Kieran Sweeney, president and CEO of YouZoom, elaborates. Consumers can get immediate comparative quotes from quality insurance companies and can purchase a policy online or pick up the phone if they have a question. YouZoom was launched at the end of last year exclusively in California. There are currently 25 agents with active Web sites. As of late January 2000, almost 215 have signed up to become part of the network and will come online during the first part of the year.
Auto insurance is currently the only product offering.
There are plans to add homeowners insurance in California during the first quarter of 2000 followed by additional property and casualty and life insurance products. The relatively slow growth of the network into other states is due to the slow regulatory process in each state. Additional states will be added as time and resources permit. Agents must host their site with the network. This requirement ensures that the consumer receives a consistent experience from all agents who are part of the network.