Hello friends and valued partners, and welcome back to “Interstate’s Bits & Pieces”.  We have a number of exciting changes with our markets to report in this issue.  In Auto Department News, we have reduced commercial auto pricing from one of our premier partners, and finally have the long awaited reporting form option available with Maxum Casualty.  Connie Kennedy authors P & C Department News, and reports on a new admitted carrier, and on changes for filing Surplus Lines Affidavit Forms.

    We are also excited about a number of automation changes that we have implemented that should make your business dealings with Interstate even more efficient in the months ahead.  Currently, you are able to download applications and claims forms, issue certificates, and request endorsements, driver changes, and loss runs all from the “Broker Tools” tab on our website.  We also have quick applications for small commercial auto, property, and general liability submissions in this section of our website.  These on-line submissions go directly to one of two underwriters who promise a 24-hour or less turnaround.  Now you can check the status of these submissions on-line, request binding, and receive a partially pre-filled application once the account is bound.  Check out the last two “Underwriter’s Corners” with Adrienne Secriskey on our website for more details regarding this great program.

Auto News

Northland Lowers Pricing for Intermodal Haulers
Northland Insurance Company has filed new, lower prices for containerized freight haulers.
Read more here…

Maxum Casualty Unveils Reporter Form Option
Effective immediately, Maxum Casualty is able to quote and issue policies on a reporting form basis.
Read more here…

Empire Fire & Marine Begins Transition to Zurich Paper
Beginning in August, we will be issuing new business quotes and renewal terms on Zurich paper.

AM Best Ratings
In today’s difficult economic climate, the financial stability of the insurance carriers with whom you choose to entrust your clients to is more important than ever.
Read more here…

P&C News

Admitted Carrier!
Interstate Insurance Management, Inc. recently started doing business with an A- (excellent) admitted carrier, Tower Group Companies.
Read more here…

Pennsylvania Surplus Lines Update
The Pennsylvania Surplus Lines Association (PSLA) has recently released Bulletins on declining carriers and changes in procedures for filing the surplus lines affidavit forms.
Read more here…

Filing Surplus Lines Affadivits
Pennsylvania has advised that beginning on September 1st, 2009, they will begin to issue a $25.00 fine for every PR form that is missing or late.
Read more here…

New P&C Market
We are excited to announce that we have a new A++ rated carrier that will be coming to the P&C Department within the next few weeks.
Read more here…

Misc News

Employee Spotlight - Joe Sirianni
Our Interstate family is expanding! We have added a new underwriter to our staff in the P&C department.
Read more here…

Group Outing at Altoona Curve
On June 19th, Interstate Insurance Management hosted a picnic at the Altoona Curve Stadium.
Read more here…