Frequently Asked Questions

CSV batch files will be accepted into SLIP starting December 22^nd, 2025

You can submit either XML or CSV batch files. Users who are already submitting XML batch files can keep submitting them as usual. Users can also submit Excel batch files even if they previously submitted XML files.

Please note that if you submit both XML and CSV files with the same data, your data will be duplicated in the system.

Please refer to the following resources:

1. Batch Submission Manual for Insurer – This document provides information about the batch submission option, the import process, and XML/CSV file guidelines.
2. Insurer XML Schema – This document shows 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 CSV Template – This document contains header row and column order required for CSV submission.
4. Insurer Schema Help Documentation – This ZIP file contains detailed parameters for each data type.

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).

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

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

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

The MSLA batch submission process allows insurers to efficiently report a large amount of 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 be 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.

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.

You can save your Excel file as a CSV file. However, you will have to verify that your headers and column types/content match the specifications for CSV import.

You can submit your batch files to the "Validation" tab under "Batch Submissions" page. This will validate the file but will not process the policies and related transactions. Once the file passes validation, you can upload your file under the "Submission" tab so that the data can be processed.

You may also test your XML file on the SLIP TEST website to ensure validity prior to official submission through https://slip.msla.org. Contact MSLA for a link, username, and password to SLIP Test.