InsWeb’s AgentInsider

InsWeb Corp. launched AgentInsider, its new local agent lead generation program. InsWeb said the AgentInsider program will extend the reach of local agents by providing a cost effective way to connect with the millions of online consumers shopping for auto and homeowners insurance coverage at InsWeb site. The company added that AgentInsider provides agents with flexibility and control over the types, quantity, geographical locations and price of high quality leads.

Comprehensive data collected from InsWeb’s insurance quote request form is delivered to agents in real time. AgentInsider enables agents to set the price they are willing to pay for leads through a proprietary bidding system. The distribution of leads is always limited to a maximum of four local agents and never more than one agent from the same carrier affiliation. AgentInsider is will provide agent contact information online directly to the consumer at the time of application, increasing the opportunities available to both parties for closing a policy. More than 650 agents have registered and are approved to participate, with more than 450 actively bidding in the program.

Web site: www.agentinsider.com.

Skywire Software’s Policyware

Skywire Software, a diversified software company with a concentration on the insurance industry, launched Policyware, a centralized, Web-based agency management system designed specifically for managing general agencies and excess and surplus brokers. The announcement came in conjunction with the rollout of Policyware at Gresham and Associates in Stockbridge, Ga. Policyware consists of submissions processing, accounting, reporting, business directory, workflow and systems utilities.

Built from the ground-up on a Microsoft .NET platform, the agency management system can be expanded and scaled to support companies as they grow. Skywire said this key benefit is one of the reasons Gresham and Associates selected the system. Skywire Software is a finalist for the 2005 A.M. Best e-fusion award in special coverage management based on its collaboration with Gresham and Associates to create Policyware.

Web site: www.skywiresoftware.com.

Progressive’s Drive

Drive Insurance from Progressive has made it possible for agents and brokers using Applied agency management systems to “bridge” customer information from their Applied system into the quoting tool on Drive’s agency-dedicated Web site.

The bridge enables Drive agents and brokers to transfer most customer data in real-time from Applied to the Web site quoting section, where they can process Drive quotes and upload policies. The result is improved agency workflow during the quote and sale with fast, automatic transfer via IVANS Transformation Station.

Drive plans an aggressive rollout in all states by the end of 2005. Drive motorcycle, boat, RV and commercial auto products will not immediately offer the bridge, however, the company plans to have it available for those products by 2007.

Web site: www.foragentsonly.com.