FLORIDA
IMS-Florida Participating Carriers
Florida
Independent Market Solutions facilitates relationships between agents who are unable to secure company appointments due to any number of reasons, and carriers with an appetite for writing coverage. IMS-Florida partners with the following companies:
Personal Lines
Amelia Underwriters, American Traditions Insurance Co., Cypress Property & Casualty Insurance, Foremost Signature Home & Auto, Heritage Insurance, JIBNA, Monarch Insurance, NatGen Flood, Progressive, Prudent Pet, Swyfft, Travelers, and Universal North America Insurance Co.
Commercial Lines
Amelia Underwriters, Attune, Buoy, CNA Surety, Coterie, National General, Normandy Insurance Company, Progressive, RMS Hospitality, Scottish American, SynchronoSure, Volta Underwriters
Access to IMS is available at no charge to FAIA members. Not a member? Join!
Returning agent?
If you have previously submitted an application and want to request a sub-appointment for a new or additional carrier, please email Jean Bloszinsky.
Agency appointments are not guaranteed. Annual New Business production commitment is required for consideration. Agency is responsible for all producer licensing fees.
- Canine Liability
The commission rate is 12% for both new and renewal business.
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
Florida
The Amelia Underwriters agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Mobile Homeowners, Homeowners, Mobile Homeowners Dwelling Fire (DP1), Homeowners Dwelling Fire (DP3), Renters HO4/MH4.
11% New/Renewal - Mobile Homes & DP1, 15% New and Renewal - Homeowners (HO3 & HO6), 15% New and Renewal - Homeowners Dwelling Fire (DP3), 15% for New and Renewal business - Renters HO4/MH4. Commission paid is on non-hurricane premium only.
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
ATIC has temporarily suspended partnering with new agents in Florida.
The ATIC agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Business Owners Policy – BOP+
The BOP+ is written with Accredited Surety and Casualty Company Inc. in all states except NY, In NY it is written with Blackboard Insurance Company.
Workers' Compensation
Workers Compensation is written with Employers Insurance Company.
Excess Liability
Excess Liability is written with Core Specialty
Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance is written with Neptune. Neptune’s products are offered with the financial security of Lloyd’s of London, Indian Harbor Insurance Company, or Transverse Specialty Insurance Company.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Cyber Liability is written with Coalition Inc. Coalition’s products are offered with the financial security of Allianz Group, Arch Specialty Insurance Company, Lloyd’s of London, Chaucer Insurance Company DAC, or Vantage Risk Specialty Insurance Company
General Liability and Professional Liability
General Liability and Professional Liability (E&O) is written with Hiscox
BOP+ Non-Cat States 15% new business and 12.5% renewal
BOP+ Cat States FL, TX, NC, MS 12.5% New / 10% Renewal
Excess Liability 12.5% new business and 12.5% renewal
WC 12% new business and 10% renewal
Neptune Flood 10% new business and 8% renewal
Hiscox GL and PL 15% new and 12.5% renewal
Cyber 15% new and 15% renewal
Commissions paid by Carrier
All lines of business noted above are available in the state of Florida.
The Attune agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
As of January 1, 2023, all Boat Rental Businesses (Liveries) within the State of Florida are required to purchase liability coverage that covers their liability along with renters during the rental period. Buoy Boat Holdings, an affiliate of bolt agency, partnered with Markel to introduce a new insurance offering for boat renters and liveries with app-based technology that enables check-in/check-out, safety education, compliance, and boat rental facilitates liability coverage for liveries and renters as required by Florida’s Boating Safety Act of 2022.
5% for every boat rental trip under one livery account.
Currently available for all Florida liveries.
The commercial surety market includes numerous types of bonds categorized as court judicial, court fiduciary, public official, license and permit, and many miscellaneous bonds that include guarantees of financial performance. CNA Surety companies also write fidelity bonds, which cover losses arising from employee dishonesty and errors & omissions liability insurance. Contract bonds guarantee the performance of obligations covered by a written agreement between two parties. The most common types include bid, performance, and payment bonds.
