Terms Of Use

AGREEMENT BETWEEN USER AND The Council

The Council Website is comprised of various Web pages operated by The Council.

The Council Website is offered to you conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein. Your use of The Council Website constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices.

MODIFICATION OF THESE TERMS OF USE

The Council reserves the right to change the terms, conditions, and notices under which The Council Website is offered, including but not limited to the charges associated with the use of The Council Website.

REFUND POLICY

Membership Dues:
(1) General Information – The Council does not allow for the refund of membership dues.
(2) Overpayment Refund – Where an error has been made by The Council, member, or a banking facility which results in an overpayment being made, refunds will be made in the original form of payment within 30 days of being recognized or the member will have the option to apply the overage to the membership dues for the following year.
(3) Contact – If there are any questions about this policy contact a member of The Council’s membership team at 202.783.4400.

Meetings Registration:
(1) Attendee Initiated Cancellation – Cancellation of registration is due prior to a specified date, pursuant to the meeting registered. If The Council receives written notification of cancellation on or before the specified date, your registration fee, less a processing charge noted in the specific meeting cancellation notice, will be refunded. After the specified cancellation date, The Council is unable to refund any portion of the registration fee. Attendee substitutions are permitted at any time at no additional cost.
(2) Contact – If there are any questions about this policy contact a member of The Council’s meetings team at 202.783.4400.

LINKS TO THIRD PARTY SITES

The Council Website may contain links to other Websites (“Linked Sites”). The Linked Sites are not under the control of The Council and The Council is not responsible for the contents of any Linked Site, including without limitation any link contained in a Linked Site, or any changes or updates to a Linked Site. The Council is not responsible for webcasting or any other form of transmission received from any Linked Site. The Council is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by The Council of the site or any association with its operators.

NO UNLAWFUL OR PROHIBITED USE

As a condition of your use of The Council Website, you warrant to The Council that you will not use The Council Website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these terms, conditions, and notices. You may not use The Council Website in any manner which could damage, disable, overburden, or impair The Council Website or interfere with any other party’s use and enjoyment of The Council Website. You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available or provided for through The Council Websites.

USE OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES

The Council Website may contain bulletin board services, chat areas, news groups, forums, communities, personal web pages, calendars, and/or other message or communication facilities designed to enable you to communicate with the public at large or with a group (collectively, “Communication Services”), you agree to use the Communication Services only to post, send and receive messages and material that are proper and related to the particular Communication Service. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree that when using a Communication Service, you will not:

Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy and publicity) of others.

Publish, post, upload, distribute or disseminate any inappropriate, profane, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent or unlawful topic, name, material or information.

Upload files that contain software or other material protected by intellectual property laws (or by rights of privacy of publicity) unless you own or control the rights thereto or have received all necessary consents.

Upload files that contain viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another’s computer.

Advertise or offer to sell or buy any goods or services for any business purpose, unless such Communication Service specifically allows such messages.

Conduct or forward surveys, contests, pyramid schemes or chain letters.

Download any file posted by another user of a Communication Service that you know, or reasonably should know, cannot be legally distributed in such manner.

Falsify or delete any author attributions, legal or other proper notices or proprietary designations or labels of the origin or source of software or other material contained in a file that is uploaded.

Restrict or inhibit any other user from using and enjoying the Communication Services.

Violate any code of conduct or other guidelines which may be applicable for any particular Communication Service.

Harvest or otherwise collect information about others, including e-mail addresses, without their consent.

Violate any applicable laws or regulations.

The Council has no obligation to monitor the Communication Services. However, The Council reserves the right to review materials posted to a Communication Service and to remove any materials in its sole discretion. The Council reserves the right to terminate your access to any or all of the Communication Services at any time without notice for any reason whatsoever.

The Council reserves the right at all times to disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or governmental request, or to edit, refuse to post or to remove any information or materials, in whole or in part, in The Council’s sole discretion.

Always use caution when giving out any personally identifying information about yourself or your children in any Communication Service. The Council does not control or endorse the content, messages or information found in any Communication Service and, therefore, The Council specifically disclaims any liability with regard to the Communication Services and any actions resulting from your participation in any Communication Service. Managers and hosts are not authorized The Council spokespersons, and their views do not necessarily reflect those of The Council.

Materials uploaded to a Communication Service may be subject to posted limitations on usage, reproduction and/or dissemination. You are responsible for adhering to such limitations if you download the materials.

