Your 11/24/2008 article got me thinking about the entire consumer/agent relationship and what the Internet age impact has been on it.

When I was growing up my father placed his trust with his local insurance agent and did not believe anything the insurer told him about a claim, premium, coverage, etc. No matter what it was, he went to directly to the agent, in person most times, to get the truth.

As I began purchasing my own insurance policies for auto and home, I followed much the same practice. However, as technology grew I began to blend the on-line with the in-person protocols, especially when the agent and the carriers promoted it. I find it financially beneficial and convenient to be able to handle items at any hour on my schedule. This includes e-mails substituting for phone calls at any hour of the day to change coverages, download proof of coverage cards and the like. I have found that most of my baby boomer friends share this method as well.

On the other hand, younger consumers, including my son and daughter, have grown up in an Internet world and have become very proficient at shopping and buying all types of things online – including insurance. For them, this is just a way of life and is no big deal.

Finally, the title of your article, “Will Online Selling Displace Agents During Tough Times?” should be amended. In my opinion online selling will displace agents in both economic good times and tough times. It’s just the way of the world. Like any industry, insurance needs to do a deep and thorough examination of the how their product is marketed, sold and serviced and keep the agent as a key component. After all, if not for my agent, where would I get those nifty calendars each year?

After 30 years with Pru I became an independent agent. I have now been in business over 20 years and am still active.

My agency, although small, aproximately 4 million, is still growing. We use a comparative rater to get people into the office.

We started a relationship with Progressive before they realy sold much insurance, practically none in our area. They are now our largest benefactor. The relationship has worked out well and we receive a sizable check each month. A couple of years ago I received a $50,000 bonus. Their automation has been a great asset to us.

Other companies have certainly jumped on the band wagon, but they will be hard pressed to catch up.

No question that the Internet is where it’s all happening. It’s where we get all our info and it keeps us moving forward, and I am still learning at age 76. Thanks to all of you who contribute.

And, by the way, Merry Christmas to all of you!

Now, also being an adjuster, I have seen the same problem that prevents some older software [from running if] if Vista is used, such as older CAD software that I use for my construction, consulting, and adjusting businesses. I don’t plan to ever use VISTA; instead I hope that one day Linux or Unix has reached the point where I can do away with Microsoft software completely.

Printer design appears to be one area where Microsoft has probably manipulated the interface design to the point that most printers require Windows in order to run. Older software that uses standard parallel interface no longer can print without multiple gyrations such as printing to a file then going to Windows and printing through a USB port.

I develop using Borland Pascal compilers as do one or two of the adjusting software vendors whose software would not run on Vista. They finally, after about a year I think it was, found a way to upgrade to run with Vista, but I have never heard how they did it.

I am happy as a clam with my decision to go back. All my other computers are on XP as well.

It is a brave new world we are entering, a time when more and more people have no “value”.

Two thumbs up for The Insurance Tech Guru!

Finally, high-end homeowners will never go for this due to the greater complexity of their exposures, scheduled items, valuation issues etc.,and they are usually more demanding of high level of services—they are also willing to pay for it. A university study done within the last 24 months clearly indicated the general public believes independent brokers are a significant value in the insurance buying process, so this carrier focused study would seem to be out of line with what the buying public wants.

There is a rumor out there that one of the big carriers has already by-passed its agents on personal lines. Carriers are going to do what they have to do to preserve shareholder value, and that might mean a reduced renewal commission, at a minimum.

The survey results with respect to agency interface is telling–I think. Companies were not crazy about that idea in the first place–for good reason. I believe there will be a movement by smart companies to be less vulnerable to the distribution system

Watch Liberty–I believe they will be the leader.

Having the government pay for everyone’s access means the government owns the access. That’s a little too Big Brother for my tastes. BTW, I have seen many instances where private companies have invested in parks and even roadways, with no accompanying restriction of access.