IFS Online: Insurance & Financial Services News

Become an Affiliate Partner and earn additional income with the click of a button!

2008-06-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Partner with Learninsurance.com to offer insurance pre-licensing, insurance continuing education, Certified Financial Planning CE, professional designations, professional development, securities license preparation and CPA continuing professional education to your clients, employees or anyone browsing your website.

As an Affiliate partner we can offer you a revenue stream of 25% of anything purchased from our website and all you have to do is drive that web traffic to us from your website. This is a very simple process where we make available to you a website link or banner ad that you place on your website. Once this is in place, anytime someone uses that link to access Learninsurance.com and purchases a course you will receive a 25% revenue share on the total order. It’s good to keep in mind that the more prominent and available the link is the more potential you have to earn money. It can also be used on any other page of your website such as a blog or even in something as simple as an email sent to all of your users.

Through our new Auto-Affiliate tool we make the sign-up process as simple and easy as possible. Please visit Learninsurance.com and click on the Affiliate Program tab on the right-hand side of the page for more information and to enroll.

Florida Property Insurance Reform

2008-06-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the Homeowner’s Bill of Rights, better known as property insurance reform, this week. The bill provides protection for Florida homeowners, and will assist in keeping insurance costs affordable.

Beginning July 1, 2008 the following reforms will go into effect:

• The rate freeze is extended from January 2009 to January 2010 for Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state’s insurer of last resort.

• Properties up to $2 million are now allowed to be covered under Citizens Insurance. It previously allowed properties with replacement value of up to $1 million to be covered. This includes single family, as well as condo units.

• Citizens’ policyholders of property valued over $500,000 in wind-borne areas are required to disclose the property’s windstorm mitigation rating to prospective buyers.

• Fines are increased for violations of the insurance code by private insurers.

• The provision that insurers get state approval before raising property insurance rates is extended to January 2010.

• Insurers are required to notify state regulators 90 days before dropping more than 10,000 homeowner policies in a year.

• Insurers are required to use state-approved methods to predict the risk of hurricanes, a key factor in setting rates.

If you are interested in obtaining a license to sell property insurance or any other type of insurance or you need continuing education, please visit Learninsurance.com.

360training can help you develop a career in the Insurance industry

2008-05-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Are you considering a career in the insurance business but don’t know where to begin? Like with most things, there are multiple ways to accomplish your goal. For instance, when you take a trip there are several ways to get where you want to go:

You can choose the SWAG System - (Simple Wild A _ _ Guess). Most women think this is the preferred method used by men to find their way on a trip. You just kind of “wing” it. It is sometimes seen as a sign of weakness to ask for directions. Heading into a new career without guidance, direction, maps or back-up can be spontaneous, exciting, and sometimes might even work but you are definitely taking a risk.

Another option may be to use a GPS System. Today there is seldom a good reason to be lost. With a small investment a person anywhere in the world can get guidance from a network of Global Positioning System satellites that can pinpoint a location to within a couple of feet. A voice aided with visual directions can point you to the destination. If you make a mistake the GPS unit doesn’t yell at you. It says, “re-calculating” and tells you another way to get to the goal. What a concept! The GPS can provide a street level view of your location, show were the nearest Starbucks or gas station is located or find thousands of other locations and mark them on an electronic map.

Either option will most likely get you to your destination but choosing how you get there is entirely up to you. If you like having guidance, check out the new Career Path. We identify key jobs in insurance agencies and companies, explain a little about the job as well as provide directions on how to qualify for that position. For additional information contact sales@learninsurance.com and one of our corporate representatives will be happy to assist you.

National Training Day – August 20th, 2008

2008-05-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

360training will be hosting a National Training Day held Wednesday, August 20th. We are offering 40% off of anything purchased on that day ONLY! You have one year from the date of purchase to complete your courses (Securities Prep courses are valid 120 days from the date of purchase). The discount is valid on insurance pre-license courses, insurance continuing education, Certified Financial Planning continuing education, Professional Designation courses, Professional Development, Securities prep and CPA continuing professional education. For more information, please visit LearnInsurance.

Flood Insurance & Adjuster Training

2008-05-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

The 2008 hurricane season is less than a month away. 360training has two programs to help you in your efforts to stay prepared for one the most grueling times of the insurance year. Flood insurance backed by the National Flood Insurance Program provides homeowners, business owners and renters with the best protection available against flooding. In most states, insurance agents who sell Flood policies are required to take an approved Flood Insurance education course. We offer an approved Flood Insurance course, choose the state you are licensed in to enroll in the course.

Hurricane season is an especially busy time for insurance adjusters because they are the principal surveyors of the damage and make claim recommendations to insurance companies. Most states do not require you to have an adjusters license (Florida and Texas are two exceptions). Check with your employer to determine the requirements for becoming an adjuster.

If you are licensed as an adjuster in Texas you may qualify for an “emergency” adjusters license to work in Florida during hurricane season. Please visit the Florida Licensing Division for more information. If you are interested in obtaining your adjusters license in Texas, we offer everything you need to obtain your license at Learninsurance.com for $299. Please visit our “adjusters license in Texas” for more information and to enroll.

Learninsurance.com, a division of 360training, now offers insurance pre-license training for California

2008-04-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

LearnInsurance.com has partnered with Lytespeed Learning to offer their fully accredited mandatory insurance pre-license coursework through the California Department of Insurance.

These courses are 100% online and include everything you need to take and pass your exam.

The average cost for a live pre-license course is $329 – you will get everything you need for $139.99 with Learninsurance.com. Please visit our website for more information about our California Insurance License courses.

360training launches online New York Insurance Pre-License Training

2008-04-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

360training has partnered with GE Insurance Institute to offer online pre-license insurance training in New York. Learninsurance.com, a division of 360training, now offers three different pre-license courses for New York; Life, Accident & Health and Life, Accident & Health. GE Insurance Institute is the first provider to offer online pre-license training in New York. For more information please visit us at http://www.learninsurance.com/insurance-licensing.cfm.

