When a fight breaks out, both parties don't necessarily have to be to blame—but when you find yourself in one, there are only two options: Win, or go home. And if you think Google's move into the business of selling insurance doesn't constitute a fight, you're wrong.
Last month, the Internet search giant finally launched its Google Compare portal in the U.S., offering auto coverage in California. It is likewise licensed to sell insurance in nearly additional 30 states thus far. Visitors to the portal can shop for auto coverage by comparing the prices of several participating P&C insurers, and select a price that suits their need. Google takes a percentage of the final sale.
Its debut has been stealthy, and its strategy is smart: Start with a well-populated state for the rollout, not a national launch. Learn some lessons along the way, and expand further if the effort bears fruit.
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Shawn Moynihan
Shawn Moynihan is Editor-in-Chief of National Underwriter Property & Casualty. A St. John’s University alum, Moynihan has earned 11 Jesse H. Neal Awards, the Pulitzers of the business press; seven Azbee Awards, from the American Society of Business Press Editors; two Folio Awards; and a SABEW award, from the Society of American Business Editors & Writers. Prior to joining ALM, he served as Managing Editor/Online Editor of journalism institution Editor & Publisher, the trade bible of the newspaper industry. Moynihan also has held editorial positions with AOL, Metro New York, and Newhouse Newspapers. He can be reached at [email protected].
