American Family and Bold Penguin are teaming up on an InsurTech adventure. Chip Bacciocco sits down with two of his friends who are bringing these companies together.

For more information:

• Learn more about American Family
• Learn more about Bold Penguin
• Learn more about Main Street America
• Become a Recommended Agent on TrustedChoice.com

Thousands of independent agents were surprised by this big news last month.

The backstory behind this important merger of two leading IA tech providers is as interesting as the plan for moving forward.

For more information:

• Press Release: Applied Systems to Acquire EZLynx
• Learn more about Applied
• Learn more about EZLynx
• Become a Recommended Agent on TrustedChoice.com

Did you know that Trusted Choice independent agents are 46% more likely to be recommended by consumers than other independent insurance agents? So what does it mean to be a "Trusted Choice" agent, anyhow?

In part 1 of this mini-series, we talk with Kevin Brandt and Kasey Connors of Trusted Choice, and Marc Burdell of TrustedChoice.com to learn what it means to be a Trusted Choice agent, what benefits and resources are available, and how to get started.

For more information:

• Big "I" Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Website
• Become a Trusted Choice agent
• Trusted Choice agent resources
• TrustedChoice.com Advantage program

There may be bright skies ahead for the independent agent despite the profound pressures they've faced during the COVID crisis. In this IA Advantage Podcast, Kevin Kerridge shares how Hiscox's quote and bind technology is keeping agents indispensable in the new digital era.