Feb 16, 2015

Important Factors For Choosing Insurance Agency Management Software

By Beryl Dalton


For insurance agents, one of the most crucial elements of any long-term success is the effectiveness of the various electronic systems used in the office. Given the data-intensive nature of their industry, today's agents find themselves relying more and more on computer programs designed to manage various data points. When searching for the best insurance agency management software, there are several key considerations that must be made.

The effective managing of client data is of primary concern with these programs. CRM programs need to be able to do more than simply compile data associated with the agent's many prospects and customers. The best offerings also provide features to help agents manage those customers effectively. That includes contact by email and phone, as well as the creation and distribution of policy details.

Leads are the lifeblood of these agencies. As a result, CRM should focus on competent tracking of contacts, proposals, and scheduled follow-ups. The program should also enable centralized data storage that can be accessed from a simple and secure online portal. That ensures that agents are able to access critical information even when their leads take them far from the office.

Reports are a critical component for success. Without accurate and timely reporting, agents will find it difficult to know where they are with respect to their sales goals. The best software can track the cost per lead, the return on investment from various lead providers, and the actual conversion rates for the lead process.

One thing many agents fail to consider is document creation and distribution. In addition to basic proposals, quality programs can also create everything needed to deal with customers and pursue prospects. Things like detailed policy statements, rate plans, brochures, and other sales materials can be created with just a few clicks of the mouse and sent to clients, potential new customers, or others within the agency.

Obviously, these agents are entrusted with a great deal of personal and professional information that must be safeguarded from criminals and others seeking unauthorized access. That data needs to be as safe and secure as possible, so every office should focus on using CRM programs with top of the line security features. The best systems use complex encryption and continuous network monitoring to prevent data incursions and protect customer information from prying eyes.

It is, of course, important to recognize that there are not many systems out there designed to handle all of the various policy types that any given agent might offer. Many times, these agencies have to rely upon secondary software to handle the supplementary policies they provide. As a general rule, if an agent has an employee wholly dedicated to managing a secondary type of insurance coverage, then he should also have separate software to assist in that process.

Modern agencies can always benefit from the latest technology, and find it much easier to manage the many complex elements of the business. The main obstacle to achieving that objective is the difficulty many agents have in trying to identify the perfect program. Focusing on these critical factors can make that process a little less difficult.




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