March 27, 2015
Insurance software provider Vertafore announced three new partnerships to expand its end-to-end technology offerings for the cloud, data, and mobile spaces at its user conference, NetVU15, now taking place in Indianapolis through Saturday. The company said the new partnerships are …
March 9, 2015
There appears to be little dispute among agents about the importance of going mobile, particularly for younger clients who expect it. What’s in doubt, however, is which mobile applications, or apps, make the most sense for agents to use, both …
January 12, 2015
Have agents reached a tipping point when it comes to making their services accessible with a smartphone? Some believe the independent agent still has time to adapt. Others argue that those who wait will be run over by competitors – …
November 3, 2014
This column has covered a number of important technology issues facing agents, including security, social media, mobile technology, and the customer experience. A groundbreaking study issued last month and an equally sobering and hotly discussed report from last year makes …
September 22, 2014
Many agents understand in principle that “customer experience” is the sum total of an agency’s interactions with prospects and policyholders. In practice, however, customer service often ends up focusing more on the policy transaction and claims, and less on what …
August 18, 2014
Most agencies can’t afford to employ an information technology (IT) specialist. Luckily when it comes to most security and privacy issues, they may not need one. Most agency systems have built-in protections. However, agents need to stay vigilant, focused and …
July 21, 2014
An agent’s technological plate is so full it may seem impossible to decide where to start. Experts agree that embracing mobile needs to take top priority for two critical tasks: to mobile-optimize the agency website and streamline clients’ access to …
May 5, 2014
Bruce Cochrane of the Renaissance Alliance says agents have to measure everything to stay competitive, however that does not mean relying on technology alone, according to experts who work with and for agencies. “Many principals make the mistake of believing …
March 24, 2014
Technology overload is a common lament among independent agents, who face a growing list of challenges in how to use it effectively. According to leaders on the front lines, however, the number one technology issue is not privacy, security, the …
March 10, 2014
The end of the world is coming. The world of Windows XP that is. A significant event is happening in the technology industry that will affect insurance agents. On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP. Yes, …