Penn National Launches Web-based Agent Services

Penn National Insurance has launched PennConnect, a series of web-based services that provide fast customer service tools to the company’s 1,200 independent agencies, accessed through the company’s website, www.pennnationalinsurance.com. Using PennConnect, an agent can take a customer’s inquiry, research the answer or provide a quote, and give customer consultation without making phone calls and without delays.

Many agents have already reported that the new tool eliminates the need for as many as 10 phone calls placed over the course of a week to complete the same process. Claims inquiry capability is the first of a series of automated services that Penn National Insurance will deliver over the Internet. The company will pilot billing inquiry in December, and introduce it to all agencies in January, 2001.

Agencies have also asked for the ability to quote and issue commercial policies over the Internet, services that Penn National will deliver during 2001 for the company’s two largest states, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.