Fiduciary Duties and Professional Responsibilities

Understanding Fiduciary Duty

What is a Fiduciary?

A fiduciary is a person who holds a position of trust and must act in the best interests of another party. New Mexico insurance producers are fiduciaries to:

• Clients (insureds and applicants)
• Insurance companies (principals represented)

Fiduciary Status Means:

• Higher standard of care than ordinary business relationships
• Legal and ethical obligation to act with utmost good faith
• Duty to avoid conflicts of interest
• Responsibility to protect confidential information
• Accountability for professional advice and recommendations

Critical Point: Producers stand in a position of trust. Clients rely on your expertise and expect you to act in their best interests, not solely for commission income.

Duties to Clients

Duty of Competence

Producers Must:

• Maintain adequate knowledge of insurance products
• Understand policy forms, coverages, exclusions, conditions
• Stay current on insurance laws and regulations
• Complete continuing education requirements
• Know limitations of your expertise
• Refer to specialists when appropriate

Incompetence Examples:

• Selling coverage you don't understand
• Making recommendations without understanding client's needs
• Ignoring continuing education requirements
• Misrepresenting coverage features or benefits

Risk Management:

• Regular training and education
• Review policy forms before selling
• Consult underwriters for complex situations
• Use carrier resources and materials
• Join professional associations (PIA, IIABA)

Duty to Explain Coverage

Producers Should:

• Explain coverage in clear, understandable language
• Review policy declarations page with client
• Identify key coverages, limits, and deductibles
• Explain significant exclusions
• Discuss optional coverages available
• Answer questions thoroughly
• Provide written summaries when appropriate

What Clients Should Understand:

• What IS covered by the policy
• What is NOT covered (major exclusions)
• Policy limits and how they apply
• Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
• How to file a claim
• When to contact the producer vs. insurer

Best Practice: Use a coverage checklist or proposal form that documents coverages discussed, offered, accepted, and declined. Have client initial or sign.

Duty to Identify Coverage Gaps

Producers Have Responsibility To:

• Review client's total insurance program
• Identify obvious gaps in coverage
• Recommend additional coverages when appropriate
• Explain consequences of declining coverage
• Document coverage offered and declined

Common Coverage Gaps to Identify:

• Flood coverage (excluded from standard policies)
• Earthquake coverage (excluded, available by endorsement)
• Business use of personal auto
• Home business exposures not covered by homeowners
• Umbrella liability needs
• Cyber liability for businesses
• Employment practices liability

What Producers Are NOT Required to Do:

• Conduct comprehensive risk analysis (unless agreed)
• Force clients to purchase recommended coverage
• Guarantee complete coverage for all possible losses
• Act as risk management consultant (unless contracted)

Documentation:

• Note coverages recommended
• Document client's decision (accept or decline)
• Have client sign declination forms for important coverages
• Maintain in client file for 5+ years

Duty of Full Disclosure

Producers Must Disclose:

• Producer's relationship with insurers (captive vs. independent)
• Commission structure if client asks
• Any conflicts of interest
• Material facts affecting coverage decisions
• Policy limitations or restrictions
• Changes in coverage or premiums at renewal

Examples of Required Disclosures:

• "This policy excludes flood damage. You'll need a separate flood policy."
• "I represent XYZ Insurance Company exclusively."
• "If you decline UM/UIM coverage, you won't have protection if hit by an uninsured driver."
• "Your premium is increasing 20% at renewal due to claims."

Duty of Confidentiality

Client Information is Private:

• Personal identifying information (SSN, DOB, address)
• Financial information (income, assets, credit history)
• Medical information (health conditions, prescriptions)
• Claims history
• Business information (revenue, operations)

Producers Must:

• Protect client information from unauthorized access
• Use information only for legitimate insurance purposes
• Implement data security safeguards
• Shred documents containing personal information
• Secure electronic files with passwords
• Limit employee access to need-to-know basis

Prohibited Uses:

• Selling client lists to marketers
• Sharing client info with competitors
• Using personal information for non-insurance purposes
• Discussing client's personal situation with others

Data Breach Response:

• Notify affected clients immediately
• Report to OSI as required
• Offer credit monitoring if SSNs compromised
• Implement corrective security measures