IFAwebnews.com Partners with 360training to Resell Our Insurance Pre-Licensing and Continuing Education Courses

2008-04-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Since 1998 Insurance & Financial Advisor (IFAwebnews.com) has offered the latest news & resources for the insurance industry in both print and online formats throughout the Mid-Atlantic and across the U.S. Insurance & Financial Advisor publishes three print editions, serving more than 36,000 agents, brokers & financial service professionals across all lines. The company’s daily updated website, IFAwebnews.com, reaches agents across the country with news postings and weekly IFA eNews updates. Together with 360training.com, IFAwebnews.com will begin offering pre-licensing coursework and continuing education training for adjusters, property & casualty and life & health agents. For more information, please visit www.ifawebnews.com. For more information on 360training, please visit www.360training.com.

360training.com and Welcome Funds Inc. Partner to Provide Comprehensive Education on Life Settlement Secondary Markets

2008-04-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

April 1, 2008 – Austin, Texas -- 360training.com today announced its partnership with Welcome Funds Inc. Recognizing the rapidly growing need for education and training in the Life Settlements segment of the insurance business, the two companies have ventured to create a new online training program entitled “Overview of Life Settlements: Current Events and Updates” which will be launched as an approved continuing education course across the nation.

By partnering with Welcome Funds and utilizing its knowledge, experience and expertise, 360training has a content provider that will educate life agents, registered representatives, broker-dealers, wealth managers, estate planning attorneys and other financial professionals throughout the life insurance and financial services community.

Life Settlements, also known as Senior Settlements, Lifetime Settlements, or High Net Worth Transactions, Life Settlements have become a very important factor in the estate planning process for seniors. Life Settlements allow qualified policy owners to liquidate a policy for an amount much higher than the cash surrender value. Then, these seniors can take advantage of important financial opportunities using the proceeds of an unwanted, unaffordable or obsolete life insurance policy.

Welcome Funds Inc. is one of the nation’s leading life insurance settlement brokerages representing the interests of consumers helping them to optimize the value of their policies in the secondary market. Through extensive research, careful regulatory monitoring and maintenance of a fully-staffed compliance department, including in-house counsel, the firm ensures a best execution strategy for life settlements and adherence to all federal, state and local laws, regulations and legal requirements.

The course will be made available 360training.com’s insurance education portal http://www.learninsurance.com/ and http://www.welcomefunds.com/.

360Training Launches Classroom Instruction

2008-03-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

Jack Frick, CIC, CISR, AIS & Jason Clark, Business Development Manager, both with 360Training, will be conducting an Anti-Money Laundering seminar April 12th from 10:15a.m.-12:15p.m. at the Federation of Insurance Women in Texas’ Region VII Education Conference and Mid Year Board Meeting at the Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin, TX. For more information about the conference, please visit their website at http://www.fiwt.com/ or visit http://www.learninsurance.com/ to learn more about insurance pre-licensing preparation, continuing education, professional designations, securities prep and CPA continuing professional education.

Why Sell Long Term Care Insurance?

2008-03-25T12:37:00.001-07:00

As we all know, growing old is inevitable (or at least we hope). As we age, the need to have a long-term care (LTC) solution becomes increasingly important. However, long-term care insurance does not have to only apply to the elderly. Just as an example, Christopher Reeve, the actor, was paralyzed at the age of 42, and required nine years of long-term care. This is a good example that the need for long-term care insurance doesn’t just apply to the elderly and individuals need to start looking to purchase long-term care insurance immediately.

Generally, LTC is for those who are not sick in the traditional sense, but are simply unable to perform basic daily activities like dressing, eating, bathing and walking. When someone is in this situation, financial security and asset protection can be difficult. However, with long-term care insurance, those worries are alleviated, or disappear altogether. When an individual decides to purchase long-term care insurance, they are taking their future in their hands and planning for the possibility that they may not be able to take care of themselves down the road. Doing this means their family will not be struggling to pay their bills and medical costs while they are incapacitated. As well, it will keep their bank account from being drained while they are receiving long-term care. Long-term care insurance is the best way to ensure their future financial situation stays as solid as their present.

Some may think Medicare will cover long-term care, however, although it is used by millions of Americans to assist them in their medical expenses, it does not cover expenses related to long-term care, while Medicaid will for those who cannot pay for the expenses. However, this amounts to very little money and if an individual wants financial security as they age, the need to purchase long-term care insurance increases.

Long-term care insurance is an excellent way for an individual to plan ahead. No one knows what the future holds and, as a result, measures need to be taken to ensure that the quality of life they enjoy at this point will be the same throughout their lives. Going out to purchase long-term care insurance for themselves or a family member will keep the financial stresses from becoming too much in the unfortunate situation where a family member requires long-term care.

Learninsurance.com offers several online courses covering long-term care to help prepare you for selling LTC insurance. Please visit us at http://www.learninsurance.com/, click on Insurance CE and your state to see what courses we offer and enroll.

Educating Policyholders about Flood Coverage

2008-03-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

In the United States, floods are the most common natural disaster, yet sadly enough, only a small fraction of homes are covered by flood insurance. In the event of a flood, with flood insurance protection, claims are paid even if a national disaster is not declared by the President. A study conducted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners last year revealed that 33 percent of homeowners believe – incorrectly – that flood damages are covered under a standard home-owners policy. So, in an effort to reverse misconceptions about homeowners policies and flood coverage, the NFIP turns to you, the agent, to help advise your clients on critical insurance needs and requirements. Flood insurance, the best available protection against rising water, needs to top that list.

Section 207 of the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004, Public Law 108-264 (Act) requires all producers selling flood insurance policies under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to be trained and educated about the NFIP so that they may properly serve their clients. The Act requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the insurance industry, state insurance regulators, and other interested parties, to establish minimum flood insurance training requirements for producers who sell flood insurance policies.

You can complete the required FEMA-approved flood insurance course online at http://www.learninsurance.com/, click on Insurance CE and your state to enroll.

