Insurers Appointing N.J. Agencies in Record Numbers, Reports PIANJ
Insurance companies are making new agency appointments in New Jersey in record numbers, according to a recent member survey by the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey Inc. The association annually updates its data on its members’ company representation.
According to the latest PIANJ data, compiled this summer, companies have increased their representation among PIANJ members, generally by double digits.
“PIANJ keeps track of the companies each member represents so we can quickly notify members of any breaking news affecting the company,” according to PIANJ Industry Resource Center Director Shirley Albright. “Generally, we find company representation is fairly stable from year to year, varying by only a few percentage points from the year before. But this year, the changes reported by members who updated their data resulted in double-digit year-over-year increases almost across the board.”
The number of PIANJ members reporting that they represent a company increased by at least 10 percent for the following companies or company groups: AIG, Andover Cos., The Chubb Group, CNA, Cumberland, Foremost, Franklin Mutual, Greater New York, The Hartford, Mercury Group, Ohio Casualty, Palisades, Philadelphia Group, Preserver Group, Proformance, Quincy Mutual, St. Paul Travelers and Zurich.
“It’s definitely not too late to increase the markets available to your agency,” according to PIANJ’s past president, John D’Agostino Jr. “Companies are looking at New Jersey with a whole new attitude. They want agents who can open up the state’s vast potential and bring them profitable business.”
PIANJ will offer a repeat of its earlier seminar on how to land a company appointment Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005, at the Ramada Inn in East Brunswick, N.J.
“Company Appointments: The Art of Gaining New Markets” will be instructed by D’Agostino and will provide three New Jersey continuing education credits. The association has opened the presentation to PIANJ members and nonmembers.
For more information, or to register, contact the Education and Conference Department at (800) 424-4244 or logon to PIANJ’s Web site, www.piaonline.org, and type ED14994 in the Quick-Link box.