How to Choose the Best Insurance Agency Management Software?
Blog: Insurance Support World - Blog
Insurance agency management software is a desktop application, which can also be a cloud-based program depending upon the software company’s available versions. The software is developed to facilitate an insurance agency’s operations, primarily back-office functions.
It works as a central hub for managing backend chores and customers, all in one place. The main aim of using such systems is to leverage automation for most tedious and repetitive tasks and provide data to agents for improving processes and unlocking growth opportunities.
To better understand what these software applications offer, let’s discuss five of the best software for insurance agencies.
1. AMS360
AMS360 is one of the top software used across the insurance sector, helping insurance agencies and companies manage their processes better. Its average service charges are $600 per month. Pretty impressively, 92% of AMS360 customers are from the USA.
Features
- Customizable dashboard
- Robust reporting
- Automated document routing
- Seamless client communication
- Commissions
- Invoicing & receipts
- Electronic signatures
- Sales tools
- Finance and accounting
- Payment processing
- Certificate distribution and management
- Email integration
- Document management
- Claims management
- Policy management
- Renewal management
- Contact management
- Task management
Advantages
- Complete support over email, call, and chat
- XLS to AL3 conversion capability
- Mobile access
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t offer a free trial to check how it works and how effective it is.
2. Newton by Agency Systems
Newton is an all-in-one solution for insurance agencies of all sizes. It runs on AWS, which ensures absolute remote flexibility and solid security against possible threats. The starting price for this software is $185 per month.
Features
- Management dashboards
- Mix and match policies
- Renewals management
- Editable ACORD forms
- Third-party integrations
- Integrated accounting
- Financial reporting
Advantages
- Though it’s a little costly, it offers unlimited training and support at no additional cost and covers charges for upgrades in the monthly fee.
Disadvantages
- Like AMS360, Newton also doesn’t offer a free trial option.
- It might be a little expensive for many insurance businesses.
3. Agency Matrix
Agency Matrix is a web-based insurance agency software with various pricing models. It provides unlimited data storage space and comes in three service packages – started, professional, and enterprise.
However, it charges a flat fee per office per month, which doesn’t increase, even if the number of users grows.
Pricing for Agency Matrix starts from $69 per month for the Lite plan and goes as high as $419 per month for the Enterprise plan. These prices exclude set-up costs that vary with plans.
Features
- Multi-office customization
- Premium finance center
- Automated reporting
- Policy management
- Claims management
- Sweep tracking and reconciliation
- Telephony integration
- ACORD forms
- Accounting tools, including billing
- Commission management
Advantages
- Users can scale their subscriptions up or down according to the changing business requirements.
- In addition, it offers technical support during regular business hours.
Disadvantages
- There are additional fees for activation and conversion.
4. Applied Epic
Applied Epic software helps insurance agencies automate operations and streamline communication with staff and customers. It offers a high level of cloud-powered mobility that boosts collaboration and efficiency. Insurers can manage multiple business lines across locations, all using one software – Applied Epic.
There is a one-time fee of $1000 per user. However, you may need to contact Applied Epic to get detailed information on price plans.
Features
- SSO
- Integration with Microsoft Outlook
- Individual or mass text messaging
- e-Signature multi-document submission
- Data prefill
- Renewal management
- Integrated Benefits Management
- Process Management and Automation
- Accounting
- Policy Management
- Sales Automation and Customer Relationship Management
- Document Management
- Market Access and Quoting
- Insurer Connectivity
- Reporting and Data Analytics
- Omnichannel Customer Service
Advantages
- It has excellent integration capabilities; can be integrated with third-party data sources, applications, etc.
- Applied Epic provides customized, round-the-clock customer support, on-site training, and web-based educational resources.
Disadvantages
- One can enquire about pricing only by getting a quote.
- Unfortunately, it is not available for Mac operating system, and there’s no mobile app version.
5. HawkSoft
HawkSoft has been a leading provider of agency management systems since 1995. It is an excellent software for agencies looking to obtain effective workflows and provide a pleasant experience to employees and customers. It is created by a group of independent agents to empower insurance agents, agencies, and their businesses.
HawkSoft CMS offers a free trial. You need to contact them for further subscription.
