o Grange Insurance was nominated for Grange “AgentWare Express,” which enables agents and CSRs to complete policy quotes, issue policies and execute policy changes directly from their management systems, said AMSUG.

o The Hartford was nominated for “Personal Lines Expressway,” technology that supplies agents with accurate rates for their customers' personal lines standard auto and homeowners needs directly from The Hartford through TransactNOW, as well as integrated credit scoring.

o Safeco Insurance was nominated for “Safeco Now,” a single-platform online sales and service center, which integrates to AMS systems via TransactNOW, the group said. Safeco supports TransactNOW Inquiries, Carrier Passport, Endorsements, and New Business bridging for auto and homeowners coverage.

o Selective Insurance was nominated because of “xSELerate,” a technology that bridges data directly from AMS's AfW and Sagitta systems into Selective's systems. According to AMSUG, this gives agents quick access for quoting and issuance of commercial auto, general liability, businessowners policies and workers' compensation.

Automation Excellence

The Automation Excellence Award honors agencies that “make the most of the available technology, and find innovative ways to make technology work harder for their business,” according to AMSUG. The four finalists for 2006 are Allied Insurance Brokers Inc., Gulfshore Insurance, Haylor, Freyer & Coon Inc., and Sattler Insurance Agency.

“These agencies are the benchmark for all of us,” said Mr. Fox. “They're embracing technology and seeing the results in their bottom line. They're not waiting. They're using the tools we have available.”

o Allied Insurance Brokers, a Pittsburgh-based agency, was nominated because of its long-time commitment to automation. The agency's vice president of administration was among the first to receive her Associate in Automation Management designation. The agency has actively been using transactional filing for all commercial lines business since 1996, migrating to a paperless environment in 2000.

o Gulfshore Insurance of Naples, Fla., was nominated for their continual commitment to automation, the group noted. This agency is virtually paperless, with all paperwork scanned within 24 hours of processing into a centralized, searchable database. They maintain an internal network folder structure for Intranet-level information, shortcut sharing and electronic forms.

o Haylor, Freyer & Coon Inc. from Syracuse, N.Y., was nominated for fully implementing all of the available core technologies and taking these to the next level to increase productivity, said AMSUG. Each of their 250 employees–including those working from home or remote locations–has full access to all the company's systems. Their database is fully loaded with all client information and policy detail for personal lines, commercial lines and benefits clients, as well as detailed claim information.

o Sattler Insurance Agency in Lewiston, Idaho, was nominated for their technologically advanced office, as well as agency leadership that is committed to researching and implementing “the best of the best,” said AMSUG. The agency streamlines daily transactions via imaging/scanning capabilities, wireless Internet, online payment options and the company's own interactive website. The agency also takes advantage of AMS custom products, including advanced search features, custom data exporter and commercial and personal lines summaries.

According to AMSUG, the implementation of these technological enhancements has reduced the agency's postage expense by 50 percent and the phone bill by 30 percent.