Top 10 Gadgets for High-Tech Insurance Agents & Brokers

After walking through a client’s office this week, an important epiphany occurred. Noticing Visoneer scanners at every desk exemplified the need and reliance of tech gadgets in the insurance workplace. Not only are computers a staple at every desk, but high-tech gadgets are quickly taking over desk space in creating a more efficient environment.

With invention being the product of necessity, high-tech gadgets are being created rapidly to complement our needs. With the aggressive attitudes of insurance agents to be on the cutting edge of technology, it seems appropriate to introduce the top 10 tech gadgets for insurance agents and brokers. The following items were selected to create a more effective and efficient working environment for insurance offices.

Strobe XP 200 Scanner ($299)
Manufacturer: Visoneer (www.visioneer.com)
This compact scanner is so small, it can easily sit between your keyboard and screen at only 2″ inches tall and 11″ wide. With the increased need to attach data to client files and the ability to send more information to companies over the internet, scanners are a “must have” gadget for the insurance agency. Most of the large insurance companies now prefer applications and loss runs to be sent via PDF (Acrobat) rather than fax or mail. Since it is quicker and more reliable, you have a better opportunity to get your app in front of the company before other agents. Paperport 10 software, included with this scanner, allows agents to better organize by using directories for business cards, forms, and scanned items. This software can help convert those scanned items into Word, Excel, faxes, e-mail, and images to be placed in agency management systems.

Palm Treo 650 ($449)
Manufacturer: PalmOne (www.palmone.com)
The Treo 650 Smart phone from PalmOne simplifies life by combining a cellular phone with e-mail and internet access with the use of a tiny QUERKY keyboard. This all-in-one device also includes a PDA, camera, and MP3 Player. Agents can now organize their entire world with calendar, contact, tasks, and memos. Sync the smartphone up to Microsoft Outlook to keep contact information up-to-date. With an online agency management system, the Treo’s Web access puts client information at agents’ fingertips. The Treo 650 puts the office in a pocket.

MX 1000 Laser Cordless Mouse ($79)
Manufacturer:Logitech (www.logitech.com)
“Optical is obsolete.”–Logitech has released the laser wireless mouse. This mouse is 20X more sensitive to surface detail and tracking power on even complex surfaces. A rapid charging station is included to keep the mouse fully charged and ready to go. The new ergonomic design includes a thumb support, along with the variety of programmable buttons. A new breed of mouse has been born–one with quick charging time, long wireless range, extreme accuracy, comfortable use, and much more. The Logitech MX 1000 is a top-quality gaming device that may be considered the best palm grip mouse with a set of attractive features.

256MB Jumpdrive with Touchguard ($71)
Manufacturer: Lexar (www.lexar.com)
This fast, auto-synchronizing memory stick uses fingerprint authentication to keep all data safe and secure. Its advanced software program automatically stores your favorites, documents, and Web site usernames and passwords. With the constant need to remember login information, the Jumpdrive makes life easier by saving all of this information and allowing it to be used anywhere. Agents now have the convenience of their data being mobile, as well as backed up on a secure device.

Google Desktop (Free)
Manufacturer: Google (http://desktop.google.com)
Wondering who sent that e-mail request for a Proof of Insurance? Simply type in the keywords and a browser window will provide a link to the e-mail you are looking for. Google Desktop allows users to search your e-mail, files, media, and Web history through a small, easy to use utility. Google’s software Indexes an entire computer with the same technology it uses to search the Web for its own search engine.

GPS Street Pilot 2650 ($1399)
Manufacturer: Garmin (www.garmin.com)
Not sure how to get to a client’s office? Garmin’s car mountable GPS map system can talk or point agents in the right direction. Street Pilot uses Global Positioning Satellites to provide turn-by-turn routing and voice prompts to get you where you’re going accurately and safely. It can also store locations like a home or office, so if lost, it can easily direct someone home. Software is also included which provides five million points of interest such as: restaurants, lodging, attractions, entertainment, shopping, emergency services, post offices, camp grounds, and even movie theaters.

CS50 Wireless Office Headset ($299)
Manufacturer: Plantronics (www.plantronics.com)
Cauliflower ear? Sick of being stuck at the desk while on the phone? Roaming free with the CS50 can improve red ears, and let users pace the office unrestricted. Need to go across the office to discuss an issue with a CSR? No problem, the Bluetooth enabled CS50 can work for up to 300 ft. Plantronics promises eight hours of talk time of private and completely secure conversations. Ideal for that pacing boss.

Protege M200 Tablet PC ($1899)
Manufacturer: Toshiba (www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/toshibatabletpc.to)
If Moses were around in the 21st Century, the 10 Commandments would have been written on a Protégé M200. The newest tablet PC from Toshiba, the M200 combines the power of advanced notebook technology with the practicality and comfort of pen and paper. Features include a roomy 14.1-inch display–perfect for everything from entering client’s data into Pocket TAM or administering an onsite claim report. In the life and health insurance market, Toshiba Tablet PCs enhance the quality of each client interview by packaging the data collection and presentation tools you already use in an impressive, unobtrusive form.
eFAX ($12.95/month, $0.20 pp sending)

Manufacturer: eFAX (www.efax.com)
With simple internet access, sending faxes is now a snap. With eFAX, agents can send and collect faxes whenever needed. eFAX assigns a local fax number in your area, and when someone sends a fax, it gets routed to an existing e-mail inbox. No waiting at the fax machine or hassles with old-fashioned fax modems. Choose a local or toll-free fax number in over 1,400 cities across the world to receive faxes. Forget about additional equipment, phone lines or maintenance. Take advantage of low fax send rates anywhere in the world.
Dell UltraSharp 1704FPV 17″ Flat Panel Monitor ($349)

Manufacturer: Dell (www.dell.com)
Radeon 9600 XT 128 MB Video Card ($169)
Manufacturer: ATI (www.ati.com)
This combination will provide almost 34 inches of screen size, for less than a 19″ monitor. By adding a second LCD flat screen, the Radeon 9600 combines the two monitors into one massive screen. With a few adjustments in Windows XP/2000 moving a mouse from one screen to the other is as simple as ever. The Radeon 9600 uses two outputs to supply video for two screens placed next to each other. An agency management system can be shown on one screen, while Word or Excel can be shown on the second. The seamless movement across the screens reduces the need to constantly minimize and maximize programs. This feature is becoming more and more popular with agents to help improve efficiency.

Michael Curry has 15 years of experience as a computer consultant for the insurance industry and is president of Curry Computer Technology in Pasadena, California. Curry is also president of Offsite Backups, catering to the backup needs of agencies. He can be reached at michael@currytech.com.