News from the Surplus Lines Industry and InsCipher
Please take a moment to review the important announcement recently distributed by the SLAS Clearinghouse regarding SLIP+ for States:
June 12, 2025
SLIP Legacy Sunsets July 1:
Make the Move to SLIP+ for States
We hope you've had a chance to explore SLIP+ for States since its release on June 1. If not, please take this opportunity to familiarize yourself our new platform as SLIP+ will fully replace SLIP legacy beginning July 1. At that time, all users will be going to the SLIP legacy site will be redirected to SLIP+ for States.
To support this transition, we’ll be releasing updated user manuals and new tutorials ahead of July 1 to help you get comfortable with the system and take full advantage of its features.
A quick reminder: SLIP+ for States is not the same as the Florida-specific filing platform. If you're filing Florida surplus lines policies, you should continue using SLIP+ for Florida through the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office. Pay close attention to the login screen — each platform displays whether it is SLIP+ for States or SLIP+ for Florida, so you always know where you're filing.
SLAS Clearinghouse to Become SLIP+
Alongside this platform upgrade, we’re also retiring the SLAS Clearinghouse brand and transitioning fully to SLIP+ for States. This includes a refreshed visual identity, a new website, and updated contact information. We’ll share those details with you well in advance of the change, so you’re fully prepared when the new look and contact points go live.
Existing contact information and bookmarked links will continue to work for following the transition to help ease the adjustment.
We’re committed to making this a seamless change and will continue to keep you informed every step of the way.
If you have any questions, please contact SLAS staff at 877.267.9855 or by email at info@slasclearinghouse.com.
Please see this important update from the SLAS: The ACH has now been set up for Colorado tax payments.
Colorado customers may now submit tax payments through both SLIP+ and the legacy SLIP platforms. To ensure proper payment processing, please provide the ACH information listed below to your bank prior to initiating any payments:
Company ID:
5840644739
Company Name:
STATE OF COLORADO
It is essential this information is entered exactly as shown.
As a reminder, all Colorado tax payments must be submitted via ACH through either SLIP+ or SLIP legacy. Check payments will not be accepted.
If you have any questions, please contact the SLIP+ team at 877.267.9855 or email info@slasclearinghouse.com.
Please review the notice below released by the Colorado Division of Insurance regarding their updated Diligent Effort Affidavit Form. Our portal has been updated to include this new form.
The Colorado Division of Insurance has a new Diligent Effort Affidavit Form, revised date 04/15/2025. Please ensure to use the updated form revised 04/15/2025. The new affidavit form can be found on the Division's website as well as on the SLAS Website:
or on the SLAS/SLIP website:
https://slasclearinghouse.com/Documents
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(10-5-103, C.R.S., and Colorado Insurance Regulation 2-4-1)
Before any policy of insurance can be placed by an Individual Surplus Line Broker (Producing Agent) with a nonadmitted insurer, Colorado statutes and regulations require a determination be made that the policy can not be insured with a Colorado admitted insurer. This determination is known as the diligent search.
Due diligence shall be satisfied by documentation attested to by the Individual Surplus Line Broker (Producing Agent). The documentation must demonstrate that the coverage was not procurable after a comprehensive search was made from a minimum of three admitted insurers authorized to and currently transacting that line of business in this state. If there are fewer than three admitted insurers in this state which are authorized and currently transacting the line of business needed, such diligent effort shall be met by searching the lesser market. If the Individual Surplus Line Broker (Producing Agent) can attest in writing that they are familiar with the insurance market and that a particular risk can not be placed in the admitted market, or the Individual Broker has accepted an affidavit by the Retail Agent attesting to such, then the requirement to satisfy due diligence by documentation that the coverage required was not procurable after a comprehensive search was made from a minimum of three admitted insurers shall be waived.
Placing the insurance with a nonadmitted insurer shall not be for the purpose of securing a lower premium rate than that which would be accepted by an admitted insurer unless the premium rate quoted by the admitted insurer is more than 10 percent higher than that quoted by the nonadmitted insurer for comparable coverage.
A written record documenting diligent search efforts shall be maintained by the Individual Surplus Line Broker (Producing Agent) for a period of not less than three years from the effective date of the coverage. The Individual Surplus Line Broker (Producing Agent) may rely upon representations made by an Individual Retail Agent with regard to search efforts made by the Individual Retail Agent.
Given that availability and affordability of coverage is continually changing, the determination of placement and evidence of diligent search efforts, or attestation from an Individual Retail Agent or Individual Surplus Line Broker as outlined must be made each policy period prior to placement of coverage with an eligible nonadmitted insurer.
The SLAS has released the following announcement regarding an update to the upcoming launch of SLIP+ this summer for the states of Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
SLIP+ Launches June 1: Here's What’s New
SLIP+ for States is coming June 1 and bringing a streamlined user experience to simplify surplus lines filing and taxes. What does this mean for you?
We've implemented several key improvements designed to make your experience smoother and more intuitive. These include:
Streamlined Navigation
The navigation menu has been reorganized for greater clarity, making it easier to find what you need quickly.
Simplified Policy Creation
Adding a new policy is now a seamless one-step process—faster and more efficient.
Enhanced Invoicing & Payments
Managing your invoices and payments is now easier with a redesigned interface:
These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to improve your experience. As always, your feedback helps shape what comes next.
A full list of changes is available in our Intro and Enhancements Guide.