CNA Surety understands the needs of its customers and has built itself to be responsive, flexible, and focused on satisfying the unique requirements of each one of its customers. We can provide custom-tailored surety solutions to virtually all segments of the market, regardless of size or circumstance. This explains our continued success and validates our potential for growth.
For each bond that we write, our insurance producer is paid a commission that is based upon a percentage of the bond premium. That percentage varies based upon a number of factors some of which are: the type of bond, state of the bond obligation, and contractual arrangements with producers. We offer our producers a competitive commission package to complement our outstanding service capabilities. A schedule of commissions will be provided during the appointment process.
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
CNA Surety provides a full range of surety and fidelity bonds in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. CNA Surety has the capacity, experience, and dedication to serve a full range of bonding needs, from the smallest commercial bonds to multi-million dollar contract bonds.
The Agency agreement is between CNA Surety and Independent Market Solutions (IMS). When you agree to and e-sign the IMS sub-producer agreement, you also agree to all of the terms and conditions contained within the CNA Agency agreement, which will be provided during the appointment process.
Business Owners Policy (BOP), General Liability (GL), Professional Liability (PL)
The Data Behind SimplyBind Experience (video)
Coterie Insurance brings you the SimplyBind Experience (video)
TOP 100 Business Classes Where Coterie writes 100% Businesses
For BOP/GL/PL: 15% new and renewal
For WC: 12% new and renewal
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
BOP/GL/PL is available in all states
The Coterie agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Homeowners, Condominium, Dwelling Fire, & Artisan Contractor General Liability
10% New/Renewal for Homeowners, Condominium & Dwelling Fire / 15% New/Renewal for Artisan Contractor General Liability
Commissions paid by Carrier
GL appointments open statewide & most Florida counties are open for personal lines business except for Broward County, Escambia County, Franklin County, Gadsden County, Holmes County, Jackson County, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, Okeechobee County, Palm Beach County, Santa Rosa County, Wakulla County, Washington County.
The Cypress agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Foremost SignatureSM: Standard and Preferred Automobile, Personal Excess Liability Policy, Renters
Commissions ranging from 8% to 15% based on line of business.
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
Foremost has temporarily suspended partnering with new agents in the state.
Foremost Signature Auto & Home agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you e-sign the sub-producer agreement during the application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement. The contract will be provided after the appointment is approved by Foremost.
Homeowners, Dwelling Fire, and Commercial General Liability
CGl Commission is 15% on new business (effective 9/1/22), and renewals will be paid at 12% effective 11/1/22. Currently, renewals are paid at 13%.
Base commission will be paid at 10% for new business and 9% for renewal business.
- Agencies with a 3-year loss ratio of 30% or better will be paid 10% for new business and 10% for renewal business
- Agencies with a 3-year claims frequency level of 4% or lower will be paid 10% for new business and 10% for renewal business
- Agencies with a non-CAT loss ratio of 30% or better and a frequency rate of 4% or lower will be paid 10% for new business and 11% for renewal business.
- Agencies with less than 100 earned house years – your commissions will be paid at 8% new business and 8% renewal business.
- Agencies with a 3-year non-CAT loss ratio 60% or greater will be paid at 8% new business and 8% renewal business.
- Agency performance will be evaluated in January of each year based on calendar year results for the prior 3-year rolling period.
Heritage has temporarily suspended partnering with new agents in Florida.