Classroom Pre-Licensing for Texas

2008-03-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

In response to customer inquiries 360training will begin offering Texas pre-licensing classroom training at their corporate headquarters located at 13801 N. Mo-Pac Expressway, Austin, Texas. Classes are scheduled to begin in June. A final schedule will be published soon.

The pre-licensing training will consist of 2 ½ days of classroom instruction which will include textbooks, supplemental study material, and final exams. Instruction will be offered for both Property and Casualty and Life and Health licenses.

Corporate clients who desire customized in-house pre-licensing training to be conducted at their premises are invited to contact Jack Frick, CIC, CISR, AIS, Vice President of Financial Services, 360training.

Please visit us at http://www.learninsurance.com/ for more information regarding pre-licensing preparation, insurance continuing education, designation preparation, securities and futures preparation and CPA continuing professional education.

What is the Value of a Designation?

2008-03-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

What is the value of a designation in the insurance industry? Why do we work to earn those letters after our names? Are they really worth the effort?

In a recent article in Rough Notes Magazine (April 2007), by author Ruth E. Phillips, CISR, CPSR, CPIW, she noted that there are often misconceptions about designations. Some bosses think they are simply a waste of time and money. Designations mean more than being out of the office in class or passing tests. A designation after your name is a signal to the public that you are a professional in your chosen career field. Whether you are a CSR, producer, underwriter or claims adjuster, there is a designation tailored for you.

Pursuing a designation does give you a chance to take a course (whether in a classroom or online), participate in a class, and perhaps even take a test. But it is not just a class. It is continuing education, the key word here is continuing. It is a course that by design will keep you, the professional, current in your chosen field.

Designations offer value to employers as well. Earning a designation or attending a continuing education class may mean free publicity for your employer. Many local newspapers will run a press release with information regarding your achievement. Also, the awarding institute will usually offer a sample press release. Your employer will be recognized for encouraging your professional growth. Agency owners can also be assured their employees are staying up to date on current trends and industry happenings.

Through Learninsurance.com’s online designation preparation courses you can prepare for many different industry designations including:

· ARM
· CCMP
· CPCU
· CPDM
· INS
· WCCA
· WCCP
· IIA
· CLU
· ChFC
· CIC
· CFS
· CAS
· BCE
· RIS
· PPM

Please visit us at http://www.learninsurance.com/designation-courses.cfm for more information and to enroll.

How Tech-Savvy Are Your Agents?

2008-02-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

According to survey data from a recent study conducted by Agent Media. The Publisher of Insurance Marketing Magazine, agents are using technology in many different ways to further their careers. Below are some interesting statistics regarding agent’s online habits:

Online Training:
In the past 12 months, 82% of agents have logged on to an insurance-related online event, such as a web conference or webinar
66% of agents have received continuing education credits through online sources with an additional 15% receiving online CE from a webinar.

Technological Tools:
95% of agents say they rely on email professionally
93% of agents say they rely on the cellular phone
66% rely on their company website

Support Services:
38% of agents say that online access to forms, licensing, case status, commission tracking, and more is the most important service their brokerage provides. Online access outranked sales training and product training as the most important service brokerages provide to agents.

Email:
62% of agents read email related to the Insurance industry before 9:00 a.m.
45% of agents say they usually check their business email more than 5 times a day
42% of agents say they prefer to hear about the latest industry offers via email; 30% of agents prefer learning about new offers via the internet

Mobile Technology:
64% of agents use a laptop computer with wireless capabilities
30% of agents use a PDA, Blackberry, or other handheld computing device

Please visit our website at www.learninsurance.com to learn more about online continuing education and pre-license preparation courses available in your state.

360training and Learninsurance at 2008 GAMA/LAMP conference in March!

2008-02-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

360training will be attending the GAMA/LAMP conference in San Francisco on March 16th – 18th. The LAMP show is the biggest event of the year according to Business Development Manager Jason Clark. “We recognize that throughout the insurance industry GAMA is the one conference you must attend, so we plan to be there.” Learninsurance will unveil their Life Lessons product suite at the GAMA show. Also in attendance will be the author of Life Lessons, Frank M. Radaszewski, a 20-year veteran of a North American top-five multi-line carrier.

Be sure to check back for more conference updates on http://www.learninsurance.com/

360training and LISA join up to offer Life Settlements CE Online!

2008-02-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

The Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) has entered into a cooperative partnership with 360training to offer approved CE specific to the Life Settlement Industry. The first course is an overview of the industry to provide new agents a better working knowledge of the Life Settlement process. This area of insurance is growing at an ever expanding pace with current estimates for face value of life policies at 12 Billion in 2006 leveling off to 60 Billion, according to LISA Director Doug Head.

The course is currently approved for (1) hour of Continuing Education in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CT, ID, IA, GA, KS, MD, MO, ND, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV.
Please check www.learninsurance.com for more updates coming soon!

Life Insurance Savings: 5 Ways to Save in 2008

2008-02-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

(excerpted from INSWEB 2008)

2008 is now upon us! According to USA.gov, the five most popular New Years resolutions were as follows: 1) lose weight, 2) pay off debt, 3) save money, 4) get a better job, and 5) get fit. If your resolution is to save money this year, or you need to save to pay off your debt, one way to achieve this is finding savings on your life insurance policy.

There are five basic ways to save on your life insurance policy: (1) shop around and compare multiple quotes; (2) select the term length that is appropriate for you; (3) buy only the amount of coverage you need; (4) check for price breaks; and (5) buy when you’re young.

Shopping Online and Comparing Multiple Quotes

The amount you pay for term life protection depends on the amount and term-length of your policy, your health and age, and the insurance company you select. Make sure to shop and compare quotes from multiple companies. As you will learn, the cost of the same policy can vary by hundreds of dollars among different insurance companies. Just as your needs are always changing, so are term life insurance rates.

