Best Ohio Insurance Agents & Brokers (2024)

The Ohio Insurance Agents & Brokers (OIA) is a professional association that represents independent insurance agents and brokers in Ohio. It was established in 1896 and has since been dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and networking opportunities for its members. The association is comprised of more than 1,300 member agencies and over 15,000 licensed insurance agents and brokers throughout the state of Ohio. The OIA is also affiliated with the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, which is the nation’s largest association of independent insurance agents and brokers.

The Ohio Insurance Agents & Brokers (OIA) provides a range of services to its members, here’s the six key factors:

• Advocacy: The OIA advocates on behalf of its members on legislative and regulatory issues that affect the insurance industry in Ohio.
• Education: The OIA offers a variety of educational programs, including online courses, webinars, and in-person training events, to help its members stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
• Networking: The OIA provides numerous opportunities for members to connect with other insurance agents and brokers in Ohio, including regional meetings, conferences, and social events.
• Insurance markets: The OIA has relationships with a wide range of insurance carriers and wholesalers, which can help members find the right insurance products for their clients.
• Products and services: The OIA offers members access to a variety of products and services, including E&O insurance, group health insurance, and marketing materials.
• Compliance: The OIA provides resources and support to help members navigate the complex regulatory environment in Ohio and stay in compliance with state and federal laws.

Overall, the OIA is committed to helping its members succeed in their businesses by providing them with the tools and resources they need to grow and thrive in the ever-changing insurance industry.

The Ohio Insurance Agents & Brokers (OIA) is a professional association for independent insurance agents and brokers in Ohio. As such, membership is open to individuals and businesses that hold a valid insurance license and are actively engaged in the sale of insurance products. This includes both property and casualty insurance agents and life and health insurance agents, as well as agencies that offer a variety of insurance products.

The OIA offers three different types of membership, including:

• Agency Membership: This type of membership is for independent insurance agencies with one or more licensed insurance agents.
• Affiliate Membership: This type of membership is for businesses that provide products and services to independent insurance agents and brokers.
• Associate Membership: This type of membership is for individuals who are interested in the insurance industry but do not hold an insurance license.

To become a member of the OIA, interested individuals or businesses must submit an application and pay the required membership fees. Membership in the OIA provides a range of benefits, including access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy on behalf of the insurance industry in Ohio.

In Ohio, insurance agents and brokers are required to complete continuing education (CE) courses to maintain their insurance licenses. The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) sets the requirements for CE and oversees the licensing process.

The CE requirements for insurance agents and brokers in Ohio vary depending on the type of license held. For example, property and casualty insurance agents are required to complete 24 hours of CE every two years, while life and health insurance agents are required to complete 20 hours of CE every two years.

If you have a complaint against an insurance agent or broker in Ohio, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI). The ODI is responsible for regulating insurance agents and brokers in the state and investigating complaints against them.

Here are the five steps to file a complaint:

1. Gather information: Before filing a complaint, gather as much information as possible about the issue. This might include copies of insurance policies, correspondence with the agent or broker, and any other relevant documents.
2. Contact the insurance company: If the complaint is related to an insurance claim, try contacting the insurance company first to see if the issue can be resolved.
3. File the complaint: If the issue cannot be resolved, file a complaint with the ODI. You can do this by filling out an online complaint form on the ODI website, or by calling the ODI Consumer Hotline at 1-800-686-1526.
4. Provide information: When filing a complaint, be sure to provide as much information as possible about the issue and the agent or broker involved. This might include their name, license number, and contact information.
5. Await investigation: Once a complaint is filed, the ODI will investigate the issue and determine if any violations of Ohio insurance law have occurred. You will be notified of the outcome of the investigation.

It is important to note that the ODI does not provide legal advice or act as an advocate for consumers. However, filing a complaint can help ensure that insurance agents and brokers in Ohio are held accountable for their actions and can lead to changes in industry practices.