Advocacy in Action
PIA builds communication between agencies and companies
PIA knows that company relations is one of the top issues facing independent agents. Many times, agents feel at the mercy of unilateral company decisions that may not always consider agent needs, while many companies feel they don't fully understand what those needs are.
In response to this concern, the PIA Company and Industry Relations Department actively advocates agents' ideas and concerns to company executives PIA strives to foster clear and effective communication between companies and their appointed agents. Home
PIA asks you what really matters
Every year, PIA sponsors the Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey. This survey gives you, as an independent agent, the chance to influence company decisions. You can rate your carriers completely anonymously in areas ranging from commission and underwriting to claims handling and technology.
PIA shares the results of the survey with member agents, as well as company representatives. And the companies take their results very seriously. Most share their results with their board of directors and senior management, and some are even creating internal campaigns to raise their survey scores and work more effectively with you, their appointed agent.
By participating in the Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey, you can help PIA identify agents' top concerns and share those with the companies you represent.
View the results of the 2007 Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey
A meeting of minds
Another way PIA fosters communication between agent and company is by coordinating on-site carrier visits, where PIA staff, member agents and company senior management gather to discuss top issues facing the insurance industry. Many of these issues are drawn directly from the PIA Insurance Company Satisfaction Survey and regular conversations with member agents. These meetings also offer an opportunity to review the company's survey ratings and discuss how the company and their appointed agents can meet their goals together. PIA is working to help strengthen the business partnership between companies and independent agents.
Click on a carrier below to view the summary of the visit.
| Aug. 1, 2007 |
Selective |
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March 27, 2008 |
MetLife Auto |
| Aug. 27, 2007 |
The Motorists Insurance Group |
April 23, 2008 |
Buckeye State Mutual |
| Sept. 27, 2007 |
Frankenmuth Insurance |
May 6, 2008 |
CNA |
| Sept. 28, 2007 |
Hastings Mutual |
May 28, 2008 |
Encompass |
| Nov. 1, 2007 |
Cincinnati Insurance |
July 7, 2008 |
Celina |
| Nov. 5, 2007 |
Central Insurance Companies |
Sept. 11, 2008 |
Ohio Mutual |
| Nov. 19, 2007 |
Grange Insurance |
Oct. 24, 2008 |
Ohio Casualty |
| Jan. 29, 2008 |
Mennonite Mutual |
TBD |
American Commerce |
| Feb. 5, 2008 |
Pekin |
Nov. 4, 2008 |
Progressive |
| Feb. 20, 2008 |
Merchants |
TBD |
State Auto |
| March 25, 2008 |
Utica National |
TBD |
Western Reserve |
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PIA's Intern Update:
The PIA Internship Program is in its third year in 2008. Twelve students representing eight universities are participating in this year's internship, which began May 28, 2008. PIA thanks our insurance company partners for participation in the 2008 PIA Internship: The Motorists Insurance Group, Ohio Casualty, Ohio Mutual Insurance, State Auto, Buckeye State Mutual Insurance, Western Reserve Group and Westfield. Click here to read about this year's interns.
PIA's Technology
Task Force Survey:
PIA surveyed the membership about automation and technology early in 2007. Data covers topics such as the level of use of agency management systems, paper vs. electronic files and even the connection between agency automation and agency perpetuation. See how you compare with your fellow agents. Download the survey.
Dan Snouffer
Director of Company and Industry Relations
dan@ohiopia.com
 Daniel P. Snouffer serves as Director of Company and Industry Relations for the Professional Insurance Agents Association of Ohio, Inc. (PIA). With his background as an independent agent and consultant, a former insurance company executive and former regulatory official, Dan brings the unique blend of skills and perspective PIA sought diligently for this position.
In his company relations role at PIA, Dan nurtures open communication between agents and company executives. His primary goals are to improve agents’ ability to remain effectively independent, reduce underwriting challenges, open up more market access, and resolve many other agency management areas of concern. Dan’s focus is to foster cooperative goals that help agents and companies work together in continually improving standards of service for their mutual clients.
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