Selecting the Appropriate Length of Coverage

Everyone has different life insurance needs; therefore, a one size fits all solution doesn’t really apply when it comes to term life insurance. While it may make sense for people in their 30s and 40s to secure a 20-year term length, a 10-year term might be more appropriate for someone nearing retirement. Individuals who have 30-year mortgages for example, might consider a 30-year term life policy to ensure that the home is protected throughout the life of the loan.

Determining the Right Amount of Coverage

The purpose of life insurance is to replace financial loss, and what most people should be looking for is “income replacement” for their beneficiaries. In shopping for term life insurance, many agents may try to sell you more coverage than you need so be careful not to get caught up. Financial planners recommend a policy amount at least equal to 6-10 times your annual gross income.

Checking for Price Breaks: Paying Less for More

Insurance companies are known to offer price breaks at certain coverage amounts (e.g., $500,000 vs. $750,000). Many people can actually pay less money for more coverage. Check how little your prices increase when you when you change your coverage to $250,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000.

Buying When You're Young

While your financial needs may be lower at a younger age, the rates are also substantially cheaper when you're young. The best advice is to lock in as much protection at a young age while your health and prices are still good to avoid paying substantially more when a shorter-term policy expires.

Even if saving money wasn’t your top resolution for 2008, saving money on your life insurance policy is easy enough that you can achieve two New Years resolutions this year!

Why Both Homeowners & Renters Need a Home Inventory

2008-01-31T14:58:00.000-08:00

(INSWEB Oct. 2007)

Can you accurately list from memory everything in your house? How many necklaces and rings do you have, DVDs in your movie library, and exactly what type of digital camera you own? Most people struggle to answer such questions, let alone in a crisis situation.. This is why the need for creating a home inventory is so important!

A Basic Home Inventory:
If you haven't created a home inventory, thinking of starting one can seem like a monumental task, especially if you’ve been living in your home for a long time. While the best time to start your list is when you’re just starting out in your first home or apartment, or have just moved to a new home, it can still be an achievable task in that home you’ve lived in for several years. Just go through your house or apartment one room at a time.

Try to get serial numbers for the big ticket items, and write down when, where, and for what price you purchased each item. Make sure you remember to go into closets, cupboards, and storage areas and write down the items in these as well. While some items you own have depreciated in replacement price (televisions, electronics, furniture, etc.), some items may have increased in value (such as art, jewelry, and collectibles). You may need to insure these items separately; check with your insurance agent and find out if your current policy adequately covers these valuables.

Take Pictures or a Video of Your Belongings:
It is a good idea to take pictures or make a video of the items in your home. If you take pictures, write the details of the items on the pack of the picture. If you make a video, narrate as you walk from room to room (what items are in the room, when and where you bought them and for how much). Photographing or videotaping your home’s inventory can be especially helpful if items are hard to describe on paper, or for items you do not have receipts for.

Store Your List in a Safe Spot:
Make sure you store your list, pictures, and/or DVD or video tape in a safe spot. While it’s a good idea to have a copy at home, make sure you have at least one additional copy outside your home. If you only have one copy inside your home (or on your home computer) and your home burns down, that list won’t do you any good. If your inventory is on your computer, make a disk or CD and store it elsewhere, and/or send your list to yourself at work or to your web-based email account so you can access it in places other than your home.

Keep Those Receipts:
Many of us are not great at keeping our receipts for the purchases we make. Now that you’ve read this article, make sure you keep receipts from now on, especially for those big ticket items. These receipts will help you settle your homeowners or renters insurance claim as quickly as possible. And remember; keep receipts (or copies of them) in a place besides your home, along with a copy of your home inventory.

Important Information Regarding NC Non-Resident Adjuster Licenses!

2008-01-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

Per the North Carolina Department of Insurance the continuing education requirements applicable to all non-resident adjusters for the North Carolina license continuation have changed. As of January 1, 2008 if you are a licensed adjuster in a state other than North Carolina and have kept your license in good standing in that state you shall be considered to have met the same continuing education requirements as resident adjusters. Through the National Producers Database (NPD), the state of North Carolina will confirm your status as a licensed adjuster. If the non-resident adjusters license is not in good standing in the appropriate state the non-resident adjuster’s license will be cancelled in North Carolina and a letter shall be mailed to the agent in the second quarter of 2008. Non-resident adjusters in North Carolina are required to meet the same continuing education requirements as those licensed in North Carolina, including the mandatory flood and ethics requirements.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance is in the process of updating their records and requires verification of the state in which you passed the adjuster examination in order to qualify for your non-resident adjuster’s license in North Carolina. You must complete the necessary form Non-Resident Adjuster Information and mail, fax or email it to the Agent Services Division for your licensing record and residence address to be properly updated. They must receive this form no later than February 1, 2008.

If you have additional questions you can contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance Agent Services Division at (919) 807-6800 or at http://www.ncdoi.com/asd/asd_home.asp

New course material for 2008!

2008-01-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

2008 is already shaping up to be an exciting year! We are constantly striving to keep you up to date with the latest in insurance continuing education. Learnsinsurance.com is currently adding over 48 hours of new course content to all states! The following self-study online courses are now available:

· Homeowner’s & Dwelling Insurance
· Mold & The Insurance Industry
· Insurance Fraud Awareness
· Employer Practices
· Legal Responsibilities of the Insurance Agent
· New Trends in Life & Health
· Legal & Moral Issues

Please visit learninsurance.com and click on your state to get more information about the above offerings and your individual state CE requirements.

Titles Currently in Production:
Fundamentals of Risk Management
Fundamentals of Insurance
Fundamentals of Property & Liability Insurance
Understanding Risk Management Process
Risk Management Assessment & Forecasting
Understanding & Assessing Liability Loss Exposures
Claims Handling; Principles & Practices
Property & Liability Underwriting & Rate Making
Understanding Insurer Financial Statements

Please check back often for updated industry information and new course offerings!

Customer Loyalty

2008-01-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

“Would you recommend us to a friend?” is the ultimate question that can predict the future success of a company or sales person according to best-selling author and financial expert, Fred Reichheld.