SLIP+ will launch June 1. To ensure a smooth transition, the legacy SLIP platform will remain available for a trial period. This allows customers time to explore and get comfortable with the new and improved filing experience as they fully transition to SLIP+.
Questions? We’re here to help. Please feel free to reach out to our team by calling 877.267.9855 or via email at info@slasclearinghouse.com
The SLAS has released the following announcement regarding the upcoming launch of SLIP+ this summer for the states of Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
Exciting changes are ahead as we move closer to finalizing the development of SLIP+ for States.
SLIP+ will launch for Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming this summer and offers a streamlined user experience with enhanced features and advanced functionality designed to make filing surplus lines information and taxes easier than ever.
Here's what you can expect:
To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll be offering:
Stay tuned for more details, including your invitation to our webinar and launch updates.
Questions? We’re here to help. Please feel free to reach out to our team by calling 877.267.9855 or via email at info@slasclearinghouse.com.
The SLAS Clearinghouse has issued an important update regarding the ACH tax payment setup for the state of Colorado:
Update on ACH Payment Availability for Colorado Premium Tax Invoices - May 12, 2025
As of today, ACH payment functionality in SLIP is not yet available for Colorado premium tax invoices. We continue to work with the Colorado Division of Insurance to complete the setup and are awaiting the required ACH Company ID and Company Name. We will share that information with customers as soon as it becomes available.
Quarterly premium tax invoices for Colorado, including 1Q 2025 SLAS transaction fees, were issued in SLIP on April 1. While SLAS fee invoices are payable in SLIP and due by May 15, 2025. However, Colorado premium tax payments are NOT required until ACH is finalized.
No penalties will be assessed for 1Q 2025 premium tax payments submitted after May 15 due to this delay.
We will notify all customers once ACH payments are enabled and tax invoices can be paid through SLIP.
If you have any questions, please contact SLAS staff at 877.267.9855 or by email at info@slasclearinghouse.com
The SLAS Clearinghouse has issued the following update regarding the ACH tax payment setup for Colorado.
We are currently working with the Colorado Division of Insurance to set up ACH payment functionality for premium tax invoices. As of now, ACH payments for Colorado are not yet available. We are awaiting the necessary ACH Company ID and Company Name and will provide that information to customers as soon as it becomes available.
Quarterly premium tax invoices for Colorado were issued and made available in SLIP on April 1. These invoices include the first quarter 2025 SLAS transaction fees for Colorado filings. While SLAS transaction fee invoices can be paid in SLIP and are due by May 15, 2025, Colorado premium tax payments are not required until the ACH payment process has been finalized. Filers will not be penalized for 1Q2025 tax payments received after May 15 due to the delay in the ACH implementation.
We will notify all customers as soon as ACH payments are enabled and Colorado tax invoices can be paid through SLIP.
If you have any questions, please contact SLAS staff at 877-267-9855 or by email at info@slasclearinghouse.com.
Following further clarification with the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, we will be implementing a system enhancement to the portal. You will soon see a field to capture the Date Premium Paid (invoice date) to determine when the premium was either paid or refunded. This is similar logic to other states, like Pennsylvania and Georgia.
This update will determine the correct reporting period to be assigned to all transaction types. Please ensure any necessary adjustments are made moving forward to accommodate this change.
The Excess Line Association of New York (ELANY) has issued Bulletin 2025-09, stating that the next set of New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) cybersecurity regulation revised requirements will go into effect on May 1, 2025. Please be advised that it is the responsibility of each agency/broker to complete this filing in New York.
InsCipher is unable to complete this on behalf of brokers. If you have any questions, please contact ELANY at elanyinfo@elany.org. This is for informational purposes only.
The SLAS Clearinghouse has issued the following update regarding the ACH tax payment setup for Colorado. The ACH tax payment option will not be available when the Colorado invoices are issued in SLIP on April 1, 2025.
We are currently working with the Colorado Division of Insurance to set up premium tax ACH payments. This serves as a notice that ACH payments for Colorado will not be available on April 1. We are waiting for the ACH Company ID and Company Name for Colorado and will provide that information to customers as soon as it is available.
Quarterly tax invoices for Colorado will be issued and available in SLIP on April 1. The first quarter 2025 SLAS transaction fee invoice will include fees charged for Colorado filings. SLAS transaction fee invoices can be paid in SLIP beginning April 1. We will notify customers as soon as the ACH process is set up and Colorado tax invoices can be paid in SLIP.
Quarterly Tax Payments and Affidavit Filings
Tax invoices for Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming, and SLAS Transaction Fee invoices will be available in your SLIP inbox on April 1.
Here’s what you need to know:
1Q2024 Invoices (filings January 1 – March 31)
April 1: Invoices Issued
April 30: OK Payments Due
May 15: CO, SD, TN, WY, and SLAS Transaction Fee Payments Due
1Q2025 Affidavits (filings January 1 – March 31)
April 1: 1Q2024
April 30: OK Affidavit Due
May 15: CO, TN, and WY Affidavit Due
Quarterly affidavits must be filed in addition to submitting the premium tax payments. To file an affidavit, navigate to Reports > Affidavits and select the appropriate state and reporting period (1Q2025) to submit the affidavit. Please note the affidavit can only be submitted under the licensee account. SLIP users cannot submit an affidavit on behalf of the surplus lines agent because the agent’s signature is required.
For more information on the invoicing and payment processes, please visit our Invoicing and Payments page.
Quick Reminders
If you have any questions, please contact SLAS staff at 877.267.9855 or by email at info@slasclearinghouse.com.