The Heritage Insurance agency agreement is between the Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Personal Jewelry
20% on new business (fully complete submissions)
10% on renewals and endorsements
Commissions paid by Carrier
Available in all states and DC (approved but currently not writing in Kentucky)
Individual item limit $500,000; Schedules $2.5 million (higher limits available)
Minimum premium $50 (Worldwide coverage)
No blanket coverage
Special perils (All Risk) coverage including mysterious disappearance
No-deductible standard coverage (100/250/500/1000 available)
Exposure rated
Older appraisals (typed) acceptable
The JIBNA (Jewelry Insurance Brokerage of North America) agency agreement is between
Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and JIBNA. When you agree to and e-sign the sub-
producer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions,
guidelines, policies and procedures contained in the agency agreement
HO3 – limits up to $2,000,000 Cov. A available
HO4 – limits up to $500,000 Cov. A available
HO6 – limits up to $1,000,000 Cov. A & C combined available
DP3 – limits up to $2,000,000 Cov. A available
Program is based on insurance score
8% New/Renewal | Up To 4% Contingency
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
Monarch is actively partnering with new agents in Florida and is open to new business with statewide capacity.
The Monarch National agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the sub-producer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the Agency Agreement.
NFIP/Federal Flood – Residential & Commercial
NFIP/Federal Flood – 20% New/Renewal/Rollover
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
We are open and appointing agents in Florida.
The National General agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Normandy Insurance Company provides workers’ compensation insurance for industries including: restaurants, light manufacturing, landscapers, health care, cannabis & medical marijuana operations, retail stores and many more. General liability insurance is also available through a proprietary program
15% New 12% Renewal
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
Normandy will consider new ventures, a lapse in coverage, shock loss risks
Construction class codes require 1 yr prior coverage
Home Health Care requires 3 yrs of prior coverage
High Mods also considered
The Normandy agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and Normandy Insurance. When you agree to sign the sub producer agreement during this application process, you will also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies and procedures contained in the agency agreement. This also applies to the proprietary program for GL and Workers Compensation.
Commercial and Personal Auto, Renters, Motorcycle, Boat and Recreational Vehicles
Personal Auto w/ proof of prior auto ins, no lapse in coverage and HO NEW: 12%
Personal Auto w/ proof of prior auto ins, no lapse in coverage and HO REN: 8%
Personal Auto w/ proof of prior auto ins, no lapse in coverage and No HO NEW: 10%
Personal Auto w/ proof of prior auto ins, no lapse in coverage and No HO REN: 8%
Personal Auto w/ No proof of prior auto ins and No HO NEW: 8%
Personal Auto w/ No proof of prior auto ins and No HO REN: 6%
Motorcycle NEW: 13%
Motorcycle REN: 8%
Boat NEW: 8%
Boat REN: 8%
Recreational Vehicle NEW: 8%
Recreational Vehicle REN: 8%
Commercial Auto NEW: 8%
Commercial Auto REN: 8%
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
Progressive appointments are available statewide with the exception of the following counties: Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach & Seminole.
Agents must write two policies per month.
Agency must have access to three or more auto carriers. May be two auto carriers if one is preferred.
Agency must have 1 year agency ownership experience (This can be with a different agency)
Must be in good standing with Progressive
Must not have been previously terminated by Progressive
Applicant must operate and maintain a storefront or retail location for their operation
Agency must maintain both and agency license and a producer license
Please email marketing@imsaccess.com for a copy of the agreement.
Personal Lines: Pet Insurance (Prudent Pet offers Comprehensive Accident & Illness plans or Accident-Only plans, with the ability to customize coverage and pricing options that work best for your customer’s budget. Pet insurance works on a reimbursement basis. The customer pays the vet directly, then submits their bill and we reimburse eligible expenses.
Annual limits from $10,000 to Unlimited
Deductibles from $100 to $1,000
Reimbursement Rates at 70%, 80% and 90%
Optional Coverage add-on’s include: Veterinary Exam Fee Coverage and/or Optional Wellness Coverage.
All Lines- 18% new business, 10% renewal
Commissions paid by Carrier
Personal Lines: Prudent Pet insurance is available statewide. Company prefers agencies with 1,000+ policies in force.