In his book, The Ultimate Question, published by Harvard Business School Press, Reichheld elaborates on how customer loyalty is more important than ever before and drives results in repurchase, referrals to other customers, feedback for future improvements and selling additional lines of products and services.

In a day when the “speed of thought” can be communicated at “the speed of light” the Promoters and Detractors that a company is creating can quickly communicate with and influence others. Reichheld has a simple formula for figuring if a company is manufacturing Promoters or Detractors. Here it is.

Customers rate the question, “Would you recommend us to a friend?” on a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 indicating they are Extremely Likely to recommend and 0 Not At All Likely to recommend. According to Reichheld responders in the 9 – 10 range can be classed as Promoters and anything below a 6 is a Detractor. The bottom line, according to Reichheld is that on average increasing a Net Promoter Score (NPS) by just a few points above a competitor can more than double a company’s growth rate.

As you see, the concept is simple and easy to use and appears to be highly effective. We hope this information will be of some help to you and assist in your own marketing and sales strategy. For more information we would refer you to the text, The Ultimate Question.

360training wants to be your educational and training partner and hope our performance is such that you would recommend us to a friend.

Get SMART

2007-12-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what the difference is between wishful thinking and a powerful energizing, dynamic, life changing goal? Wishful thinking seldom happens and SMART Goals almost always happen. As you plan for a Great 2008 here is how to get SMART.

The components of a SMART goal are:
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. In other words, SMART.

Here is how it works. One person says, "I would like to go on a two week cruise some day." This is wishful thinking and probably won’t happen.

The other person says, "I would like to go on a two week cruise in the Caribbean during the 2008 Spring Break. (Specific) I have a budget of $3,000 and a two week vacation. (Measurable and Attainable). The cheapest fares of the year are in September but I choose not to cruise during Hurricane Season (Realistic and Timely). "

Why not put this powerful formula to work for you in planning your professional education for 2008?

Specific: What type of courses will better enable you to serve your clients
Measurable: How many hours of CE are required or how many hours and dollars have you budgeted?
Attainable: Do you have the ability to access the course and will it fit in with your schedule?
Realistic: Can you do 10 parts of an advanced designation in 6 months? Probably not but what is realistic?
Timely: What are the coming trends that are impacting your clients? How can you be a leader in your field?

As you see, it’s simple and powerful. No computer or business consultant is needed! This concept works in family and personal planning as well as in business. So the next time you think, “Wouldn’t it be nice if ……………” just remember to get SMART. Put wings on your dreams and make it happen. Your friends at 360training want to help you Be great in ‘08!!

Happy New Year from LearnInsurance.com

2007-12-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

If you are an insurance, risk management or financial service professional your most important asset is YOU, that is your knowledge and skill.

Top performing companies in the financial services field invest about 5% of payroll into training and development of their employees. If you work for a company that pays for training why not double your investment and take 5% of your net income and designate these funds toward earning a recognized designation that will further your professional development.

We can help! LearnInsurance.com is constantly expanding to serve our valued clients. If you have an interest in earning a designation we can provide study materials or for many designations enroll you for the course of study. We invite you to click on this link and be taken directly to the designation section. http://www.learninsurance.com/designation-courses.cfm

Learners are Earners. Invest in yourself for a Great ‘08

Getting Ready for a Successful 2008!

2007-12-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Season often signals a slowdown in sales. Appointments are more difficult to obtain. Buying decisions are often postponed due to additional expenses for gifts and travel.

This is an ideal time for financial services professionals to retool and be ready for a “Great ‘08.”
• Analyze activity for the past year, look for trends, and plan for these patterns next year
• Set Annual, Quarterly and Weekly goals with measurable results
• Make a list of new ideas to help your business and incorporate as many as possible
• Who are your Top 20 customers? Why not send a special Thank You note to let them know how important they are to your business and how you appreciate serving their needs?

“Earners and Learners” – plan now to complete your educational requirements for the coming year and select topics that are relevant to your business. 360training is your educational partner and brings you current and effective training at the click of a mouse. Please go to http://www.learninsurance.com/ for all of your CE needs.

LearnInsurance.com makes Online Ohio Insurance Pre-license Available

2007-11-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Recently LearnInsurance.com made available for purchase online Ohio Insurance Pre-license courses on LearnInsurance.com. These courses have been approved by and fully comply with the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Anyone interested in taking Insurance Pre-license for Ohio should consider taking their courses in an online self-study format. Starting July 1st, 2007 online insurance pre-license courses have been allowed by Ohio. Ohio also changed license testing providers to Promissor on the same date.

To access online insurance pre-license or continuing education courses for Ohio or any other state visit www.learninsurance.com.

First Katrina Federal Insurance Trial Result

2007-11-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

On November 7th, in the first federal trial in Louisiana over Hurricane Katrina damage, the jury sided with the plaintiffs and awarded $350,000. This case basically came down to whether the plaintiffs house was destroyed by the wind from Katrina before being flooded by the storm surge. Initially, State Farm denied the claim when they concluded the storm surge destroyed the house.

This is the first federal trial concluded so far but there are expected to be many to follow. Click here to read more on the story that NBC reported.

LearnInsurance.com is currently offering Insurance CE courses for Flood Insurance. If you are required to or are interested in taking one go to www.learninsurance.com.

North Carolina announces legislative changes to Licensing and Continuing Education

2007-10-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

According to a recent article from the North Carolina Department of Insurance starting January 1st, 2008 there will be four specific changes to the North Carolina Licensing and Continuing Education rules. The four areas affected will be Line of Authority Licenses, Pre-licensing Education, Continuing Education and Notification Requirements. According to the news article from the NCDOI the changes will be made to “eliminate barriers for producers and insurers across state boundaries”.

