Vermont Insurance Agents Association

What Vermont Insurance Agents Association does

Vermont Insurance Agents Association (VIAA) is a private, Vermont-based trade association serving independent insurance agencies operating within the state. It is the Vermont state affiliate of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. (IIABA), commonly known as the "Big I," and operates as a membership organization with agency and associate membership tiers. VIAA's core function is to aggregate independent agents, represent their interests, and provide shared services that individual agencies cannot cost-effectively build themselves.

The association's product surface spans four buckets. First, market access: members use Big I Alliance Blue (formerly Big I Markets), a free online placement platform connecting them to specialty and niche coverages from carrier partners including Chubb, Travelers, The Hartford, Coalition, Selective, Berkley, CNA, Progressive, and Safeco; Big I Flood with Selective Insurance is offered as a dedicated flood program. Second, insurance products: VIAA wholly owns Vermont Insurance Agents Services (VIAS), which provides group E&O coverage through Swiss Re, Utica National, and Fireman's Fund; RLI Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) is endorsed; Hospitality Insurance Group is offered via aggregation. Third, education: professional designations (AAI, ACSR, AILP, AFIS, CIC, CISR, CLCS, CPIA, CRIS, MLIS), on-demand and in-agency continuing education (including Vermont CE credit), new-hire and pre-licensing training, and the IA-MBA 10-week Mini-MBA delivered with GoalMakers. Fourth, member services: ACORD forms (complimentary for members under $50M P&C gross revenue), InsurBanc banking services, WAHVE contract staffing, and events including the Annual Convention and Summer Golf Tournament at Vermont National Country Club.

VIAA is funded through annual membership dues, commissions and administrative fees from VIAS programs, fees from education and designation programs, and event and sponsorship revenue, including a formalized 2026 Partner Program. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, has no external investment or private equity backing, and is supported by a small staff based at 600 Blair Park Rd #300, Williston, VT. Geographic scope is restricted to Vermont; no multi-state or international expansion is indicated.

Name

Vermont Insurance Agents Association

Legal name

Vermont Insurance Agents Association

Website

https://viaa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1900

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vermont Insurance Agents Association (VIAA) is a private, Vermont-based trade association and state affiliate of the national Big I (IIABA), serving independent insurance agencies with market access, education, E&O coverage, advocacy, and member services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Insurance Trade Association Services

NAICS

Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Affinity, Membership & Association Referral Programs (FSAEAMAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Insurance Leads, Introducers & Referral Networks (FSAEAMAB), Compliance, Reporting & Regulatory Administration (ERISA/ACA/No Surprises) (HLAEALAJ)

Keywords

• Insurance trade association
• Independent insurance agents
• Professional insurance education
• Insurance market access
• Insurance advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Williston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Agency Membership Dues: VIAA generates primary revenue through membership dues from independent insurance agencies and associate members. Membership provides access to all member benefits including market access, education, advocacy, E&O coverage programs, and networking.
2. Vermont Insurance Agents Services (VIAS): VIAS, owned by VIAA, provides group insurance products to member agencies including E&O coverage through Swiss Re, Utica National, and Fireman's Fund. VIAA earns commissions or administrative fees from these arrangements.
3. Education and Designation Programs: Revenue from professional designation programs (AAI, ACSR, AILP, AFIS, CIC, CISR, CLCS, CPIA, CRIS, MLIS) and continuing education courses. Programs include online, in-agency, and on-demand formats.
4. Events and Sponsorships: Revenue from Annual Convention, Summer Golf Tournament, and other events. Sponsorship opportunities for companies wanting to reach Vermont independent insurance agents.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

VIAA is a membership-based trade association serving independent insurance agents in Vermont. Its core offering is agency and associate membership that bundles market access (via Big I Alliance Blue and Big I Flood), continuing education and professional designations, state and federal legislative advocacy, E&O and umbrella insurance programs through its subsidiary VIAS, networking events, and complementary agency resources such as ACORD forms, InsurBanc banking, and WAHVE staffing.

