Survey Finds Technology Is Making Customer Service Easier for Independent Agents PROGRESSIVE LOGO Progressive logo. (PRNewsFoto)[PM] CLEVELAND, OH USA 06/29/2000
10 January 2001
Survey Finds Technology Is Making Customer Service Easier for Independent Agents PROGRESSIVE LOGO Progressive logo. (PRNewsFoto)[PM] CLEVELAND, OH USA 06/29/2000
Progressive Insurance Looks at the Impact of Technology
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Jan. 10 While some people may feel
life has become more hectic because of the increased use of cell phones,
pagers, and e-mail, there is no denying that they have helped increase work
productivity, particularly for independent agents, according to a survey by
Progressive Insurance.
The survey of 865 independent agents countrywide conducted on
ForAgentsOnly.com, a password-protected Web site for Progressive independent
agents, showed that 64 percent of agents polled reported having more time on
their hands as a result of using new technology. Of those agents who reported
having more time, 43 percent of respondents said technology has enabled them
to sell more business. With this extra time, however, only six percent said
they are spending more time with their families.
"By offering our agents superior and easy to use technology, we enable
them to save time, cut down on paperwork, and better serve their clients,"
commented Chris Garson, Agent Technology Leader for Progressive Insurance.
"Through Progressive-specific features such as ProRater(R), Client
ProFile(SM), and online endorsements and policy access via ForAgentsOnly.com,
we are offering time saving, productive solutions for our independent agents
-- 83 percent of whom are saving up to five hours a week."
The survey also found that 65 percent of independent agents reported that
technology has helped them provide better customer service.
When asked which technology tools have made it easier for independent
agents to conduct business, the number one answer was the Internet, followed
by fax machines, e-mail, cellular phones, and laptop computers.
Interestingly, hand held organizers came in last.
Progressive , in business since 1937, is the nation's fourth
largest auto insurance company and the largest writer of auto insurance
through independent agents. 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. With headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio,
Progressive also sells its products over the phone at 1-800-AUTO-PRO(R) and
online at progressive.com . Log onto http://www.progressive.com today for more
information about the company and to find an agent near you.
Did You Know ...
According To A Survey of 865 Independent Agents Countrywide Conducted By
Progressive Insurance ...
Time Is On My Side
64 percent of independent agents polled reported having more time on their
hands as a result of using new technology.
At Your Service
65 percent of independent agents surveyed reported that technology has
helped them provide better customer service.
Amazing Savings
83 percent of respondents reported saving up to five hours a week as a
result of using Progressive-developed technology.
Business Before Pleasure
Of those independent agents who reported having more time, 43 percent
report that it has enabled them to sell more business. Surprisingly, only
six percent of them said they would spend more of this time with their
families.
http://www.EasierBusiness.com
A whopping 88 percent of independent agents said using the Internet has
made it easier for them to conduct business -- more than any other
technology tool.
Top Five Ways Technology Has Had A Positive Impact On Independent Agents
1. Makes their job easier
2. Saves time
3. Helps provide better customer service
4. Cuts down on paperwork
5. Helps sell more business
Top Three Ways Technology Has Helped Agents Provide Better Customer
Service
1. They can provide more accurate information
2. They can provide faster turnaround
3. They can offer customers Progressive's 24/7 service
Top Three Tasks That Have Been Eliminated Or Most Reduced By Technology
1. Completing applications
2. Processing payments
3. Filing (tie)
3. Providing customers with rates from several companies (tie)
Top Five Technology Tools That Make It Easier To Do Business
1. Internet
2. Fax machine
3. E-mail
4. Cellular phone
5. Laptop computer
*Hand held organizers came in last
What Independent Agents Are Doing With Their Extra Time
1. Selling more business
2. Communicating more with customers
3. Learning more about technology
4. Spending more time with their families
5. Coming in the office later (tie)
5. Playing more sports/golf (tie)