Code of Ethics

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF AMERICA
I Believe in the insurance business and its future, and that the Independent Insurance Agent is the instrumentality through which it reaches its highest point and attains its widest distribution.

I Will do my part to uphold and upbuild the American Agency System which has developed insurance to its present fundamental place in the economic fabric of our nation, and to my fellow members of the Independent Insurance Agents of America, I pledge myself, always to support right principles and oppose bad practices in the business.

I Believe that these three have their distinct rights in our business: first, the Public; second, the Insurance Companies; and third, the Insurance Agents; and that the rights of the Public are paramount.

TO THE PUBLIC

I REGARD the insurance business as an honorable profession and realize that it affords me a distinct opportunity to serve society.

I WILL strive to render the full measure of service that should be expected from an intelligent, well-informed insurance agent. Anything short of this would be a violation of the trust imposed in me.

I WILL thoroughly analyze the insurance needs of my clients, recommend the forms of indemnity best suited to these needs, faithfully advising as to the best insurance, always so conducting my business that the fullest light of publicity can be turned upon it.

I WILL do my part to help bring the public to a better understanding of insurance, always so conducting my business that the fullest light of publicity can be turned upon it.

I WILL consider it a duty to cooperate with the national, state and local authorities in the prevention of fire waste and accidents.

I WILL take an active part in the recognized civic, charitable and philanthropic movements which contribute to the public good of my community.

TO THE COMPANIES

I WILL respect the authority vested in me to act in their behalf in serving the public, striving at all times to live up to the agreements made with my companies.

I WILL use care in the selection of risks and do my utmost to merit the confidence of my companies by rendering them the fullest information attainable to enable them to underwrite their insurance intelligently; nor will I withhold any facts that may come to my knowledge, detrimental to their interests.

I WILL expect my companies to give to me the same fair treatment that I give to them, and will favor those companies that subscribe to the principles of the Independent Insurance Agents of America, and in the conduct of their business carry out these principles.

TO FELLOW MEMBERS

I PLEDGE myself to maintain friendly relations with other agencies in my community. I will compete with them on an honorable and fair basis, make no false statements, nor any misrepresentation by omission of facts, inference or subterfuge.

I CONSIDER unethical, the obtaining of business by commercial bribery, coercion or unfair influence.

I WILL adhere to a strict observance of all insurance laws relative to the conduct of my business and will studiously avoid any practices which might cause the business adverse notoriety or disrepute. I WILL cooperate in every reasonable way with my competitors for the betterment of the insurance business and its advancement to a still higher level of service.

Realizing that only by unselfish service can the insurance business have the public confidence it merits, I will at all times seek to elevate the standards of the insurance profession by governing all my business and community relations in accordance with the provisions of the Code and by inspiring others to do likewise.