A major obstacle now seems to be lessening. However, despite this encouraging carrier support, too many insurers still are developing or planning to develop second or third generation proprietary interfaces. Where the data is stored is irrelevant. As long as independent agents originate data and require subsequent access to it, they will need a single way to enter and retrieve it. Independent agents save by not having to learn and maintain multiple systems in order to conduct electronic commerce with multiple carriers.
Carriers save by receiving virtually error-free data the first time a transaction is uploaded.
The consumer benefits from improved service at reduced cost. All it will take is an indication of agency demand and a willingness to pay a fair price. Yes, it is working and usage is growing. Each month thousands of change transactions are being uploaded, and before too long these numbers will be in the millions. It seems like we have seen too many unstructured approaches in the past that ultimately cost everyone time and money.