The Internet is sometimes seen as the enemy by independent agents who look at selling policies via the Web as a direct threat to their well being. Used in other ways, though, the Internet is likely the insurance agents greatest tool for selling P&C policies since the FC&S Bulletins were first published in 1929.

(Shameless plug: Our parent company also produces those.)But there is no doubt that the ability to relay timely and accurate quotes to customers over the Internet has made selling policies that much easier for agents. And Providence Washington Insurance feels strongly about both its independent agency force and the Internet. It has pledged to its agents that they will be the companys only sales channel. The agents responded that the Internet was an important tool for them and Providence Washington needed to upgrade its Web site.

Our agents told us that getting quotes or proposals for their customers was a problem, said Ed Leveille, vice president of systems and CIO of Providence Washington. The agents cited three areas of concern: They said they didnt have one source to go to for all their needs. Up to a certain dollar level they went to one underwriter and above that they had to go in another direction. They wanted something simple. The ability to go to one place, Leveille said. They also told us that they wanted us to be able to say no as quickly as possible if we didnt want the risk. The third thing they asked for was the ability to receive quotes immediately, not in two or three weeks.