THE BIG 'I' PUBLISHES MANDA HANDBOOK TO REDUCE AGENCY EANDO CLAIMS

The following information was released by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America Inc. (Big I):

Resource provides training and checklists to manage EandO risk during ownership transitions.

Alexandria, VA, March 18, 2026"The Handbook for Preventing Errors and Omissions Claims in Insurance Agency Mergers and Acquisitions" offers a step-by-step approach to mitigating errors associated with merging the operations of existing andacquiredagencies.

"With record deal activity, rapidly evolving work environments since COVID and the incredible diversity of business models across the independent agency channel, mergers and acquisitions have never been more complex," said Nancy Germond,Big "I"executivedirector,riskmanagementandeducation."That complexity makes disciplined attention to EandO risk management essential."

Various EandO issues canarise from MandA activity when acquiring agencies fail to take adequate steps to align employee knowledge and operational standards.In some cases, agencies mayfail toplace vehicles or other property on excess schedules or neglect to list vacant land on policies that provide liability coverage. Other challenges include reviewing legal contracts beyond the scope of insurance requirements and failing to properly document coverage offerings.

"Deals move fast, but they should not overlook the critical work of aligning procedures, training employees and ensuring coverage is properly reviewed, documented and communicated," Germond said."Taking the time to get these fundamentals right can significantly reduceEandOexposure and help agencies build a stronger foundation for success."

Thehandbookoutlines theoperationaladvantages and challenges of MandA, along with clear steps and practical checklists to help agencies evaluate existing operations andidentifypotential gaps early in the process. It also provides tools to assess the skills,knowledgeand competency of eachacquiredemployee, as well as worksheets designed to measureandsupport consistent performance.

To strengthen onboarding and reduce risk, thehandbookincludes a variety of targeted EandO training resources for newlyacquiredemployees, including short, focused training modules for specific workflows and individual training plans tomonitoremployee progress and development.

"This handbook gives agencies a clear, practical roadmap for building consistent processes, reviewing policies and documenting coverage in a way that protects both the agency and its clients," said Amanda Juratovic, Big "I" vice president of EandO operations. "By standardizing procedures and strengthening employee training, agencies can reduce uncertainty, improve performance and significantly lower their EandO risk during a merger or acquisition."

"The Handbook for Preventing Errors and Omissions Claims in Insurance Agency Mergers and Acquisitions" is available for purchase from the Big "I" Virtual University, with discounted pricing for Big "I" members and free access for current Big "I" Professional Liability program agency EandO policyholders.

About the Big 'I'

Founded in 1896, theIndependent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America(the Big "I") is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations. Big "I" members are trusted insurance advisers who offer consumers all types of insuranceproperty, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement productsfrom a choice of insurance companies.

About the Big 'I' Professional Liability Program

For more than 35 years, the Big "I" Professional Liability Program, underwritten by Swiss Re Corporate Solutions America Insurance Corporation (rated A+ Superior by AM Best), has been the premier choice of Big "I" member agents for insurance agents and brokers EandO insurance, growing into the largest and most stable insurance agents EandO program in the nation. With the participation of Big "I" members from all U.S. states, theBig "I" Professional Liability Program offers not just a policy, but a comprehensive program for insurance agents.

About the Big 'I' Virtual University

The Big "I" Virtual University (VU) delivers trusted technicalexpertiseand practical resources to help independent insurance agents navigate complex coverage questions. Through analysis of real-world insurance scenarios, on-demand education and the Askan Expertservice,theVU supports stronger decision-making across personal lines, commercial lines, life and health, and agency management.