March 2022 Member News
COUNTDOWN TO LAUNCH
From the Executive's Desk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENCY PRINCIPALS!!!
For the past year, PIA has been advising our member agents that there is a new Insurance Data Security Act that goes into effect July 1, 2022 and that ALL AGENTS regardless of staff size or book of business size MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE or face penalties. You must have an Incident Response Plan in case the Bureau of Insurance audits your agency.
We highly recommend that you consider utilizing a third-party vendor who specializes in cyber security. They are more experienced and trained in cyber security than your IT provider. PIA met with several cyber security companies and have recommended 4 vendors (see links below). Time is running out for you to become compliant and the project can take weeks to a month or more depending on your size and complexity of issues. PIA urges you to review the list of vendors and contact them now to get an idea of what they can provide and what the cost will be. Don’t run out of time.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Harmon Lisa@piavadc.com or myself Kevin@piavadc.com
Kevin Kowar, CIC, AU
Association Executive
Welcome New Members
InsuraPro Advisors, LLC, Burke, VA
Kite Technology Group, Owings Mills, MD
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New CIC and CISR Testing Procedures
Effective January 1, 2022 The National Alliance has changed testing procedures.
The testing window for webinar classes will stay the same: Monday 12:00am CST – Thursday 11:59pm CST of the week following the class.
CIC In-Person and Hybrid* Course Tests:
All CIC tests will be administered electronically. The test will no longer be administered in-person on Friday morning after the class, but rather it will be available during an exam window beginning Monday 12:00am CST through Thursday 11:59pm CST of the week following the class. Likewise, a test proctor is required; proctor rules will be provided at the class and can also be found at the button below.
CISR In-Person and Hybrid* Course Tests:
All CISR tests will be administered electronically. The test window for in-person classes is immediately following the class (including a 30-minute study window) through the following Thursday 11:59pm CST. Those planning to test immediately following an in-person class will need to bring a laptop with which they will access the test, and course staff will serve as proctors.
*Hybrid Courses are in-person courses that offer a webinar attendance option.
Instructors and students are in-person in a classroom setting. Camera and audio setup allows the instructor and slides to provide a webinar experience for those who prefer to attend virtually.
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CIC: Orlando Ramirez - InsuraPro Advisors, LLC; Burke, VA
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Optimizing the Virtual Experience
PIA’s newest program, The Agent Experience-Building relationships in a digital world, is a tool designed to help you use digital technologies to strengthen and grow your customer relationships. The toolkit contains videos of agents’ real-life experiences, tip sheets, and a resource hub to help you build and grow relationships online.
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Ralph Waldo Emerson