How insurance brokers can help their clients through Brexit uncertainty

Insurance Business Magazine | July 09, 2019

Times of political uncertainty can impact any industry, but especially the financial markets including insurance. Currently, the UK is waiting to see if the next Prime Minister will be Jeremy Hunt or Boris Johnson, and then the new leader will need to try and negotiate an increasingly difficult Brexit. This comes after former Brexit chief Philip Rycroft told the BBC that a no deal Brexit was “fraught with risk.” All this may seem concerning, but Tom Leonard (pictured), Allianz’s new London regional manager for the broker markets, believes that it’s an incredible opportunity for brokers. “I think you’ve got an enormous amount of change both politically with things like Brexit, then you’ve got things like macroeconomic change, and you’ve got challenges in the UK from a whole number of different factors like changes to regulation and social changes,” Leonard said.

Spotlight

The Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance industry is being dramatically transformed by digital technologies that are shifting the customer relationship back to the carriers. Beyond working through third-party agents or brokers to purchase insurance policies, more customers are going directly to insurance carriers via their website and other digital channels. Driven by the convenience of online shopping, insurance companies are now expected to provide information that helps customers learn about policies, compare options and even complete an application from virtually any connected device, 24/7.

Spotlight

The Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance industry is being dramatically transformed by digital technologies that are shifting the customer relationship back to the carriers. Beyond working through third-party agents or brokers to purchase insurance policies, more customers are going directly to insurance carriers via their website and other digital channels. Driven by the convenience of online shopping, insurance companies are now expected to provide information that helps customers learn about policies, compare options and even complete an application from virtually any connected device, 24/7.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Covr and Smart Choice offer Digital Insurance Solutions to Myriad agencies

Covr and Smart Choice | January 25, 2023

On January 24, 2023, Covr Financial Technologies and Smart Choice announced that they have teamed up to make Covr Pro available to 9,500 Smart Choice agencies thereby, enabling independent advisers to access Covr's cutting-edge digital solution. Covr Pro is a digital platform for independent advisers that gives them a number of benefits, such as an easy-to-use interface, competitive pay, help with application intake, and full case management (including electronic signatures and document delivery). With industry-proven transporters, there is no output requirement, and access is also immediate. Ron Alexander, Covr President and Chief Innovation Officer, said, "Covr Pro offers instant access to leading technology and comprehensive support that streamlines insurance transactions and improves client experiences." He further expressed, "We're thrilled that our digital BGA solution is now available to Smart Choice agencies and their advisors to help grow their insurance businesses." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) Covr Pro also comes with expert help from the Covr team as well as self-service tools and real-time rates from top insurance companies. Independent advisers who aren't insurance specialists can direct clients to Covr Assist for assistance with all aspects of coverage. Joe Fisher, Chief Operating Officer of Smart Choice, remarked, "Smart Choice is thrilled to bring Covr's state-of-the-art digital insurance platform to our agencies." He further remarked, "Insurance solutions are an important part of building business, and the Covr Pro platform makes the process fast & simple." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Covr Covr is a web-based insurance platform that makes it simple to safeguard the relationships that matter most. The company's embedded insurance technology enables financial advisors and their clients to research and purchase insurance from well-known life insurance companies without the hassles of the traditional process and, in some cases, in a matter of minutes. This is made possible through partnerships with financial institutions and other national brands. About Smart Choice Smart Choice has over 9,000 independent agents and 100 insurance carriers. It is the only no-fee program that provides independent insurance agents with top-rated markets, product training, and sales and marketing support. The company supports and markets new, former captive, and seasoned agents. Meanwhile, its no-fee program gives Smart Choice Agents access to its bimonthly magazine and business solutions center.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Inszone Insurance Services Completes Acquisition of Larry Fu Insurance Agency

Businesswire | March 17, 2023

Inszone Insurance Services: a rapidly growing, national provider of benefits, personal and commercial lines insurance, announced today the acquisition of Larry Fu Insurance Agency, Inc. The addition of Larry Fu Insurance Agency to the Inszone Insurance team is a strategic move that brings together two trusted insurance providers with a shared commitment to exceptional customer service. Founded in 1979, Larry Fu Insurance Agency has built a strong reputation as a family-owned and operated business, providing exceptional service to its clients for over 40 years. Larry and Shirley Fu started their business from the ground up, and their dedication and hard work have earned them a loyal clientele from all over the Bay Area and Southern California. "Larry Fu Insurance Agency has a long-standing reputation for exceptional customer service and market expertise, making them a perfect fit for Inszone Insurance," said Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services. "Their values align with ours, and we are excited to welcome the Larry Fu Insurance team to the Inszone Insurance family." As part of the acquisition, clients of Larry Fu Insurance Agency can expect to receive the same exceptional service and care they have come to expect from Larry Fu Insurance Agency, now under the Inszone Insurance brand. This acquisition is just one of many that Inszone Insurance Services plans to make as it continues to expand its national footprint and serve clients with exceptional insurance placement capabilities and personalized service. About Inszone Insurance Services Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance, along with employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically, as well as through acquisitions. With 40 locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, and Illinois, the company is looking to further expand throughout the United States.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Branch Introduces Condo Insurance to Reinforce Its Bundled Offering

Branch | February 13, 2023

Branch®, a full-stack insurance business that uses technology, data, and automation to make home and vehicle insurance more accessible and affordable, has introduced condo insurance, increasing its selection of instantly bindable products. Condo insurance will be launched across Branch's accessible states, beginning with Ohio, in the coming months. Branch transformed the purchasing process by needing just a consumer's name and address to get an instant estimate for combined home and vehicle insurance. The National Association of Realtors reports that more than 10% of existing home sales in the last three years were condos. By offering a condo product, Branch can provide quick bundling to millions of more homeowners. Branch co-founder and CEO, Steve Lekas, said, "Bundling has always been at the core of what Branch can do, so we're thrilled to offer another product to help consumers quickly and easily bundle their insurance." He added, "By enabling more people to access Branch's bundle, and the deep savings that come with it, we're taking meaningful steps towards our mission of getting more people insured." (Source – PR Newswire) Including a condo product adds tremendous value to Branch's rapidly expanding independent agency channel, allowing Branch-appointed agents to meet their customers' insurance requirements better. Moreover, by increasing its product offerings, Branch provides its partners with a seamless, integrated experience. On the Branch website, consumers can rapidly acquire condo insurance with only a few pieces of information and bundle it with vehicle insurance. About Branch® Branch®, is a company that provides home and car insurance that is easy to purchase and designed to save money. Through its groundbreaking instant-bind capabilities, Branch eliminates all of the hassle involved with obtaining coverage, making it simple for clients to combine home and vehicle insurance. The Branch Insurance Exchange was designed as a reciprocal exchange to make insurance more accessible and inexpensive for everybody. Branch is a public benefit corporation and a certified B corporation dedicated to achieving the highest levels of social and environmental performance and responsibility.

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