| Winter 2008
Reminders
Changes to your commission statements
Texas Mutual reminds you that your commission statements now reflect only commission-bearing transactions. The company removed excess transactions from commission statements. It did not change the commission statement format or payment rules.
State increases fixed payroll for sole proprietors and partners
Effective October 1, 2008, the fixed annual payroll for sole proprietors and partners increased from $46,300 to $48,700.
Fixed payroll is based on the average weekly wage set by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation. As of October 1, 2008, the average weekly wage for fiscal year 2009 is $749.63, and it is subject to change on October 1, 2009.
The formula for calculating sole proprietors and partners’ payroll, per the Texas Basic Manual of Rules for Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Insurance, Rule V.F.3b, is:
Texas Average Weekly Wage x 1.25 x 52, rounded to the nearest $100.
Texas Mutual improves its IQ
Based on feedback from agents, we upgraded our Internet Quoting (IQ) system. The prior carrier field now offers suggestions as you type, eliminating the enter-and-find two-step process. Other IQ improvements include:
- Less data entry. IQ asks fewer “follow-up” questions.
- Fewer time-outs. Texas Mutual® online services automatically log out after one hour of idle time, rather than 20 minutes.
- More graceful recovery. Re-entry to the system after it has automatically logged you out of IQ takes you back to the submission you were most recently working on.
- Updated location and officer/owner screens. These IQ screens are now more intuitive.
- Streamlined data entry. The system pre-fills prior coverage/loss date ranges, and a new check box that indicates “no prior coverage” eliminates the need for any typing on the prior carrier/loss history screen for applicable applications.
Other Texas Mutual® online upgrades allow agents to change, add or remove notice of material change endorsements through the list of options in the online endorsements area of the website.
MUTUAL INTERESTS - Winter 2008
Workers' Comp: In or Out?
We Make Your Job Easier
Ken's Corner: Your Values Are Our Values
Score Lower Premiums for Your Recreation Clients
Dividends Reward New Policyholders
Reminders
Earn 3.5 CE Credits