Frequently Used Terms


ADJUSTER

An independent contractor who for a fee investigates and negotiates settlements of claims on behalf of insurers through adjuster companies. Public adjusters typically represent customers and in Alabama must be attorneys.

AGENCY

A business entity engaged in the insurance business.

APPOINTMENT

Occurs whenever a company hires a particular producer to sell insurance.

APPOINTMENT FEE

A fee paid by a company to authorize a producer to act on its behalf in the state.

BUSINESS ENTITY

A group of people combined into or acting as one body.

CANCELLATION OF APPOINTMENT

Occurs when a company or insurer terminates the authority of a producer to act on its behalf.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

The certificate received for successful completion of a prelicensing course. This certificate must be presented to take most of the insurance producer examinations.

COMPANY

A business enterprise, a firm or an insurance company.

COURSE

An organized, outline body of information intended to convey knowledge to the licensee (producer and service representative).

COURSE OFFERING

The occurrence of a course being taught.

INSURER

An insurance company.

LETTER OF CERTIFICATION

A letter written or ordered by the Alabama Department of Insurance verifying that a producer is licensed and in good standing in Alabama.

LETTER OF CLEARANCE

A letter written by the Alabama Department of Insurance canceling all current appointments and the license of a producer. (Typically the producer is moving out of state) Fee - $5.00 per copy

LICENSEE

An individual who holds a license to sell insurance.

LICENSING FEES

Money required to be paid for the privilege of obtaining a license to sell insurance in this state.

MANAGING GENERAL AGENT

An individual, firm or business entity working as an independent contractor for a company.

MULTIPLE APPOINTMENTS

Occurs when a producer is authorized to sell insurance for more than one company or insured at the same time.

PRODUCER

An individual employed by a company, agency, or business entity to sell insurance for a commission.

PRODUCER INITIAL

Online process to obtain license to sell insurance. Initial term based on renewal requirements.

PRODUCER RENEWAL

Biennial online process based on birth month and birth year (odd/even) of producer and fees required to continue a license.

SEND BACKS

A term used to define any application returned to the sender because of a deficiency.

SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

An individual employed with an insurance company such as a secretary who is actively involved in selling insurance policies for a salary instead of commissions.

SURPLUS LINES

Risks or insureds who cannot get insurance through the licensed or admitted market. May sell coverage in the surplus line market. Surplus line is also called non-admitted or non-licensed insurance.

SUPPLEMENTAL RENEWAL INVOICE

After appointment renewals are finalized, this is a bill sent to each insurer for those producers initially appointed during the renewal period. It collects the fees for the next year to enable those producers to continue to operate.