Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Mississippi agency owners ask us most often, answered plainly.
How Does MIA Handle Access to Markets?
Two ways. The first is Access Plus, which gives members access to our top-rated carriers. The second is direct company appointments, arranged by Mississippi Insurance Alliance.
Does MIA Provide Additional Income Opportunities?
Yes. We negotiate higher commissions with our carriers on an ongoing basis, and several compensation arrangements are in place across the carrier panel.
Does MIA Address Perpetuation Needs?
Perpetuation is contractually guaranteed by a formula written into the Mississippi Insurance Alliance membership agreement.
What Is Mississippi Insurance Alliance?
A growing network of independent insurance agencies serving the State of Mississippi. We offer growth to agencies that want to stay independent while competing with larger regional agencies and clusters. MIA is a member of SIAA, a national organization writing in excess of $18.1 billion in combined premium volume.
How Did the MIA Concept Originate?
It began in 1982 with Satellite Agency Network (SAN) of New England, in response to changes in the independent agency system. Many local agencies were finding it impossible to meet volume requirements, keep markets and survive. SAN allowed the local independent agent to stay independent, keep existing markets and gain new ones. MIA builds on the success of that model.
What Kind of Agencies Does MIA Look For?
There is no specific member profile, and our members vary in size. Most are smaller to larger agencies in need of markets and stability. Direct writers, life and financial services agencies, and producers without a vested book have all found MIA membership worthwhile.
What Are the Benefits of MIA Membership?
Twelve of them, in the order agency owners tend to ask about.
- Access to over a dozen top-rated carriers
- Clout in the marketplace to compete with larger regional agencies, while keeping your local identity and independence
- Individual company appointments
- Preferred agency contracts
- Profit sharing with no minimum volume requirements
- Discounts on agency management systems, including AMS and Applied
- Service assistance with pricing and placing all lines
- Semi-annual meetings and a trade show exclusive to members
- Company-sponsored product training meetings
- Membership in SIAA, serving agencies like yours nationwide
- Access to the SIAA “members only” NetWeb
- Access to our agent’s center in Jackson, Mississippi
Does Any of This Sound Familiar?
- Is growth a problem for you?
- Are you having trouble getting company appointments?
- Are insurance companies pressuring you for growth?
- Do you receive little or no profit sharing because of low volume?
- Are you selling against larger, more competitive agencies and not getting the order?
If you answered yes to any of these, Mississippi Insurance Alliance has answers. Find out more by calling Hunter Runnels at (601) 487-9979 or Ladd Bratcher at (601) 487-0252.
Guides for Agency Owners
Longer answers to the questions that come up before an agency decides to join a network.
What Is an Agency Network?
The plain-language definition, what a network provides, and what joining one does not mean for your ownership.
Network vs Cluster vs Aggregator
How the three models differ on ownership, appointments, compensation and exit — and five questions to ask.
How to Join MIA
Four steps from the first call to membership, who qualifies, and what we will ask about your agency.
Talk to Us About Membership
Tell us a little about your agency and we will come back to you. A short, confidential conversation — no obligation.
Or call Mississippi Insurance Alliance directly at (601) 487-9986.