Their system is ahead of other carriers. Our agency represents about 20 carriers, and we were so excited when Zurich introduced its Internet platform last year. Right now, they're the leaders in the industry as far as we're concerned. She adds that the ease of working with the Zurich U.S. system, coupled with the degree of binding authority the program gives the agent, streamlines the entire new business process. Turnaround time, she notes, is usually within 24 hours.
Agents appreciate the time and effort they save by having the automated system process each risk.
Theirs is a truly Internet-based system, whereas several other carriers use the Internet only to add a communication platform to a system that's already in place. Bennett, a producer with 40 years' experience, adds that the Zurich U.S. policy forms and coverage are typically broader than those of other carriers, providing additional benefits to the consumer. Fisher Brown Agency takes advantage of Zurich U.S.'s extensive research by identifying profitable niche classes, then developing a plan to pursue those classes aggressively. Support staffers single out those classes of risk first by SIC code, then by geographic region within the Panhandle. Direct bill policies by nature simply move into the next term, the customer is billed directly from the carrier, and the producer doesn't have to worry about collecting the premium or down payment.