MATERIALS PROVIDED TO The Council OR POSTED AT ANY The Council WEBSITE

The Council does not claim ownership of the materials you provide to The Council (including feedback and suggestions) or post, upload, input or submit to any The Council Website or its associated services (collectively “Submissions”). However, by posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting your Submission you are granting The Council, its affiliated companies and necessary sublicensees permission to use your Submission in connection with the operation of their Internet businesses including, without limitation, the rights to: copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat your Submission; and to publish your name in connection with your Submission.

No compensation will be paid with respect to the use of your Submission, as provided herein. The Council is under no obligation to post or use any Submission you may provide and may remove any Submission at any time in The Council’s sole discretion.

By posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting your Submission you warrant and represent that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to your Submission as described in this section including, without limitation, all the rights necessary for you to provide, post, upload, input or submit the Submissions.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

THE INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES INCLUDED IN OR AVAILABLE THROUGH The Council WEBSITE MAY INCLUDE INACCURACIES OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY ADDED TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN. The Council AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES IN The Council WEBSITE AT ANY TIME. ADVICE RECEIVED VIA The Council WEBSITE SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR PERSONAL, MEDICAL, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR SITUATION.

The Council AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY, RELIABILITY, AVAILABILITY, TIMELINESS, AND ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS CONTAINED ON The Council WEBSITE FOR ANY PURPOSE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ALL SUCH INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND. The Council AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH REGARD TO THIS INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL The Council AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF The Council WEBSITE, WITH THE DELAY OR INABILITY TO USE The Council WEBSITE OR RELATED SERVICES, THE PROVISION OF OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICES, OR FOR ANY INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS OBTAINED THROUGH The Council WEBSITE, OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF The Council WEBSITE, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF The Council OR ANY OF ITS SUPPLIERS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES/JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF The Council WEBSITE, OR WITH ANY OF THESE TERMS OF USE, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE USING The Council WEBSITE.

SERVICE CONTACT: webmaster@ciab.com

TERMINATION/ACCESS RESTRICTION

The Council reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate your access to The Council Website and the related services or any portion thereof at any time, without notice. GENERAL To the maximum extent permitted by law, this agreement is governed by the laws of the District of Columnbia, U.S.A. and you hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in District of Columbia, U.S.A. in all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of The Council Website. Use of The Council Website is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these terms and conditions, including without limitation this paragraph. You agree that no joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and The Council as a result of this agreement or use of The Council Website. The Council’s performance of this agreement is subject to existing laws and legal process, and nothing contained in this agreement is in derogation of The Council’s right to comply with governmental, court and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of The Council Website or information provided to or gathered by The Council with respect to such use. If any part of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall continue in effect. Unless otherwise specified herein, this agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the user and The Council with respect to The Council Website and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral or written, between the user and The Council with respect to The Council Website. A printed version of this agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to this agreement to the same extent an d subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form. It is the express wish to the parties that this agreement and all related documents be drawn up in English.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICES:

All contents of The Council Website are: Copyright © 2010 The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved.

TRADEMARKS

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

The example companies, organizations, products, people and events depicted herein are fictitious. No association with any real company, organization, product, person, or event is intended or should be inferred.

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.

NOTICES AND PROCEDURE FOR MAKING CLAIMS OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, Section 512(c)(2), notifications of claimed copyright infringement under United States copyright law should be sent to Service Provider’s Designated Agent. ALL INQUIRIES NOT RELEVANT TO THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE WILL RECEIVE NO RESPONSE. See Notice and Procedure for Making Claims of Copyright Infringement.

Statement of Privacy

Our Commitment to Privacy

The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (The Council) is deeply committed to protecting your privacy and developing technology that gives you the most powerful and safe online experience. We protect your privacy in a variety of ways including using industry-standard security measures to protect against the loss, misuse, and alteration of data and information used by our system. This Statement of Privacy applies to The Council Website and governs data collection and usage. By using The Council website, you consent to the data practices described in this statement.

Privacy Policy

What kind of information does The Council collect?

The Council collects personally identifiable information, such as your email address, name, home or work address or telephone number. The Council also collects anonymous demographic information, which is not unique to you, such as your ZIP code, age, gender, preferences, interests and favorites.

