Connecting with customers is an essential part of the insurance business, and, these days, texting is a universal way of connecting with anyone. If you’re in the business of connecting, shouldn’t texting be part of your insurance software?
The unexpected and unprecedented 2020 COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic tested businesses across the globe on this disaster preparation. How did your agency fair? Did you have the systems and insurance agency software you needed to address change quickly? Whether you answered, “yes,” “no,” or “maybe,” these systems can help you better prepare for the next unexpected disruption.
1. Cloud-Based Management System
A cloud-based agency management system ensures uninterrupted access to your most essential software. The anytime, anywhere, cloud-based access means your agency can continue operations no matter where your team needs to relocate to stay safe.
2. Integrated Systems
When you synch all your systems (marketing automation, CRM, accounting, etc.), you’re able to process information faster and with less logging in and out or comparing data fields. And, system integration helps mitigate E&O, giving you confidence in claims and policy processing, among other procedures.
3. Mobile Access
Nearly 75% of all insurance companies evaluated offered a mobile app, according to J.D. Power’s 2019 Insurance Digital Experience Survey. Your customers and team need mobile access to provide immediate self-service, to capture timely information during an accident, or to get in touch with customers quickly. Mobile apps are also an excellent tool for updating customers on changes in hours, bad weather, and to share FAQ answers to calm concerns.
4. Client Portal
Close to 90% of U.S. consumers expect a self-service online portal from businesses. Available 24/7, client portals can provide answers to routine “FAQ” concerns, freeing up CSRs to spend more time on problems that require a human touch. And, when integrated with your agency management system, client portals update customer activity in real-time, even during uncertain times, ensuring you have the latest info on your customers.
5. Integrated Texting
Integrated texting allows independent agencies to communicate directly and immediately with clients without creating gaps in documentation. Used to alert customers when a policy is coming up for renewal, when a payment is late, or to update them on critical information regarding safety and operations, texting saves time and increases efficiency for both you and your customers.
6. Paperless Processing and eSignature
It’s unlikely you can print, fax, and mail documents in a timely manner during an emergency. With paperless processing and eSignatures, you can bind coverage and submit applications digitally, maintaining business operations during these times. You’ll also find paperless is faster, more secure, and overall more efficient than paper forms.
7. Secure Infrastructure
The Clark School at the University of Maryland found that a cyber-attack occurs every 39 seconds. More shocking is that 43% of those attacks are on small businesses like local insurance agencies. Transferring information digitally has vast benefits, but to reap those benefits without being exposed to the risks, agencies must invest in infrastructure and training to keep customer data safe.
Gain the Speed, Safety, and Security You Need with Partner Platform
Though the global pandemic shutdown was as much a surprise to our Partner Platform team as anyone, we were still able to maintain operations for our agencies despite the abrupt disruption. Thanks to our dedicated industry partners, robust, cloud-based system, and secure architecture, the Partner Platform team and our agencies quickly adapted and transitioned to keep business moving while employees and customers stayed safe.
See how Partner Platform and our team can help your agency be prepared, too. Check out our client stories and get in touch to talk with one of our team members today.
Sarah Deak has been contributing to the SIS team since 2013, covering topics like agency perpetuation, workflow improvements, data security, and marketing. She has a background in small business, working with organizations to improve their online presence and client engagement. Sarah also writes for the SIS newsletters and website, and counts herself lucky to hear from our many passionate, hard-working clients for our client stories. Her favorite part about working for SIS are the dedicated, service-minded people.