Features
- Contact Management
- Document Management
- Policy Management
- Commission Management
- Quotes/Estimates
- Insurance Rating
- Claims Management
- Life & Health
- Property & Casualty
Advantages
- Provides instant support via call, chat, and email (support tickets)
- Regional HawkSoft User Groups (HUG) meetings enable agencies to obtain ongoing training on the software
Disadvantages
- Pricing information is not available online
- There’s no free trial
As we have discussed some of the best insurance software for insurance agency management, let’s read further to learn how they can bring a positive difference to an agency’s business processes and overall performance.
1. Operating Software is Not Difficult Anymore
Yes, software implementation is not easy, especially in the insurance business that runs on multiple processes. However, modern insurance software programs are developed to operate on the cloud, making it easier to connect with other systems at different locations via the internet.
Many software service providers also provide training to ensure users can make complete utilization of the program and its features. And whenever software usage becomes difficult, the provider’s customer support staff can provide the required solutions over a call or chat.
2. Enhance Internal & External Communication
When most of the operations of the agency are handled using one software and all the employees get access to the platform, communication, and collaboration become seamless. This not only ensures everyone is on the same page but also helps meet deadlines on time.
Such software also offers CRM capabilities, enabling agencies to contact customers regularly, get insights into their purchasing patterns, changing demands, etc.
3. Break the Barriers Between Agencies and Carriers
As insurance agencies deal with multiple insurance companies and handle countless policies, reliable insurance software can ensure no interruption in communication and data sharing. In addition, the insurance sector stores a substantial amount of data that needs to be managed securely and transferred quickly.
Using an agency management program can help improve collaboration with carriers and ensures the data exchanged is accurate. This is important because the customer will get what they signed up for instead of getting a policy they did not even know about and requesting a change. When the information is processed correctly across processes, it results in less turnaround time and favorable outcomes.
4. Increase Efficiency and Productivity
Today’s insurance software is powered with some aspects of AI, enabling them to understand processes, send information where it should be sent, and help insurance professionals with daily back-office functions. For example, agency management software can improve document management, processing, data management, and analytics.
When the software handles tedious jobs, the internal staff gets more time to work on other strategic tasks. Thus, agency management software can really help improve overall efficiency, speeding up processes and boosting productivity.
Considering the benefits agency management software offers, it is essential to know that there are chances of getting some features with one software and others with another. It is possible that one software offering some features might not be there in another. Therefore, it is vital to choose wisely, especially when it comes to the need for fulfilling multiple requirements.
Things to consider while choosing the right insurance software for your Insurance Agency
1. Choosing Between the Two Big Differentiators – On-premise or Cloud-based
First things first, you need to determine which type of setup your agency needs. You can choose between on-premise software or cloud-based solutions. Know that each offers its own advantages.
On-premise software provides more customization capabilities but might not be able to integrate with other tools and plugins.
Whereas cloud-based solutions are dynamic and require fewer IT resources. This means one can modify dashboards without having IT skills (backend coding).
2. Customization Features
You might already know the importance of customization in today’s fast-changing world. This month you are using a tool; for another month, you might need to upgrade it. Considering this, it is crucial to learn about the software’s customization options before choosing it.
The best for your agency is the one that enables you to utilize the software as per your requirements.
3. Integration/Compatibility
It is always recommended to choose insurance agency management software that can integrate with other third-party applications and systems. For instance, a specific software can be linked with calendars, task management tools, invoicing plugins, etc.
Make sure you select one that is compatible with other applications you are using daily to run your insurance business.
4. Cost Matters
The insurance software market is vast, and you can find the cheapest as well as the most expensive software available for you. Here, what differentiates between them is their cost. You need to choose the software that covers most of your business needs while not being a load on your pocket. Discuss with your finance team and prepare a budget before investing in software.
Make sure that the software you choose does not drain your monetary resources, even if it is accelerating your operational efficiency and productivity.
Are you confused about determining where to start? If yes, talk to experts at Insurance Support World – one of the leading insurance process outsourcing firms that offer high-quality back-office support to insurers across the globe. Having insurance experts who are well versed with multiple software used across the insurance industry, we provide expert assistance to insurance businesses with agency management software utilization.
Moreover, if you are facing staff shortage or budget issues and becoming unable to manage your insurance agency, outsource insurance agency management services to us, and we can make things better for you.
To learn more about our insurance services, Call us at +1 646 688 2821 or send an email at info@insurancesupportworld.com.
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