Jeremy Bowler Attract Quotations

For the typical customer, their day-to-day interaction with the insurance provider has the greatest impact on their overall impression of the company and its brand. Having a dedicated local agent handling their insurance needs can be a big advantage in creating a lasting relationship between insurer and policyholder. However, some insurance customers with simple needs place less importance on a local agent and several carriers have made big strides in refining their direct communication channels with customers. GEICO, for example, has done an excellent job of attracting new customers and delivering quality service, whether through their Web sites or call centers.

Not only does the Internet provide agency and direct writers the opportunity to attract new customers, but also the opportunity to build loyalty by providing Internet-enabled self-service.

Consumers compelled to shop are greatly influenced by the cost of coverage to switch providers, and the Internet provides them a quick and easy way to obtain quotes from competing carriers. This price transparency presents a challenge to carriers in terms of customer retention, so many providers are building service functionality and actively promoting their own Web sites as a means of attracting and retaining customers.

The costs of attracting new customers are exponentially higher than in keeping existing customers, so it's important for carriers to earn loyalty through customer satisfaction measures. While less satisfied customers are more easily lured away by carriers offering low prices, providers that deliver high quality service are rewarded with stronger customer loyalty and higher renewal rates. Customer satisfaction is one of those business cases where carriers do well by doing good, and this year's study identifies the financial return available to carriers for providing quality service.