As the premier independent insurance association in Ohio, OIA prides itself on having a strong lineup of offerings for our members to help you succeed and support your agency and community. One of our core priorities is helping member agencies gain access to the markets, resources, and relationships they need to grow. Whether you’re a scratch agency working to gain your first appointments or an established agency looking to expand market opportunities, OIA offers solutions designed to support your goals.
Access to additional markets allows agencies to write more business, improve account retention, serve a wider range of client needs, and create new revenue opportunities. OIA has a variety of market access and business solutions for member agencies. While several programs support specialized coverage needs, two of the most widely used traditional market access options are Big “I” Alliance and Independent Market Solutions (IMS).
As an OIA member, you are automatically a member of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA), or the national Big “I”. Through that membership, agencies have access to several market access options through the Big “I” Alliance program, including Alliance Blue, Alliance Blue Plus, and Alliance Gold. Alliance Blue is a no-cost, online placement solution that helps agencies access markets without production requirements or ongoing fees, while Alliance Blue Plus includes additional vendor discounts and benefits. For agencies seeking a deeper carrier relationship, Alliance Gold offers direct access to participating carrier systems and potential profit-sharing opportunities through a contractual arrangement.
The Alliance program is designed to meet agencies where they are. For agencies with occasional placement needs or those exploring new market opportunities, Alliance Blue provides a simple and flexible starting point at no cost. Agencies looking to build stronger carrier relationships and expand long-term growth opportunities may find Alliance Gold to be a better fit. Together, these options give agencies the flexibility to align their market access strategy with their business goals and stage of growth.
IMS is another OIA member-exclusive resource designed to help agencies overcome one of the industry’s most common growth challenges: securing carrier appointments. Created through a collaboration of state associations and now operating in 17 states, IMS provides agencies with access to established carrier relationships and market opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to obtain.
For agencies looking to expand their carrier options, enter new markets, or continue building production, IMS offers a practical path forward. Through the program, agencies can write business as sub-producers while developing their book of business, creating an opportunity to eventually transition to a direct carrier appointment. With no fees and competitive commission structures, IMS gives agencies another flexible option to support long-term growth and better serve their clients.
Together, Alliance Blue, Alliance Gold, and IMS give OIA member agencies access to more than a dozen carrier and market opportunities. Whether your agency is seeking occasional placement support, working toward direct carrier appointments, or expanding into new markets, these programs provide multiple pathways to strengthen your market access strategy and support long-term growth.
While participation in these programs is subject to application and eligibility requirements, OIA is here to help you navigate the options and determine which solution may be the best fit for your agency’s goals. If you have questions about program eligibility, carrier availability, or your market access strategy, the OIA team is available to provide guidance and additional insight. You can find more information at xx or reach out to Jodie Shaw by calling (614) 552-3036 or by emailing jodie@ohioinsuranceagents.com. In today’s evolving marketplace, having access to the right resources and relationships can make all the difference, and OIA is committed to helping member agencies position themselves for long-term success.
About the Author:
Colleen Elliott is the Marketing & Communications Manager for OIA and IA Valuations. Colleen graduated from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has a background in sales and marketing. Colleen manages marketing campaigns for OIA and IA Valuations, communications with agents and state partners, and helps the IA Valuations team from an operational perspective. Colleen joined OIA in January 2023.
