Independent Agents and Brokers Rely on the Internet But Are They Prepared in the Event They Lose Their Connection?
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio — June 17, 2003 —A majority of independent insurance agencies access the Internet with a business-grade high speed (broadband) Internet connection, but many are not equipped with a backup connection should their primary provider go down. These are the results of a recent, online survey of about 1,300 independent agencies by Progressive, the country's number one writer of private passenger auto insurance through independent agents and brokers.
The survey results show that two-thirds of all agencies are using a business-grade Internet connection, while only about nine (9) percent are using consumer-grade. The remaining 25 percent were unsure. Business-grade broadband offers faster, more reliable service than residential-grade. In the area of redundancy, however, more than a third of the agencies with broadband Internet access said they do not have any kind of back up service, while about half rely on a dial-up modem. Only 11 percent have a secondary high-speed connection to use if an interruption occurs with their primary provider.
"The Internet has become integral to the way agencies do business, so it's really critical for them to make sure they have the right kind of access, and a back-up - even if it's just a dial up modem - to ensure their business won't be adversely impacted if there's a problem with their primary vendor," said Chris Garson, Progressive's Agent Business IT director.
When shopping for a broadband connection, Garson suggests agents ask a number of questions:
- Is the service business grade or residential grade (business grade generally provides a higher level of quality and service)?
- What speeds can I expect?
- How long will it take to install?
- What type of equipment does the provider need to install in your office?
- Does the provider offer a firewall to protect from hackers?
- How often does the service go down?
- What is the average length of the down time?
- Will the provider come to my office to provide service?
- Does the provider offer 24/7 technical support?
Agents and brokers can access a number of online resources for information about broadband, such as the Web sites www.dslreports.com and www.broadband.com. Progressive's agent-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO), also provides information and links to useful Web sites.
The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, comprises the nation's third largest auto insurance group. The more than 30,000 independent agencies that represent Progressive combine the power of personalized service and counsel with Progressive's trusted brand, superior 24/7 service, innovative technology and competitive rates. Authorized agents can logon to FAO to access customer policies, state and countrywide news, and other interactive features.
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