Can we really get instant quote from aggregators / MGAs?

[miinsguy]

They are not instant, but you can usually get a quote within an hour from Agent Secure. They do an excellent job.

When you get enough volume with them, they assign one CSR there to work with you writing business. I know I have one!

The problems that usually come up are when the carriers interface goes down.

They have helped me with some non quick quote items like special inland marine furriers block coverage.

[txinsurancemanager]

I've been unhappy with the MGA I've been using. Yes, sometimes they can give me an "instant" quote on line. However, if I have something different to add....for instance, professional liability on a hairdresser's BOP...there's no option to include this in my "instant" quote, so I wait. But how about this? I recently went on line to bind a BOP that was previously quoted. I found I was about 32 days from the date of the quote so had to re-enter all the data. Then they wouldn't bind it because the company website was down but the CSR assigned didn't tell me that (I don't think she knew it)...I learned it from another agent. The CSR in question kept insisting it was my fault....and could not/would not confirm binding on the required date because she couldn't get a new quote. This is the second time this company has had me in limbo like this and it's a horrible situation. I withdrew my binder request and called another MGA who writes for the same company. They put it under their binder immediately (they knew the website was down but gee, they have 10 day binding authority and also how to email their underwriter). It was done pending receipt of my Acord app the next day - I never had to enter the data on line with them. It was not at all a difficult risk - minimum premium and both MGA's are local so they know where the risk is located. I'm certain if I'd continued to rely only on the first MGA and there had been a loss that night, coverage would have been denied. That's too nerve-racking for a minimum premium policy, MGA commission level.

[InsAgentSF]

Agent Secure is the best thing ever for small BOPs. Cost only 300 bucks a year. I used to be the top producer for them and they assigned an underwriter for the business that I was submitting. SuperiorAccess is OK. I mostly used them to determine who will write the account and what the bulk part premium is going to be. Try to use CkSpecialty.com. You can rate a lot of business there yourself

[Vici]

http://www.combinedgroup.com

No fees, more online instant quotable carriers than Subperior and AgentSecure.

InsuranceNoodle is not instant. You enter your information online then you wait till they decide what carrier to submit to, then they send it back to you 24-48 hours later.

However, the bad thing about http://www.combinedgroup.com is that they are not nationwide. They are mostly in Texas and up through the central US. But they do have BOPs and Commercial Auto in CA.

There is a new one coming out in California, but I am not sure if they are live yet.

Some of the highlights I have seen:

Superior: Pay a fee. Kinda Nationwide. Known mostly in CA and surrounding states. Personal and Commercial. Never used them, not heard wonderful things about them. Recently bought out by another VC.

InsuranceNoodle: Pay a fee. I think they are mostly Nationwide. Enter online then they decide whom to send it to. Then they send the quote back. Hope they guess well on which carrier wants my business. So not instant at all. 24-48 hour return on quotes. Commercial business.

Agent Secure: Pay a fee. Mostly Nationwide. Personal and Commercial. Does have instant rating, although it might take up to an hour to get quotes. Lost St Paul/Travelers as a carrier. Not sure why.

http://www.combinedgroup.com: No fees. Not nationwide. Mostly in Texas, central US and some in CA. Instant quotes, most online carriers I have seen. Also has E&S instant quotes for a few states. Also does instant speciality programs DayCare, LRO, Vacant Land, etc. Has instant chat ability directly to underwriters, kinda neat.

New one in CA. Think the name is NAI. Not sure if they are live yet. Fee based. I think just Commercial lines.

Hope this helps.