We Hate to Say It, But We Told You So! 
Another Errors & Omissions carrier is pulling out of the state, and leaving
their insureds with non-renewals at the expiration date. Philadelphia Insurance
Company is getting out of the E&O business in Alabama. They came on strong
three years ago with low rates and narrow coverages and some agents jumped
at the rock bottom price. Shame on you! We warned you that they would come
in, build up premium volume and be out of the state before they had to pay
any large claims. Alabama agents should know by now, that a deal too good to
be true, probably is just that. 

Let us take this opportunity to remind you that your association has a policy
available through ERC that is competitively priced with the broadest coverages
in the state. Furthermore, IIAA and ERC have signed another five-year
contract for the endorsement. Before you place your coverage anywhere else,
ask if they will guarantee to be in Alabama in 2004, because ERC will
guarantee to be here. Do not trust just any carrier with your E&O coverage,
call the AIIA Office for an ERC application. 

E&O and Y2K 
Don’t forget, ERC is also one of the only carriers in Alabama who is not
excluding Y2K coverage. In fact, it may be the only carrier. At this time, the
Alabama filings show that Cigna, Utica, Reliance and others are all excluding
this important coverage. If you have any questions, or need an ERC E&O
application, please call the Alison Decker or Carol Hunt at the AIIA Office
(205) 326-4129.

Legislative Conference is Here 
The annual AIIA Legislative Conference, hosted by the Young Agents
Committee, is in two weeks. The conference is being held March 23-24 at the
Embassy Suites in Montgomery. We need agents from every district to come
and meet with your representatives. If you have been watching the news, you
know that this is an important session and every agent’s help is needed. The
cost of the conference is only $45. Please call the AIIA Office for a registration
form, (205) 326-4129. 

Chaos Erupts in the Senate\ Windom Takes Back Power 
On the opening day of the regular session, Lieutenant Governor Steve Windom
applied some of the same tactics that were used against him to restore his
power in the Senate. He gaveled through new operating rules on voice votes
that restored much of the original power that had been stripped from him by
some Democratic Senators earlier this year. “The people elected Steve Windom
to be lieutenant governor in November. They didn’t elect anyone else to be
lieutenant governor,” he said in response to his critics. Eighteen Democratic
senators are now boycotting the meetings of the Senate and have filed a lawsuit
against Windom. Additionally, Governor Don Seigelman is doing his part to
thwart Windom by cutting the funding for his office to $256,510, down from
the $631,510 he had while in the office. Amidst the new rules passed during the
chaotic session, Windom kept his campaign promise of letting 18 senators of
the 35 vote to pull a bill out of committee. 

The Senate may be in turmoil, but the House is moving along. They have
already filed two bills that will interest agents. One, HB19 would create an
Insurance Fraud Unit within the Department of Insurance to investigate
fraudulent misrepresentations, omissions, concealment of facts and incorrect
statements in insurance transactions. The second bill of interest is HB60, which
would require drivers who commit motor vehicle offenses to show proof of
liability insurance or other proof of financial responsibility in order to retain
their driving privileges. 

A.M. Best Evaluates Vesta
In a press release from Vesta Insurance, A.M. Best announced that they are
revising Vesta’s rating from A- to B++under review. This action stems from the
accounting discrepancies and high level of losses that have been previously
reported. However, A.M. Best also praised Vesta for their solid personal lines
track record, short tail business orientation, conservative risk management and
a well-established market presence. Vesta will continue to pursue alternatives to
restore their capital position and is continuing to implement their services to
agents. 

Pinckard Agency Sells Cars on the Internet 
The Pickard Agency in Troy, Montgomery and now Birmingham has launched
an innovative service called Complete Auto. This is a one stop car buying and
financing service that is available on the agency’s web site,
www.theshopnet.com. Potential buyers can choose their car, determine the
trade in value, and apply for a loan. Within 24 hours, Complete Auto finds the
car, gets competitive bids and contacts the customer. 

Alabama Moves Up in CISR Rankings 
Alabama has moved from 10th place up to 9th in the nation for number of
CISR designees. There are currently 445 CISR designees and 1,233 participants
going through the designation program. AIIA is proud of our designees and
encourages all CSRs to continue their professional education through this
outstanding program. 

Agents’ Letters Pour Into Washington 
Thank you to all the agents who have sent letters to Senator Richard Shelby
concerning the Financial Services Bill that is currently in the Banking
Committee. Your effort is being noticed by Sen.Shelby and his staff. We
appreciate your response to our fax request. Please continue to watch for
special requests from this office as the bill progresses. 

Education Opportunities Available 
The following classes still have openings: 
Personal Lines Gaps and Commercial Property Trap in Mobile, Montgomery,
Birmingham and Huntsville. (6 Hr CE) 
Also, there is an opportunity to earn FREE CE credits at the Flood Seminars
 for members only being held in Mobile, April 7, and Birmingham, April 6.
 Please contact Lauren Mashburn at the AIIA Office (205) 326-4129 to register. 

Job Opportunities 

 Personal Lines CSR needed for Hoover agency. Applicant should have a
 minimum of three years CSR experience. Retirement plan, Blue Cross
 Health and competitive salary. Send a resume to Insurance, PO Box
 360148, Birmingham, AL 35236. 
 Plott Insurance in Tuscaloosa is looking for a Commercial Lines CSR
 and an Office Manager. Please call Geoff Plott at (205) 349-1810. 
 Prominent Personal Lines Agency seeking CSR\Office Manager for North
 Shelby County location. AL insurance license is required. Applicant must
 be personable, able to deal with the public and detail oriented. Small,
 nonsmoking office environment. 
 Please mail resume to 364 Hillandell Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244. 
 Licensed Personal Lines CSR needed. Pay is above the industry standard,
 good benefits. Please send a resume to P.O. Box 101537, Birmingham35210.