1890s

• December 13th, 1895: Richmond Dispatch reports on the formation of the Local Agents Association of Virginia—but the group dissolves shortly thereafter.
• The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and Interstate Commerce Act (1887) set precedent for regulation.
• Founders of what would become the present association meet in Lynchburg to form the Virginia Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents.

1900s

• The third annual meeting was held in Roanoke’s Pythian Hall.
• Constitution & Bylaws adopted; dues set; committees on Grievances and Legislation established.
• Slogan adopted: “To support right principles and oppose bad practices in fire underwriting.”
• 1902: Convention in Norfolk; membership grows to 74 (an 89% increase). Issues raised: Fire Marshall Law, dual agencies, corrupt practices, credit delays.
• Call for loyalty: “To fellow agents, to patrons, to companies.”
• 1906 Major victory: Virginia legislature establishes the Bureau of Insurance. Joseph Button was appointed as the first Insurance Commissioner.

1920s

• The association was renamed the Virginia Association of Insurance Agents (VAIA).
• VAIA protests federal control of insurance on cotton through the CCC.

1930s

• 1939: Launch of Highway Safety Program.
• 1935: Monthly bulletins begin.
• 1936: Members pledge funds to establish an office & hire a manager.
• 1937: First manager hired ($1,675 salary for 6 months).

1940s

• 1940: First educational “Short Course” at the University of Richmond (300 attendees).
• WWII Era (1941–45): VAIA supports war efforts—war bonds, ration boards, GI Bill training.
• 1946: Agencies train returning servicemen.
• 1947: Lawyer T. Nelson Parker hired; later becomes VA Insurance Commissioner & NAIC President.
• 1948: Golden Anniversary Convention in Virginia Beach.

1950s

• 1959: Commissioner Parker testifies before the U.S. Senate on antitrust & monopoly.
• Long-running battle against banks entering the insurance business begins.
• Push for Uninsured Motorist Coverage legislation.
• Discussions on antitrust and state regulation.

1960s

• 1960: Legislative bulletins become standard.
• 1965: Small agent advocacy grows.
• 1969: Virginia Financial Services Corporation (VFSC) formed; launches Errors & Omissions program.

1970s

• 1975: Political Action Committee (VAPAC) formed.
• 1978: Name changes to Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia (IIAV).
• Legislative focus on flood insurance, malpractice, handicapped access, and more.

1980s

• 1981: Privacy Act passed; IIAV forms automation groups.
• 1982: Launch of Legislative Roadshows.
• 1983: First “Day at the Capitol.”
• 1985–86: Major reforms (commercial property limits, Binder Bill).
• 1986: IIAV launches “IIAV Pursuit” (Trivial Pursuit–style member incentive).
• 1986: Dwight Dillon of Virginia was elected national IIAA president.

1990s

• 1991: Banks allowed into insurance despite IIAV opposition.
• 1992–93: First female president, Vernell Hogan. CE requirements become law.
• 1993–94: VFSC celebrates 25 years of products & services.
• 1995–96: Workers’ Compensation reforms passed.
• 1998: Over 2,700 bills introduced in the General Assembly; IIAV lobbying ensures protection of agents.
• 1998: Insurance Fraud Bureau established.

2000s (Entering the 21st Century)

Mission continues: education, legislative advocacy, and supporting independent agents across Virginia.

IIAV provides advanced technological services, CE programs, and new insurance products.

VAIA’s purpose is education.  First, we help consumers understand and feel more at ease about insurance, which is an increasingly complex topic that can seem intimidating.   We also work to promote the insurance profession as the amazing career opportunity that it is.  Many people don’t realize that insurance is truly about helping people when they need it the most; if you have a heart for helping others, you’ll find our profession very rewarding.

Young agents are insurance professionals under the age of 41 who work with a Big “I” member agency. All company representatives, regardless of age, are encouraged to interact with the future leadership of the Big “I” and the insurance industry.

IIAV’s young agents have a long tradition of being actively engaged in the association, and they are well-known for the energy and enthusiasm they generate.

VFSC has been providing Agency E&O coverage in Virginia for over 50 years, utilizing strategic carrier partnerships specifically designed to meet the needs of Virginia agents.  This means you have options.  Exclusive access to carriers like Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and Allianz gives us a competitive edge.  Additional access to other markets, both Admitted and Non-Admitted, allows us the freedom to advocate for you with a variety of carriers and to customize coverages as necessary.