The Prudent Pet agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
General Liability, Liquor Liability & Assault & Battery for Hospitality Risks are written with Clear Blue Specialty and United National Group. Franchise Food General Liability and Property plus WC are written with Crum & Forster Specialty Insurance.
Clear Blue Specialty General Liability 10% new and 10% renewal.
United National General Liability 10% new and 10% renewal.
Crum & Forster General Liability, Property and WC 10% new business and 10% renewal.
Commissions paid by Carrier
General Liability, Liquor Liability & Assault & Battery for Hospitality Risks is available in all states except for VT and the District of Columbia DC. The Franchise Food package is written in all 50 states.
The RMS HG agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and RMS Hospitality Group. When you agree to and e-sign the sub producer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement. Note some programs and Excess and Surplus Lines.
Contractors Guard Pro - General Liability for CGCs and CBCs
Contractors Guard - General Liability for artisans and trade contractors (Available in all states except NY and CO)
10% on new and renewal business
Commissions paid by Carrier
Open for appointments in all IMS states for current active members
The Scottish American agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and FHBI. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
HO-3 - Swyfft currently has two E&S Carriers available in Florida: Lloyd’s and Clear Blue Specialty (both Rated A- or better by AM Best) with up to $2M in Coverage A.
Short-Term Rental Coverage is available through the Lloyd's Program.
8% on new and 7% renewal
Commissions paid by Carrier
We are currently accepting appointments for the state of Florida*
*Includes Personal Lines only. Excludes Tri-county and Monroe.
Agency agreement: Swyfft producer agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you e-sign the sub-producer agreement during the application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement. Read the Agency Agreement
Workers Compensation (learn more) – This coverage helps protect businesses for injuries to workers that arise from their employment and from wages that are lost due to those injuries. We have over 900 available governing class codes representing most of the classes associated with hazard grades A – F, and 15 classes within hazard G. Maximum unmodified manual premium is $35,000. Maximum experience mod is 1.35. Business we are actively writing includes small contractors, hospitality, light manufacturing, and agricultural risks (no trees or animals bigger than we are). We are not presently entertaining transportation, healthcare, Federal Act risks. The average bound premium to date is about $6000 per policy. The insurer is Sutton National, rated A- VIII by AM Best.
Follow Form Excess Liability (learn more) – This policy provides coverage above the limits of the scheduled underlying coverage. It offers no broader protection than that provided by the underlying policy. We have more than 550 available class codes. Limits capacity is $5 million, and we are attaching typically excess of primary $1 million or excess of $5 million excess of primary $1 million. Coverage is offered on a follow form excess liability basis, and we can sit over GL and Auto liability, but will not do auto by itself. We are actively quoting coverage within both residential and commercial contracting codes, hospitality including both restaurants and hotel/motel risks excess of $1 million primary insurance or $5 million excess of $5 million excess of Primary insurance. In addition, we are actively quoting habitational exposures excess of $6 million minimum attachment point. The average bound premium to date is $9,000. The maximum policy premium we entertain in our layer is $35,000. The carrier for this product is Sutton Specialty, rated A- VIII by AM Best.
General Liability (learn more) – This is a monoline general liability market currently focusing on trucker general liability. This liability coverage provides protection for premises and operations liability, and products/completed operations liability. We are expanding the GL program to 155 other class codes (targeting “live” at 11/15/2022). The maximum premium per policy will be limited to $35,000. The product is built around the ISO GL product language. The carrier for this product is Sutton Specialty, rated A- VIII by AM Best.
GigBOP® (learn more) – A package insurance for the gig workers, contractors, freelancers, and one-person bands. This coverage includes Business Personal Property, Business Liability, and Miscellaneous Professional Liability, uniquely crafted to meet the needs of modern small businesses. Currently supports 78 eligible class codes, soon to expand to 183 (11/1/2022 target to go “live”) as well as reducing the minimum policy premium to $500 and introducing a “starter” limit at $100,000 for a minimum policy premium of $350. We are actively quoting management consultants, bookkeepers, and building and home inspectors. The product includes business personal property with limits to $250,000, liability up to $ 1million and miscellaneous professional liability to $1 million. The carrier for this product is Sutton Specialty, rated A- VIII by AM Best.
