as those specific to insurance policies and how they may or may not affect coverage;
    • Know the general sections of a policy, their purpose, how they can be modified, and the importance of each;
    • Understand how the sections of a policy interact and explain how they work together to determine coverage;
    • Explain the importance of each area of special interest and how they can affect coverage;
    • Understand and explain how a program of insurance should be coordinated and why it is important; and 
    • Understand how all the above impact errors and omissions (E&O) loss control, new sales, and retention of existing business
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