Agents Can Now Link Directly From AMS Software to FAO
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, November 1, 2002 � Independent insurance agents across the country who use agency management system software manufactured by AMS Services, Inc. now have a new way to help them save time and effort when servicing their customers.
Progressive, the country�s largest writer of auto insurance through independent agents, has worked with AMS to develop technology that allows agents to link directly from a customer�s policy in their AMS software to the Policy Access page for that policy on Progressive�s agent-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO).
The result: agents get fast and easy access to FAO�s functionality, helping to simplify their workflow while increasing the speed and preserving the accuracy with which they service their customers. FAO provides agents with a variety of policy functionality, including the ability to make fast, real-time endorsements. In an average month, agents process about 150,000 endorsements on the site, with almost 90 percent of those completed in eight minutes or less.
The enhancement is part of an ongoing commitment by Progressive to provide independent insurance agents with technology they can combine with their personalized service and counsel to attract and retain more consumers and profitably grow their agencies. Recently, Progressive announced it is now providing policyholder billing information through IVANS Transformation StationTM to independent agents using Applied systems� agency management software.
More than 4,200 independent agents use AMS software (including the company�s AFW, AMS, Pathfinder, Prime 2000, Sagitta, and Pioneer products) to download Progressive policy information, and nearly 5,800 use Applied software. The vast majority of agents who use agency management systems to access Progressive information use products by these two manufacturers. Overall, about 12,000 independent agents use an agency management system with Progressive.
�Within the past couple of weeks, we�ve introduced new technology that helps over 80 percent of the authorized agents who download Progressive policy information to improve their workflow when servicing their customers,� said Chris Garson, Progressive�s agent IT business director. �We�re pleased to provide agents with the tools they�ve asked for � the tools they need to become more technologically agile and meet the ever-increasing demand from their clientele for customer service that is fast while continuing to be accurate.�
Progressive initially rolled out the AMS/FAO link to a limited number of independent agents in August 2002. Upon the success of the limited rollout, Progressive expanded the availability to all Progressive-authorized agents who use AMS software. During the week of October 21, Progressive sent e-mails to agents explaining the steps they need to take to download the enhancement. Agents who have questions about the enhancement can contact their local Progressive territory sales manager.
The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, comprises the nation�s fourth largest auto insurance group 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. Authorized agents can logon to Progressive�s agent-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO), to access customer policies, state and countrywide news, and other interactive features. The group�s holding company, The Progressive Corporation, is publicly traded at NYSE:PGR.