Product overview

VIAA offers a portfolio of member services for independent insurance agents in Vermont. The core offering includes market access through Big I Alliance Blue (free online market placement center) and Big I Flood program. Insurance products are available through VIAS (Errors & Omissions, umbrella policies via RLI) and hospitality insurance. VIAA provides education through multiple channels: professional designations (AAI, ACSR, AILP, CIC, CISR, etc.), on-demand courses, in-agency programs, new hire training, and IA-MBA. Additional member benefits include ACORD forms, InsurBanc banking services, and WAHVE staffing. Events include the Annual Convention and Summer Golf Tournament.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Agency Membership Annual membership for independent insurance agencies in Vermont providing access to market access tools, continuing education, advocacy, E&O programs, networking events, and member benefits.
• Associate Membership Membership for insurance companies and vendors seeking access to the independent agent distribution channel in Vermont.
• Big I Alliance Blue Online market access placement center providing Big I members access to specialty/niche coverages, program business, and hard-to-find insurance markets from multiple carrier partners (formerly Big I Markets).
• Big I Flood Flood insurance program through Selective Insurance providing personalized support, competitive commissions, and an easy-to-use quoting platform for agents.
• ACORD Forms Complimentary standard insurance forms provided to Big I members with annual P&C gross revenue under $50 million through a negotiated agreement with ACORD.
• Errors & Omissions (VIAS) Group E&O coverage, umbrella, and related insurance products for member agencies provided through Vermont Insurance Agents Services (VIAS) with carriers including Swiss Re, Utica National, and Fireman's Fund.
• InsurBanc Banking Services Banking services from an independent community bank founded by agents for agents, offering agency financing, cash management, and banking tailored for independent insurance agencies.
• RLI Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) Standalone umbrella insurance policy rated A+ by A.M. Best, available in all states with limits up to $5 million. Endorsed by IIABA, MIAA & VIAA.
• WAHVE Staffing Work At Home Vintage Experts skilled contract staffing connecting agencies with retiring professionals (pre-retirees) who have 25+ years of insurance experience for remote positions.
• Hospitality Insurance Program Commercial property, general liability, liquor liability, assault and battery, and excess liability coverage for hospitality businesses through Hospitality Insurance Group.
• Professional Designations Program Industry designation programs including AAI, ACSR, AILP, AIS, CIC, CISR, CLCS, CPIA, CRIS, and MLIS for professional development and career advancement of insurance agency staff.
• On-Demand Education Online and self-study continuing education courses covering Ethics, E&O, commercial lines, personal lines, cyber, and workers' compensation, many approved for Vermont CE credit.
• New Hire & Pre-Licensing Training Interactive on-demand training programs through New Level Partners for new hires covering coverage knowledge, business skills, and leadership, plus ExamFX self-study packages for P&C and Life & Health licensing exam prep.
• In-Agency Programs Customizable in-house continuing education programs where VIAA coordinates instructors, secures CE approval, and handles materials and credit reporting for member agencies.
• IA-MBA 10-week digital Mini-MBA program created for independent insurance agents, covering organizational leadership, people management, and financial mastery through the GoalMakers platform.
• AI Labs Free AI Training Free live virtual AI training built specifically for independent insurance agencies, covering AI fundamentals, prompting, AI search impact, governance, and workflows.
• Annual Convention Annual three-day convention and trade show bringing together agency professionals, carriers, exhibitors, and industry leaders for continuing education, networking, and industry recognition.
• Summer Golf Tournament Annual golf tournament held at Vermont National Country Club in South Burlington, VT, with sponsorship opportunities for member engagement.

