Independent Market Solutions (IMS) was created with the goal of providing OIA members with access to quality insurance markets. Whether you’re looking to diversify your current book of business or just need a little head start securing company appointments, IMS can help.  

If you haven’t signed up with IMS yet, here are five reasons to join: 

1. It’s free to join. There is no cost for OIA members to join IMS, and agents own their book of business. The larger your strike zone, the easier it is to hit a home run, so we’ve made market access an integral part of your membership. 

1. You can earn competitive commissions. Profitable growth is key to the success of an independent agency. That’s why IMS offers agents competitive commissions as well as 100% ownership of expirations to help maximize agency income. 

1. You can graduate to direct carrier appointments. IMS opens the door for agents to more easily qualify for appointments that can often lead to “graduation”—a direct appointment after minimum premium thresholds and performance standards are met. 

1. You can earn contingency commissions. When agents consistently produce profitable business with certain IMS markets, they can qualify to participate in any earned program contingencies. IMS also shares 100% of any carrier production bonuses and incentives with agents, putting more money in the pockets of OIA members. 

1. The IMS menu is always evolving. Thanks to the partnership among several state associations and OIA’s diverse company partners, the IMS program creates greater volume, leverage, and, ultimately, better terms for member agents. Agents will be able to expand their access to both personal and commercial lines options, to better compete and serve clients in a challenging market environment. 

Currently, OIA members have access to a wide variety of Ohio-domiciled, regional, and national carriers. These carriers include Encova, Indiana Farmers, Western Reserve, and more!  

If you have any questions about IMS as an OIA member or want to learn more, you can contact Jodie Shaw directly at jodie@ohioinsuranceagents.com or by calling (614) 552-3036. You can find the up-to-date carrier listing or apply for an appointment directly on OIA’s website or the Ohio IMS page.

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.