There is also information about your computer hardware and software that is automatically collected by The Council. This information can include: your IP address, browser type, domain names, access times and referring website addresses. This information is used by The Council for the operation of the service, to maintain quality of the service, and to provide general statistics regarding use of The Council website.

Please keep in mind that if you directly disclose personally identifiable information or personally sensitive data through The Council’s public message boards, this information may be collected and used by others. Note: The Council does not read any of your private online communications.

 

How does The Council use my information?

The Council collects and uses your personal information to operate The Council website and communications, and deliver the services you have requested. The Council also uses your personally identifiable information to inform you of other products or services available from The Council and its affiliates. The Council may also contact you via surveys to conduct research about your opinion of current services or of potential new services that may be offered.

You always have the choice not to receive information or communications from The Council. For instructions on opting out, please see the section entitled, “How do I make choices about receiving communications?”

The Council does not sell, rent or lease its customer lists to third parties. The Council may, from time to time, contact you on behalf of external business partners about a particular offering that may be of interest to you. In those cases, your unique personally identifiable information (email, name, address, telephone number) is not transferred to the third party. In addition, The Council may share data with trusted partners to help us perform statistical analysis, send you email or postal mail, provide customer support, or arrange for deliveries. All such third parties are prohibited from using your personal information except to provide these services to The Council, and they are required to maintain the confidentiality of your information.

The Council does not use or disclose sensitive personal information, such as race, religion, or political affiliations, without your explicit consent.

The Council keeps track of the websites and pages our customers visit within The Council, in order to determine what services are the most popular. This data is used to deliver customized content and advertising within The Council to customers whose behavior indicates that they are interested in a particular subject area.

 

Does The Council share my information?

The Council does not sell, rent, loan, trade, or lease any personal information it gathers. The Council websites will disclose your personal information, without notice, only if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: (a) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on The Council or the site; (b) protect and defend the rights or property of The Council; and, (c) act under exigent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users of The Council, or the public.

 

How do I know my personal information is secure?

The Council secures your personal information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. The Council secures the personally identifiable information you provide on computer servers in a controlled, secure environment, protected from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. When personal information (such as a credit card number) is transmitted to other websites, it is protected through the use of encryption, such as the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol.

 

How do I change or access my information?

You may access and change your account information, upon a successful login, by going to “Manage My Profile” found in the grey bar spanning each page.

 

How do I make choices about receiving communications?

You will receive all Council specific communications based upon your membership with The Council. You may adjust your subscription to specific emails by (a) opting-out via the unsubscribe button at the bottom of each type of email, or going to the “Manage My Subscriptions” page which is presented immediately after you submit “Manage My Profile” updates.

 

How does The Council use cookies and other tracking technologies?

The Council website uses “cookies” to help you personalize your online experience. A cookie is a text file that is placed on your hard disk by a webpage server. Cookies cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses to your computer. Cookies are uniquely assigned to you, and can only be read by a web server in the domain that issued the cookie to you.

One of the primary purposes of cookies is to provide a convenience feature to save you time. The purpose of a cookie is to tell the web server that you have returned to a specific page. For example, if you personalize The Council pages, or register with The Council site or services, a cookie helps The Council to recall your specific information on subsequent visits. This simplifies the process of recording your personal information, such as billing addresses, shipping addresses, and so on. When you return to the same Council webpage , the information you previously provided can be retrieved, so you can easily use The Council features that you customized.

You have the ability to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. If you choose to decline cookies, you may not be able to fully experience the interactive features of The Council services or websites you visit.

 

What is “phishing”?

“Phishing” is a scam characterized by emails designed to steal your personal information. If you receive an email that looks like it came from us, but asks for your personal information, do not respond. We will never request that you provide your password, credit card information, or user name via email.

What about links to other websites?

The Council encourages you to review the privacy statements of websites you may link to from The Council’s website so that you can understand how other websites collect, use and share your information. The Council is not responsible for the privacy statements or other content on websites outside of The Council and The Council family of websites.

 

Changes to this Statement

The Council will occasionally update this Statement of Privacy to reflect company and customer feedback. The Council encourages you to periodically review this Statement to be informed of how The Council is protecting your information.

Contact Information

The Council welcomes your comments regarding this Statement of Privacy. If you believe that The Council has not adhered to this Statement, please contact The Council at webmaster@ciab.com. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly determine and remedy the problem.