Of these changes, two of them seem to be very significant. First is the six new lines of authority which are Life, Accident and Health or Sickness, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines, and Variable Life and Variable Annuities Products. The main change here is that instead of a Life & Health Agent and a Property & Liability Agent these two will be split into four which will be Life Agent, Accident & Health or Sickness Agent, Property Agent and Casualty Agent. Second is the Insurance CE requirements which will now require all major lines to complete 24 hours of CE every two year. This will include a 3 hour Ethics requirement.

LearnInsurance.com will be updating their course offering to stay compliant with all North Carolina rules and regulations. If you are interested in taking Pre-license or Continuing Education courses please visit LearnInsurance.com.

IACET provider authorization for 360training.com, Inc.

2007-10-19T12:54:00.001-07:00

This week 360training.com announced that it has received authorization as an International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) provider. 360training underwent a strict evaluation of its educational processes, including two reviews by IACET's Commission and an on-site visit by an IACET Commissioner. With this approval 360training may issue IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for many of the training course they have available.

LearnInsurance.com will soon be one of 360training’s website that will be offering these CEU credits.

IACET provider authorization for 360training.com, Inc.

2007-10-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

National Organizations Urge Congress to Reject a National Insurance Regulator

2007-10-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

In recent news organizations such as the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) have been urging Congress to reject proposals to create a federal insurance regulator and instead support improvements to the state system of insurance regulation. A press release from PIA on October 3rd, 2007 listed reasons as to why a national regulator would not be needed but the main point that they made was that “One was not needed”.

Other groups such as National Governors Association, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners also oppose having a national insurance regulator.

One of the major issues that would be affected by any changes made between state and national insurance regulation would be Pre-license and Continuing Education. Presently all requirements are regulated by each state individually and occasionally state legislation adopts a national rule such as The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that requires Insurance Agents who sell Flood Insurance to take a three (3) hour NFIP training course as part of their state continuing education requirement. This would completely change if a national insurance regulator was established.

To find requirements and courses for Pre-license or Continuing Education in your state visit LearnInsurance.com.

New Big “I” Chair

2007-10-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

Robert E. Fulwider was recently inaugurated as the new chair of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”). He is principal and president of the Ray Wuestenberg Agency, Inc. in West Liberty, Iowa, and the Fulwider Agency, Inc. in West Branch, Iowa. He also is president of Bob Fulwider and Associates, a life-and-health financial-planning agency in eastern Iowa. In the past he was president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (IIAI) and currently sits on its Education Committee. He also is a past chairman of the Big “I” Government Affairs Committee and the association’s Crop Insurance Task Force, and chaired several other Big “I” national committees, including Farm/Agribusiness, Personal Lines and Markets Development. He served as a director on the national association’s Board and was inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame in 2003 for being the only two-time Agent of the Year in IIAI history (1983, 1990).

The Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers. To view the Big “I” Press Release Click here.

Sircon Announces Partnership with Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana

2007-09-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana has partnered with Sircon to give their members special rates and access to licensing resources for state insurance departments. Sircon will be providing access to insurance-industry licensing, compliance and education resources for state departments of insurance nationwide. This partnership will also make compliance with insurance regulation much easier for member agencies. They will have real-time access to electronic appointments, terminations, license applications, renewals and other pertinent services. To find out more information please visit the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana or Sircon websites.

Also, if you are looking obtain or maintain your insurance license visit LearnInsurance.com where courses are currently being offered for Insurance Pre-license and CE for many states nationwide.

Massachusetts Launches Online Licensing System

2007-09-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance launched the first phase of this new state-of-the-art online insurance licensing system called OLLIE (Online Licensing of Individuals and Entities) that will enable individual insurance producers, both residents and non-residents, to renew their insurance licenses and pay associated fees quickly and easily. In the next phases, OLLIE will allow other licensing types that include new applications and renewals.

This is just one of the major changes that departments of insurance across the country are implementing to increase efficiency for anyone using their systems. These changes will mainly affect how agents and agencies interact with the each of the departments of insurance. To view the article on the Massachusetts website click here.

If you are looking to obtain you Insurance License or complete your continuing education for Massachusetts or any other state self-study and online courses are available at LearnInsurance.com.

Long-Term Care Requirements added to State Education Regulations

2007-09-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

In the past couple weeks there have been a few states that have amended their continuing education laws to include the most recent version of the NAIC Long-Term Care Model Act. The Florida, Montana and Pennsylvania Insurance Departments are the most recent to conform with this NAIC law. The model act includes a new section on producer training, which requires producers to complete a one-time, eight-hour training course before selling long-term care insurance products and an ongoing, four-hour training requirement from that point on. The training will cover long-term care insurance, as well as information about Partnership programs and their relationship to the Medicaid program.

LearnInsurance.com now has Long-Term Care continuing education courses so go to www.learninsurance.com to see if they are available in your state.

South Carolina signs with Thomson Prometric

2007-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

This week Thomson Prometric announced that the South Carolina Department of Insurance has signed a new contract for the development and delivery of its insurance licensing exams and its continuing education services. These services will include test development, delivery, scoring and reporting, and for the first time will incorporate Internet-based data reporting.

To view the Prometric press release click here.

This is just another step in the insurance industry’s move towards a more user friendly, necessary, and automated system.

If you are looking to obtain your or renew your South Carolina insurance license visit LearnInsurance.com for a variety of state-approved courses.

LearnInsurance.com Insurance CE Course Approvals

2007-08-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks LearnInsurance.com has received quite a few insurance course approvals. The newly approved courses and the states they are approved in are listed below. As we continue to grow our available course catalog we hope to make course topics available that appeal to everyone interested in taking courses to obtain or renew their insurance licenses.

