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I'm relatively new to this business, so I don't know exactly how the whole process works. I have several questions of the basic Agency's procedures:

1. Does an Agent have to meet a client face-to-face in order to conduct a NEW business or a client can submit required data electronically (by email or some other means of electronic communication)?

2. Would electronic signature be sufficient enough?

3. What is normally a 'downpayment' required to get a new insurance and can it be paid by using a PayPal?

Ask your insurers - they are your source for such info.

I would like to know a personal experience of Agents in any particular State - have you ever excepted an electronic application for a new personal (auto, homeowner) insurance? Is it allowed in your state?

Your carriers, at least the ones wanting standard business in the P&C lines, will likely look down upon writing business for a client you have never met face to face.

AlstonCPCU wrote:Your carriers, at least the ones wanting standard business in the P&C lines, will likely look down upon writing business for a client you have never met face to face.

Exactly. Progressive is the only company in our office that encourage you to write it by phone, and even then, only on auto policies so far.

MLight,

No insurance companies do not want your "emailed" application from an "unlicensed producer" for a client you have never met for coverages you have not inspected, etc. etc. etc.

Stay in your current field, computers. or whatever.

mhutch69 wrote:MLight,

No insurance companies do not want your "emailed" application from an "unlicensed producer" for a client you have never met for coverages you have not inspected, etc. etc. etc.

Stay in your current field, computers. or whatever.

Sorry, you misunderstood me ... what I meant is -- if a client fill out electronic application for personal insurance to LICENSED Independent Insurance agent without having a face-to-face interview, can it be accepted by the Insurance co or they don't even have to know????

Part of the personal lines sales process is the Face to Face interview, though. Why are you so determined to not have to do that part of the job?

You need to check with the companies you do business with to see if they care about an original signature or not. None of the companies I do business with care. When I get appointed with a carrier I explain to them how I do business and make sure they can accommodate me. My agency does mostly personal lines and I try not to meet people face to face. I do everything over the phone, fax, email, and mail. If you meet with a client face to face your retention will be better but I don't have the time. Half of our clients live to far away from our office.

Thanks, Porter. Indeed, how do you accommodate clients who live far away - you cannot unless you provide some means of electronic media.

Check out EZBuy.... www.ezbuyesales.com. They are an e-signature service that is designed for an insurance transaction. We use it... I have a small office...but I sell all over the state (CA). I have about 50 carriers that I can sell & all of them accept it...some actually prefer me to use it. Something about straight through processing.