Tech Takeaways for Forward-Thinking Insurance Agents

A phrase far too often uttered among established businesses is, “We’ve been doing business the same way for years, so why change now?”

What many businesses don’t understand is that over those years, processes are refined to fit the changing world. And guess what? The world is still changing!

Today, there is more technology available to streamline your sales and service process than there’s ever been. If you haven’t updated your business strategy to include some of these tools, you might be missing out on time-saving, money-making ways to move your business forward.

Today, there is more technology available to streamline your sales and service process than there’s ever been.

When you look at the future of technology in your business, here are the two most important things to consider. First, how connected are your customers? Second, how mobile does your business need to be?

We believe the answer to both questions is the same: very.

Establishing Connection

According to the Pew Research Center, 90 percent of U.S. adults use the internet and an average of 91 percent of U.S. adults have a smartphone. Embracing these tools is not just a younger generation thing. The organization also reports that 79 percent of seniors own a smart phone.

People want the ability to get information and shop for themselves on their own time. Don’t be afraid of this! Convenience isn’t the death of the personal sale. In fact, it’s just the start. Technology doesn’t remove you from a sale — it just gets you in at the most opportune point.

Technology doesn’t remove you from a sale — it just gets you in at the most opportune point.

For insurance agents, the value of online quoting and enrollment cannot be overstated. We know that more than three in four Americans shop online. Specifically, when shopping for life insurance, more than 32 percent of Americans prefer to buy online or use an app. Even if your clients don’t complete the entire process online, they likely want the tools to get started.

The final transaction is simple when clients research and shop on their own because so much of the work is already done. When your customers can learn about a product, find the best fit, and connect with you — their local licensed agent — all from the comfort of their own home, your business is likely performing at its peak.

Working On the Go

Back to our second consideration: How mobile do you need your business to be?

Consider this: Mobile devices (excluding tablets) accounted for about 98 percent of global web access. And, enhanced fifth generation networks (5G) have led to faster streaming, fresh interactive experiences, faster content creation, and increased accessibility.

It’s not just how people are searching; it’s how people are accessing the world. Media and news are now consumed on the go, and business transactions are no different.

Your business website is likely the first impression you make with some clients. It should be mobile-friendly and functional, no matter the platform.

If your website is strong, how about your personal skillset? Mobility gives brokers the chance to interact with prospects and employees in the field via insurance-specific apps and client portals. When you have a smartphone or tablet on hand, that information is always at your fingertips.

Additionally, many carriers provide agents with electronic enrollment apps. Become proficient with these tools and clients may keep coming back because they’re so satisfied with your processes.

Charging Up

Here are some digital channels you should be comfortable with to work better on the go and reach your clients online.

Smartphones

No matter the operating system, we believe smartphones — phones/computers/cameras/atlases/scanners-on-the-go — are a must-have in bringing your business into the new age. The products and services you sell probably have mobile apps that let you get work done anywhere, so get to know those apps well.

And don’t forget the core use of a smartphone: phone calls! Keeping in touch with your clients and being available at any moment goes a long way in establishing strong relationships.

Going mobile and utilizing smartphone apps for your business can enable you to stay compliant and organized via call recording and customer relationship management system technology.

Agency Management Systems

The benefit of a secure company-wide organizational system hosted online is invaluable to a growing business. An agency management system (AMS) centralizes company files into a single, backed-up location, accessible by everyone within an agency.

Think of it as your Rolodex and a filing cabinet-sized book of business but stored online where you can access it at lightning speed.

A good AMS will improve your agency’s ability to automate processes and improve efficiency, which will increase your profitability.

Explore our recommended AMS’s in the Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3

Document-Sharing Software

Within an AMS, client relationship managers (CRMs) allow you to pull down important information for any client at any time. A good CRM, like IntegrityCONNECT, allows you to quickly send, share, and retrieve files from a secure location on the web.

Plus, you can identify and mark clients who may need a plan review or are a perfect fit for a cross-sale product. If you work within an agency that has multiple agents and even more clients, these tools are essential for quick communication and collaboration.

Never has accessing all these files been so simple, or even possible, when you’re outside the office.

Quote Engines

A quote engine will add dynamic functionality to your online presence.

Websites are a great contact point and educational tool for your customers. What sets one apart from another is how well the site engages a customer and provides a service. In your case, a quote is the service you want to provide, but you can let the computer do all the work!

Through Integrity’s PlanEnroll website, you can have your own Agent-personalized Website that directs consumers to a page featuring your contact info and a permission to contact (PTC) form. PlanEnroll enables your potential clients, or clients, to view coverage options and costs quickly and easily.

Learn more about Integrity’s top Medicare quoting tools

Social Media

Thousands of words can be written about how to make the most of social networks to grow your business (and we went ahead and did just that!). To simplify things, keep this idea in mind: Businesses thrive on networking and referrals.

Creating profiles for your business on the major platforms (Facebook and LinkedIn) can put your name out there at no cost to you.

Keep this idea in mind: Businesses thrive on networking and referrals.

You can invest as much or as little time as you want in building your presence online and using your accounts to market your services. Just remember, you’ll only get out of it as much as you put in.

Powering On

Every business works differently and relies on their strengths to continue moving forward. If your strength is to adopt new insurance technologies into your business strategy, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a lot of recent success.

If you’ve been hesitant to open your business to new insurance agency technology, it’s not too late. We all start somewhere. With these tools, like IntegrityCONNECT, agents are writing up to 79 percent more apps!

Need help figuring out the technology that’s right for your business? You can access and explore Ritter and Integrity’s sales technology for insurance agents for free when you register with our site If you’re looking for more personalized assistance, reach out to our Sales team today to discuss your options!