Duties to Insurance Companies

Duty of Accurate Underwriting Information

Producers Must:

• Obtain complete and accurate application information
• Ask all underwriting questions
• Report all material facts to insurer
• Not conceal adverse information
• Verify information when possible

Material Facts Include:

• Prior losses and claims
• Current coverage with other insurers
• Property condition issues
• Business operations and exposures
• Health conditions (if applicable)
• Driving records
• Any information that would affect insurer's decision

Consequences of Misrepresentation:

• Policy voidable by insurer
• Claims denied
• Producer liability for losses
• License discipline
• Criminal charges possible (fraud)

Duty to Remit Premiums Promptly

Premium Trust Obligation:

• Premiums collected belong to insurer, not producer
• Must be held in trust and remitted per agreement
• Cannot use premiums for personal purposes
• Maintain separate trust account
• Account for all premium transactions

Typical Remittance Schedule:

• Monthly statement billing
• Direct bill vs. agency bill arrangements
• Electronic funds transfer common
• Reconcile accounts regularly

Premium Theft Consequences:

• Immediate license revocation
• Criminal prosecution for theft/embezzlement
• Civil lawsuits for damages
• Restitution orders
• Industry blacklisting

Critical: Premium misappropriation is one of the most serious producer violations. Always treat premiums as trust funds belonging to insurers and insureds.

Duty to Follow Insurer Guidelines

Producers Must:

• Adhere to underwriting guidelines
• Obtain required documentation
• Secure necessary approvals
• Use correct policy forms
• Follow binding authority limits
• Report claims promptly
• Comply with insurer procedures

Authority Limitations:

• Binding authority limits (if any)
• Lines of business authorized to write
• Coverage limits requiring approval
• Risks requiring referral to underwriter

Professional Standards and Best Practices

Know Your Client (KYC)

Client Assessment Should Include:

• Personal/family situation
• Assets and liabilities
• Risk tolerance
• Budget and premium sensitivity
• Prior insurance experience
• Claims history
• Special needs or concerns

Purpose:

• Tailor recommendations to client's needs
• Avoid over-insurance or under-insurance
• Build long-term client relationship
• Demonstrate professional care

Annual Policy Reviews

Best Practice:

• Contact clients annually before renewal
• Review coverage adequacy
• Update personal/business information
• Identify life changes affecting coverage
• Discuss new products or endorsements
• Answer questions
• Document review occurred

Life Changes Triggering Review:

• Marriage, divorce, children
• Home purchase or sale
• Vehicle purchase
• Business expansion
• Retirement
• Inheritance or asset changes

Professional Designations

Industry Certifications Demonstrating Competence:

Benefits:

• Enhanced knowledge and expertise
• Professional credibility
• Marketing advantage
• Networking opportunities
• Reduced E&O premiums (some carriers)

Technology and Cybersecurity

Professional Producers Should:

• Use agency management systems
• Maintain secure client data storage
• Use encrypted email for sensitive information
• Implement cybersecurity protocols
• Train staff on data security
• Maintain cyber liability insurance
• Have data backup and recovery plan

Common Cyber Risks for Agencies:

• Phishing attacks
• Ransomware
• Data breaches
• Email compromise
• Client impersonation scams
• Wire transfer fraud

Client Communication and Service

Timely Communication

Professional Standards:

• Return phone calls within 24 hours
• Respond to emails within 1 business day
• Provide quotes promptly (within 48 hours)
• Process endorsements immediately
• Update clients on claim status regularly
• Communicate premium changes before renewal

Client Expectations:

• Accessible producer
• Responsive service
• Proactive communication
• Clear explanations
• Problem-solving assistance

Claims Advocacy

Producer's Role in Claims:

• Help client report claim properly
• Explain claims process and timeline
• Assist with documentation (photos, estimates)
• Follow up with adjuster on behalf of client
• Answer coverage questions
• Advocate for fair settlement
• NOT: Represent client in disputes, provide legal advice

What Producers Should NOT Do:

• Make coverage determinations (that's insurer's role)
• Promise claim will be paid
• Advise client to sue insurer
• Interfere with adjuster's investigation
• Misrepresent policy provisions
• Create expectations beyond policy terms