Ohio Insurance Pre-license
- Accident & Health Pre-License Self-Study Course
- Casualty Pre-License Self-Study Course
- Life & Variable Annuity Pre-License Self-Study Course
- Property Pre-License Self-Study Course
California Insurance CE
- Ethics for Insurance Professionals
Colorado Insurance CE
- Introduction to Personal Auto Insurance and the Personal Auto Policy
- Advanced Personal Auto Insurance: Endorsements, "No Fault" Insurance, Premiums and Underwriters
- The Six Parts of the Personal Auto Policy
- Ethics and Fraud
- Insurance Fraud Awareness
- Legal and Moral Issues
- Mold and the Insurance Industry
- Legal Responsibilities of the Insurance Agent
Delaware Insurance CE
- Flood Insurance
Idaho Insurance CE
- Flood Insurance
Louisiana Insurance CE
- Commercial General Liability Insurance
- Employment Law
- Ethics for Insurance Professionals Advanced
- New Employee
- Agency Operations
- Introduction to Property and Casualty
- Anti Money Laundering for Insurance Professionals
- Principles of Insurance
- Property Insurance
- Life, Health, Disability & Long Term Care
- Annuities
- Medicare
- Ocean Marine Insurance
- Inland Marine Insurance
- Flood Insurance
North Carolina Insurance CE
- Ethics & Fraud
- Mutual Funds & Ethics
- Insurance Fraud Awareness
- Legal & Moral Issues
- Mold & the Insurance Industry
- New Trends in Life & Health
- Legal Responsibilities of the Insurance Agent
Ohio Insurance CE
- Medicare
- Life, Health, Disability & Long Term Care
- Annuities
- Ethics for Insurance Professionals Basic
- Legal Responsibilities of the Insurance Agent
- Employer Practices
- Homeowners & Dwelling Insurance
- Personal Auto Insurance
- 401(k)
- Wills & Trusts
- New Trends in Life and Health
- Mold and the Insurance Industry
- Legal and Moral Issues
- Insurance Fraud & Awareness
- Mutual Funds & Ethics
- Ethics and Fraud
- Estate Planning Basic
South Carolina Insurance CE
- Medicare
- Ethics for Insurance Professionals Basic
- Commercial General Liability Insurance
- Life, Health, Disability & Long Term Care
- Property Insurance
- Annuities
- Employment Law
- New Employee
- Agency Operations
- Introduction to Property & Casualty and the Insurance Contract
- Anti-Money Laundering
Virginia Insurance CE
- Introduction to Personal Auto Insurance & Personal Auto Policy
- Advanced Personal Auto Insurance: Endorsements, "No Fault" Insurance, and Underwriters
- The Six Parts of the Personal Auto Policy
- Mold and the Insurance Industry
- Insurance Fraud Awareness

360training.com, Inc. named to the Inc. 5,000 list

2007-08-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

360training.com, Inc. has been named to Inc. magazine’s list of 5,000 fastest growing companies in America. 360training.com provides Insurance & Financial Services Education and Training through its websites LearnInsurance.com, SecuritiesCampus.com, CPACampus.com and FirmElement.com.

360training.com, Inc. is a considered a leader in compliance and workforce training that continues to grow and expand its business into new and ground breaking industries every day.

If you are interested in learning more about Inc. Magazine’s list click here or to see the listing for 360training.com click here.

To view 360training.com’s press release click here.

Virginia Bureau of Insurance signs contract with Sircon

2007-08-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance announced that it has signed a contract with Sircon. This should allow for all interaction with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance to be much more efficient as they will be moving from their old database to a new web based service provided by Sircon. The Bureau expects to be better equipped to manage and administer insurance regulations relating to enforcement case actions, complaints, producer data, and rate and form filing. It will also provide direct online access to Virginia for insurance carriers, education providers and producers to process electronic appointments, terminations, license applications, renewals, continuing education credits, and many other services.

This will not affect the existing relationships that the Bureau currently has with Promissor as their insurance license examination provider and Thomson Prometric as their insurance continuing education administrator. If you are looking to become licensed or need your continuing education for Virginia materials for both are available on LearnInsurance.com.

LearnInsurance.com announces launch of Life Lessons

2007-08-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

The highly anticipated Life Lessons product suite, created by 360training.com, is now available on LearnInsurance.com. Life Lessons is a Life Insurance sales training program that has been designed to increase overall life production in the agency, leverage team member talent, cultivate career employees and provide a strategy for growth rather than attrition.

The intent of Life Lessons is to better train agents with useful strategies for Life Insurance sales while showing the need for a change in the standard industry practices.

360training.com has worked very closely with Frank Radaszewski, a 20-year veteran of a North American top-five multi-line carrier, to create what is hoped to be the next generation standard in Life Insurance sales training.

If you’re interested in learning more or purchasing Life Lessons go to http://www.learninsurance.com/lifelesson.cfm.

To view the 360training.com press release click here.

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance Partners with Promissor

2007-07-31T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance has recently partnered with Promissor to provide test development, administration, and maintenance services for all Insurance License candidates. As of June 1, 2007 all Virginia insurance license examinations will be administered by Promissor. If you would like to see Promissor’s press release please click here. Thomson Prometric was the previous vendor and this will be ending their almost 20 year relationship.

If you are interested in obtaining your Virginia insurance license LearnInsurance.com offers preparation courses. Click Here to learn more. To schedule your Virginia insurance licensing exam please visit the Promissor website.

South Carolina adds Ethics training to CE Requirement

2007-07-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

The South Carolina Department of Insurance has recently added a new requirement to their mandatory Continuing Education of 24 hours biennially. They are now requiring that all producers complete a 3 hour ethics course. All producers must complete an ethics course by May 1, 2008 and again for each compliance period that follows. If you would like to view the bulletin it is available on the South Carolina DOI website. This rule has been put in place so that South Carolina is consistent with all other states based on the recent standards adopted from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

On LearnInsurance.com we have courses that meet this new requirement and many other Insurance CE courses to help producers meet and fulfill their education requirements. To view these courses and more go to www.learninsurance.com.

$2.175 Billion to be paid by Insurers in Second-Quarter Catastrophe Claims

2007-07-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

Recently the ISO Property Claim Services Unit estimated that U.S. property/casualty insurers are expected to pay homeowners and businesses an estimated $2.175 billion for second-quarter property losses resulting from a total of six catastrophes in 25 states. Texas is the state that was affected most by catastrophes with an estimated $435 million in claims.

