Progressive Provides Real-Time Claims Information To Independent Agents, Brokers Using Applied Systems
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio and University Park, Ill. — May 24, 2004 — The Progressive group of insurance companies announced today that it is expanding its partnership with Applied Systems to help independent agencies provide faster, more accurate customer service. Now, agents and brokers who sell and service Progressive can access real-time claims information via their Applied agency management system. Progressive, which rolled out this exciting technology enhancement to agents earlier this month, is the largest writer of auto insurance through independent insurance agencies in the country and a leader in providing easy-to-use, real-time agency technology.
Since 2002, Progressive agents and brokers have used their Applied agency management system to perform an increasing number of service related tasks in real time — such as making payments and accessing policy information — with information and functionality from Progressive's agency-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO). Real-time transaction activity for Progressive policies has grown more than 400 percent in the past year. Access to real-time claims information helps improve agency workflow, saves agents and brokers time and effort, and helps agents and brokers satisfy their customers and grow their business.
"Our independent agents want technology that makes it even easier to do business with Progressive and other companies," said Chris Garson, Progressive's Agency Business IT director. "So as an industry technology leader, Progressive is committed to working with Applied to develop these innovative, real-time solutions. We are dedicated to providing technology that helps independent agents and brokers grow their business, gain market share, and succeed in a competitive market."
Progressive is recognized broadly for its role in helping the industry adopt common technology standards - a key element in helping automate agency processes. The Company received the ACORD Download Award at the 2004 ACORD LOMA conference at the Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas for being the number one carrier for downloads to agencies. This is the second consecutive year Progressive has been recognized for its download leadership, which is based on the annual ACORD AL3 standard. Progressive is a Silver sponsor of the 2004 ACORD LOMA conference, which brings together industry leaders from around the country to highlight important business and technology opportunities within the insurance industry.
About Progressive: The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, comprises the nation's third largest auto insurance group and the largest writer of auto insurance through independent agents and brokers, based on premiums written. The more than 30,000 independent agencies that represent Progressive companies combine the power of personalized service and counsel with Progressive's trusted brand, superior 24/7 service, innovative technology and competitive rates. Agents and brokers can login to Progressive's agency-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO) to access customer policies, state and countrywide news, and other interactive features.
About Applied Systems: Applied Systems is the leading provider of automation solutions for the property and casualty insurance industry. Since 1983, the company has developed software for independent insurance agents, brokers, managing general agents, and insurance companies, as well as banks and other financial institutions with insurance operations. Applied has helped more than 10,000 insurance organizations achieve new levels of success using its leading management systems, The Agency Manager®, The Agency Manager® Vision SeriesT, and The Diamond SystemT. Developments in electronic data interchange have also contributed to Applied's position as the industry's technology frontrunner. Combined with consulting services and third-party integration, Applied Systems automates insurance transactions at every level of distribution, from customer to carrier.
For more information: www.appliedsystems.com.
###