For Big I agency members in good standing: 12.5% new business and 10% renewal.
Commissions paid by Carrier
- Workers Compensation – Currently available in 17 states: AL, FL, GA, IL, NC, TN, TX, and WI. Soon expanding to KY, MD and PA. (IMS is not currently licensed in AR, IA, IN, KS, MO, MS, OK, SC, & VA)
- Follow Form Excess Liability - Currently active nationwide (please check with IMS for licensing status outside of FL) on an E&S basis.
- Truckers General Liability - Currently available in 37 states on an E&S basis: AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, NC, SC, TN, TX, and WI. (IMS is not currently licensed in AK, AR, AZ, CO, HI, IA, ID, IN, KS, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, UT, WA, WV, and WY if you have significant opportunities in any of these states please let us know)
- GigBOP® - Currently active nationwide (please check with IMS for licensing status outside of FL) on an E&S basis.
The SynchronoSure® agency agreement is between the individual signing agency or brokerage firm and SynchronoSure®. When you agree to and e-sign the agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Please Read If Considering SynchronoSure:
Producer Sign-up for SynchronoSure must be completed by clicking this link https://synchronosure.com/producer-registration/
(Personal) Automobile, Personal Liability Policy
Auto (Standard Insurance Company) up to 10% new and renewal,
Personal Liability Policy up to 8% new and renewal
Youthful Driver up to 8% new and 8% renewal
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
Agency is operational for a minimum of 3 years.
Agency must operate and maintain a retail location for their operation
Size of agency staff 3+
Agency preferably has and follows a formal written business plan
Automation is in place. Agency management system as well as a comparative rater.
Agency has a personal lines focus, with a strong quote flow, and an appetite to grow their agencies preferred auto and umbrella insurance.
Minimum new business expectation is 2-3 preferred auto/umbrella sales a month with Travelers.
Profitable with current carriers
Agency committed to using Travelers Customer Care Center(CCC) Program
Travelers has temporarily suspended partnering with new agents in Florida.
The Travelers agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement. Contract will be provided after appointment approved by Travelers.
Homeowners and Dwelling Fire.
10% new on homes 7 years or less,
8% on homes more than 7 years old.
6% on renewals.
Commissions paid by Independent Market Solutions
Universal North America has temporarily suspended partnering with new agents in Florida.
The Universal North America Insurance Co. agency agreement is between the Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
Business Owners Policy (BOP) with Windstorm & Hail.
Business Owners Policy (BOP) Ex-Wind.
Coverage is bound on Specialty Builders Insurance Co, an A.M. Best “A” / FSC IX surplus lines insurer.
The program targets small businesses with up to $10,000,000 in annual revenue and/or up to
$2,500,000 in annual payroll:
Property limit (including Coverage A) up to a maximum of $1,000,000
GL limit up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 in the aggregate.
Business Interruption limit up to a maximum of $200,000.
140 eligible professions and occupancies - For a complete eligible occupancy list, click here. To obtain quotes, go to volta-underwriters.com/ and click “Get a Quote.”
Retail commissions are 10% new and 10% renewal.
Volta Underwriters accepts submissions from retail insurance agents in Florida. Here is a breakdown of zip code eligibility.
The Volta Underwriters agency agreement is between Independent Market Solutions (IMS) and the carrier. When you agree to and e-sign the subproducer agreement during this application process, you also agree to the instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures contained in the agency agreement.
APPLY FOR MARKET ACCESS
Independent Market Solutions facilitates relationships between agents who are unable to secure company appointments due to any number of reasons, and carriers with an appetite for writing coverage.