ISO’s PCS unit defines a catastrophe as an event that causes $25 million or more in insured property losses and affects a significant number of policyholders and insurers.

PCS estimates represent anticipated insured loss on an industrywide basis arising from catastrophes. Estimates reflect the total insurance payment for personal and commercial property lines of insurance covering fixed property, personal property, vehicles, boats, related property items, business interruption, and additional living expenses. The estimates exclude loss adjustment expenses

At LearnInsurance.com we currently offer an Adjusters Licensing course for the state of Texas called the Texas Adjuster Property & Casualty Licensing Course for anyone interested in becoming a claims adjuster.

Series 65 Online Course Release at SecuritiesCampus.com

2007-07-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

We have just released a completely revamped version of our Series 65 Online course on SecuritiesCampus.com.

The Series 65 course is an excellent learning tool for individuals preparing for the Series 65 - Investment Adviser exam. This exam will qualify the candidate to represent an investment advisory firm. Specific pre-requisites are not stated but Series 6 or 7 may be required by some states.

This course helps the student prepare for and successfully pass the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination (Series 65). The Series 65 exam is 130 questions long and covers economics and analysis, investment vehicles, investment recommendations and strategies, and ethics and legal guidelines for investment advisers.

To learn more about our new Series 65 Online course go to http://www.securitiescampus.com/series65.cfm.

New Courses at LearnInsurance

2007-06-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

We have released some new courses at LearnInsurance.com that might interest you:

Texas License Preparation Courses - Texas Life & Health and Property & Casualty Insurance Practice Exams (workbook)
These courses will help you prepare for your Texas Insurance License Examinations in Life & Health and/or Property & Casualty

We have also recently received new Insurance CE course approvals in 5 different states. The newly approved courses and the states they are approved in are listed below. As we continue to grow our available course catalog we hope to make course topics available that interest all Insurance Licensees while in the process of renewing their licenses.

California Insurance CE

California 4 Hour Annuities – This course meets the 4 hour annuities requirement for CA that states any agents continuing to sell annuities must complete a 4-hour state-approved Annuity CE course each subsequent compliance period.

Colorado Insurance CE

Flood Insurance

Maryland Insurance CE

Michigan Insurance CE

Wisconsin Insurance CE

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Nominated

2007-06-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

This week Joel Scott Ario, currently Oregon’s chief insurance regulator, has been nominated to serve as Pennsylvania’s Insurance Commissioner. Ario also currently chairs the health insurance committee for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and has been elected as an officer for three years. In his time with the NAIC he has been a strong advocate of state-based regulation of insurance and has also streamlined the producer licensing process.

To obtain a producer’s license the Pennsylvania Insurance Department requires 24 hours of approved insurance pre-license credits in either Life & Health or Property & Casualty before taking the Pennsylvania exam with Thomson Prometric.
More information about the nomination may be found in Governor Rendell’s Press Release.

Initial Distrust

2007-04-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

In a recent article published by the AARP, it was reported that there are more than 70 titles that financial pros use to lend authority to whatever they are telling and selling investors.

Jack Herstein, Assistant Director of Nebraska’s Department of Banking and Finance, says there are many designations that no one knows anything about. And he said that the standards vary widely in terms of what is required to obtain these designations. Many of the preparatory programs require years of experience and study; others only took hours and an open book exam. Some were more marketing and selling techniques than anything else.

So what Hernstein and his department did was review all the designations in the marketplace and have asked everyone doing business in Nebraska to drop designations that "state or imply a specialized knowledge of the needs of senior investors." The State has now deemed only five titles as acceptable: CFP, ChFC, PFS, CFA and CIC. While Hernstein says he won’t elaborate on titles that disappoint, he said: "If something's not on the list, people can draw their own conclusions."

Keir Educational Resources

2007-04-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

This week 360training reached an agreement with Keir Education Resources to distribute their Certified Financial Planning (CFP) supplemental study material.

The CFP designation is one of the most coveted in the insurance and financial services industry and the coursework culminates with the candidate sitting for the official 10 hour CFP Certification Examination. 360training will distribute Keirs Basic CFP Review Package which retails for $375.00 and the Online Review Class that retails for $549.00.

Look for more details on 360training’s insurance and financial services portal, www.learninsurance.com

Securities Exam Prep Tool Evolution

2007-04-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

Security license exam prep methodologies have quickly evolved over the years like most things technological in nature. At first, and for many years, there were only two options: classroom and/or self-study.

While classroom and textbook self-study continue to be the staple, new means of exam prep have emerged in the past few years, such as the addition of CD-ROM based coursework and exam simulators on CD-ROM. Then the natural progression to the Internet occurred, where today you can take complete series exam prep courses online that are flash-based, audio, interactive sessions integrating rich media, streaming video, corrective feedback built in quizzes, and flash cards online. Exam simulators are now also delivered entirely online allowing the user to customize their practice exams to prepare for specific areas of a particular exam.

Enter the webinar as the next natural step in exam prep evolution. Thanks to improved bandwidth and the technology to support it, webinars are now an efficient and effective methodology for delivering exam prep training.

Securitiescampus.com is launching a series of webinar modules designed for the person who has already taken the exam, needs help with a particular area, or is confused after having completed a class. These 1.5 to 2 hour webinars will focus on the most difficult areas of the most popular licenses and cost only $99.00.

Series 7 Modules: Options Basic, Options Advanced, Municipal Securities, Customer Accounts and Suitability, Trading Securities, and the Securities Industry Rules and Regulations.

Series 65 Modules: Customer Recommendations and Portfolio Analysis, Registration and Requirements – Firms and Agents, Registration of Securities, Professional Conduct

Series 24 Modules: Supervision of Market Making and Trading, Supervision of Investment Banking, and Financial and Record Keeping Rules

The goal is to launch these webinars in early May. Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come.