Claire-ification

Are you a member with a question? Contact IA&B Vice President - Advocacy Claire Pantaloni, CIC, CISR to find the answer at 717-918-9202 or ClaireP@IABforME.com.

QUESTION:

I’m shopping for a new agency management system and a new phone system. Is there benchmarking information or a comparative tool on insurance tech products for agencies?

ANSWER:

Yes, there is. It seems new tech tools appear weekly, if not daily, yet most agents feel that they are either overpaying or under-utilizing their tech … or both. Picking the right agency management system is a heavy undertaking and a regular pain point, but you may be in luck.

In 2024, IA&B made the decision to pick up the cost of the annual subscription to Catalyit for all IA&B members for the coming three years. Catalyit is an organization supported by a coalition of state associations to assist independent agencies with all technology needs and questions. This allows members to have a central repository of information, comparison, and benchmarking tools, with a constantly evolving list of products and services. Catalyit is designed to help the agency compare products and narrow down the best option(s) – in other words, save time in the selection process.

Comparison tools are available either in a traditional guide format, or in an interactive format – the Tech Selector –where the agency can answer key features they want to see in the product. The agency will then be matched with the best contenders based on the priorities selected.

Product demos are also available. However, knowing that demos tend to show a product only in its best light, Catalyit also gives agents access to various consultants who can in turn provide additional insight based on the agency’s priorities. The independent consultants can give an unbiased opinion and help the agent look at different angles before making the final decision. Note that some brand-specific consultants may also be listed. Those may be called upon to optimize the use of software you’ve already purchased. As mentioned earlier, it is not unusual for members to complain about underutilizing their tools, something that is better solved by training.

To take advantage of IA&B’s complimentary subscription, members must first register with Catalyit. Then, a good first step is to do a Tech Assessment to see where the agency stands in the universe of agencies. In your case, consult the Agency Management System and the Phone Provider Guides, or use the Tech Selector to help you choose.

Get started: Catalyit.com/iab

This document is not a legal opinion and should not be relied upon as such. The intent of this document is to provide a general background regarding the topic or topics discussed, not to provide legal advice. Producers and agencies should consult an attorney regarding specific situations and specific questions with respect to the topic or topics covered in this document. Neither the Insurance Agents & Brokers nor any of its employees shall be responsible for any errors or omissions regarding any statements made in this document, nor any errors or omissions regarding any statutes, regulations, court rules, and/or any other government documents cited in this document.