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Big I Alliance Blue (IIABA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBig I Alliance Blue (formerly Big I Markets) is IIABA's free online market access placement center program providing members access to specialty/niche coverages, program business, and hard-to-find markets through carrier partnerships.
• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA/Big I)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational association providing affiliation, resources, advocacy, and brand identity for state associations like VIAA.
• TrustedChoice.comcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConsumer-facing agency locator where insurance shoppers search for independent agents. Free listing included with Big I membership. Big I retained the TrustedChoice.com name after divesting assets.
• Selective Insurance (Big I Flood)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBig I Flood and Selective's relationship provides flood insurance program with personalized support, competitive commissions, and easy-to-use quoting platform. Selective is the third largest WYO company and 41st largest P&C company, rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best for more than 89 consecutive years.
• Vermont Insurance Agents Services (VIAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIAS, owned by VIAA, provides group insurance products to members for their agencies including E&O coverage through Swiss Re, Utica National, and Fireman's Fund.
• Swiss RemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss Re is one of the E&O coverage providers available through VIAS for member agencies. Also offers E&O premium discount program (10% discount for completing ABEN on-demand courses).
• Utica National InsurancemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorE&O coverage provider available through VIAS for member agencies.
• RLI (Personal Umbrella Policy)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRLI Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) is a Big I endorsed standalone umbrella available in all states with limits up to $5 million. Rated A+ by A.M. Best. Endorsed by IIABA, MIAA & VIAA.
• InsurBancmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndependent community bank founded by agents exclusively for agents. Organized in 2001 by the Big I to serve independent insurance agents with agency financing, cash management, and banking services.
• WAHVE (Work At Home Vintage Experts)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStaffing partner providing skilled contract staffing from retiring insurance professionals who work remotely. Helps agencies reduce expenses related to salary, benefits, overhead, and turnover.
• CoalitionmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCoalition offers admitted & surplus Cyber Liability & Executive Risks insurance coverage and free cyber security tools. Big I agents gain direct access to Coalition's platform to quote and bind in minutes.
• ACORDmajorTechnology or IntegrationBig I members with annual P&C gross revenue under $50 million receive complimentary license to use ACORD forms. Big I covers End User License costs for members accessing via management systems.
• Hospitality Insurance Group (HIC)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHospitality Insurance Company provides commercial property, general liability, liquor liability, assault and battery, and excess liability coverage. VIAA serves as aggregator to make this market available to members who don't qualify for direct appointment.
• ChubbmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffluent Program and Small Commercial Insurance through Big I Alliance Blue. Chubb offers high net worth personal lines and commercial coverage.
• The HartfordmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial auto, BOP, workers compensation, umbrella, cyber, and executive risks products available through Big I Alliance Blue.
• TravelersmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity Banks Business Insurance Programs and MasterPac for small businesses available through Big I Alliance Blue.
• GoalMakersmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExpert-led learning platform partner for IA-MBA program (10-week Mini-MBA for insurance agents).
• New Level PartnersminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInteractive, cost-effective, on-demand training program for new hires covering insurance basics, business skills, and leadership.
• CNAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSmall Business and Management Liability products including D&O, EPL, Fiduciary Liability, Cyber through Big I Alliance Blue.
• Berkley AspireminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSmall to middle market excess and surplus lines business including Package, General Liability, Property and Excess Liability through Big I Alliance Blue.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA): State-level Big I affiliate serving independent insurance agents in Massachusetts. Identical membership association model — staff contacts Marcelina Alves, Michelle St. Angelo, Chris Hess appear on VIAA's VIAS E&O and Hospitality Insurance pages, indicating direct partnership. Most directly comparable peer by structure and offerings.
• Maine Insurance Agents Association: State-level Big I affiliate for Maine independent insurance agents. Lynda Holt (ACSR) at maineagents.net is listed as the RLI Personal Umbrella contact, demonstrating direct operational partnership with VIAA. Same trade association model in a neighboring New England state.
• Professional Insurance Agents (PIA): Competing national association for independent insurance agents with state and regional chapters. Competes with IIABA/Big I affiliates like VIAA for the same member base, though with a different product mix and advocacy posture.
• New York Insurance Association (NYIA): State-level insurance agents trade association in New York. Similar membership, education, and advocacy model to VIAA but serving a much larger state. Useful comparable for understanding scale variance across state Big I affiliates.
• Pennsylvania Association of Insurance Agents (PIAI): State-level trade association for independent insurance agents in Pennsylvania. Same Big I-affiliated structure, membership dues model, and member benefit stack including market access, education, and advocacy as VIAA.
• New Hampshire Insurance Agents Association: State-level Big I affiliate serving independent agents in neighboring New Hampshire. Directly comparable in scale, geography (New England), and membership model. Useful regional peer for understanding Vermont's competitive context.

Broad incumbents

• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA / Big I): National parent and federation for state Big I affiliates including VIAA. Operates as the umbrella organization providing products, brand, and advocacy that VIAA distributes. Comparable but broader in scope — operates nationally rather than within a single state.
• Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB): National trade association representing large commercial insurance brokers and agencies. Adjacent rather than directly comparable — focuses on larger brokerage firms rather than small/mid-market independent agents, but shares the trade association industry positioning.

Emerging players

• Agents Council for Technology (ACT): IIABA-affiliated council focused on technology adoption among independent agents. Comparable in that it provides member resources, but specializes narrowly in tech enablement — a vertical that overlaps with VIAA's emerging AI Labs education initiative.

Others

• National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC): National trade association for mutual insurance companies (carriers rather than agents). Not a direct peer — operates on the carrier side of the insurance distribution chain — but occupies a similar trade association role in the broader insurance ecosystem that VIAA serves.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdQeXlQG08epz1hJnRaxiBA
• Facebookfacebook.com/VermontAgents
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vtagents
• Instagraminstagram.com/vtagents
• Xx.com/vtagents

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vermont Insurance Agents Association