Handling Client Complaints

Professional Response to Complaints:

1. Listen - Fully understand the concern
2. Acknowledge - Validate client's feelings
3. Investigate - Review file and policy
4. Explain - Clarify situation objectively
5. Resolve - Correct errors if producer's fault
6. Escalate - Involve insurer or OSI if needed
7. Document - Record complaint and resolution

When Producer Made Error:

• Admit mistake professionally
• Correct error immediately if possible
• Notify E&O carrier if significant
• Work with client to minimize impact
• Consider filing agency E&O claim

Continuing Professional Development

Beyond CE Requirements

True Professionals:

• Read industry publications (Rough Notes, Insurance Journal)
• Attend industry conferences (PIA, IIABA)
• Participate in carrier training programs
• Take advanced courses beyond CE minimums
• Pursue professional designations
• Join local insurance associations
• Mentor new producers
• Stay current on coverage form changes

New Mexico CE Reminder

24 Hours Every 2 Years:

• 21 hours general topics
• 3 hours ethics (required)
• Before renewal deadline
• Approved courses only
• Submit through PSI system

Topics to Stay Current

Important Areas:

• Cyber liability and data breach
• Emerging risks (autonomous vehicles, drones, sharing economy)
• Climate change impacts on property coverage
• Wildfire risk management
• Cannabis business insurance
• COVID-19 and pandemic impacts
• Technology disruption in insurance
• Regulatory changes and OSI updates

Professional Ethics Scenarios

Scenario 1: Client Wants to Misrepresent Facts

Situation: Client asks you to describe their home as owner-occupied (lower premium) when it's actually a rental property.

Proper Response:

• Explain that misrepresentation is insurance fraud
• Clarify that owner-occupied vs. rental affects coverage and premium
• Obtain accurate information for application
• Write policy correctly as rental property
• Refuse to participate in misrepresentation
• If client insists, decline to write policy

Wrong Response: Cooperating with misrepresentation to get the sale.

Scenario 2: Handling Premium Shortage

Situation: Client sends $950 premium payment, but actual premium is $1,000. Your commission is $200.

Proper Response:

• Contact client about $50 shortage
• Request additional payment before binding
• Or adjust coverage to $950 premium if acceptable
• Never short-pay insurer hoping client pays later

Wrong Response: Using $50 from your commission to make up difference (premium theft).

Scenario 3: Client Declines Recommended Coverage

Situation: You strongly recommend flood insurance for client in flood zone, but client declines due to cost.

Proper Response:

• Explain flood risk clearly
• Explain that homeowners policy excludes flood
• Document recommendation in file
• Have client sign flood declination form
• Respect client's decision
• Follow up annually to re-offer coverage

Wrong Response: Not recommending flood coverage or failing to document declination.

Scenario 4: Conflict of Interest

Situation: You can place business with Carrier A (30% commission) or Carrier B (20% commission). Carrier B is better for client.

Proper Response:

• Recommend Carrier B (better for client)
• Disclose commission difference if client asks
• Act in client's best interest
• Your long-term reputation matters more than one commission

Wrong Response: Placing with Carrier A to maximize commission.

Golden Rule: Always ask "What would I want my producer to do if I were the client?" Act accordingly.

Maintaining Professional Reputation

Your Reputation is Your Career

Reputation Built Through:

• Competent service
• Ethical conduct
• Responsive communication
• Honest dealing
• Client advocacy
• Community involvement
• Professional education
• Industry participation

Reputation Destroyed By:

• Dishonesty or fraud
• Poor service or neglect
• Premium theft
• Misrepresentation
• Unethical conduct
• License violations
• Client complaints

Professional Associations

New Mexico Insurance Organizations:

• Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico
• Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) New Mexico
• New Mexico Captive Insurance Agents Association

Benefits of Membership:

• Networking with peers
• Continuing education opportunities
• Legislative advocacy
• Industry updates
• Marketing resources
• E&O programs
• Best practices sharing

On the Exam: Questions on fiduciary duties emphasize acting in clients' best interests, maintaining confidentiality, providing competent service, and documenting recommendations and declinations.