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Thurs 20, 2023 communications@msla.org
How should the XML file be organized?

Please refer to the following resources:

  1. Batch Submission Manual for Insurer – This document (default.html) provides information about the batch submission option, the import process, and XML file guidelines.
  2. Insurer XML Schema – This document shows of all of the required data fields organized in the proper format. The Schema may be used to validate your XML file prior to submission.
  3. Insurer Schema Help Documentation – This ZIP file contains detailed parameters for each data type.
I will be reporting agency policy data. I see the MSLA Agency Number is a required field. Where are these numbers? What if I don’t have them in my database currently?

Agencies are assigned unique MSLA Agency Numbers in SLIP for identification purposes. Agency numbers are listed online.

Agency policies reported without corresponding MSLA Agency ID numbers will be rejected.

Batch submission alternatives to agency data include (1) agent data (surplus lines license number is required), or (2) other data (address details are required).

I am submitting data for more than one insurer. Should I submit a single ZIP file with a folder for each insurer?

The ZIP file should only contain policy data for the insurer logging into SLIP.

The ZIP file should include a single XML file for the insurer. The XML file must contain data for one or more entities (agent, agency, or other contact) with one or more policies. Policy data must include the related agent or agency details.

ZIP files containing anything other than one XML file will be rejected.

I’ve never created an XML file and I have no computer programming experience. Do I have to learn how to create an XML file to submit my policy data to MSLA?

The MSLA batch submission process allows insurers to efficiently report a large amount policy data. The process and related documentation assumes the XML developer has computer programming experience and is familiar with XML and HTTP protocols.

Individuals with no computer programming experience may better-served entering policy data manually through the SLIP. Insurers will find instructions for this method in the SLIP under the Search/Submit screen in the Help Files.

Can I save a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as an XML file type and submit it to MSLA?

No. The system will not accept Microsoft Excel files saved as XML Data or XML Spreadsheet file types. Please follow the format described in the XML Export Format & Schema for Insurers to create the XML file from your database.

How can I be sure that my XML file is valid before I submit it to MSLA?

You may test your XML file through a special version of SLIP, which was designed for testing purposes only. Please contact MSLA for a link, username, and password to SLIP Test.

XML Export Format & Schema for Insurers