Peel Mutual Launches Agent Portal Based on iter8 Technology
Peel Mutual Insurance Co. has rolled out the first phase of a new broker portal, using iter8's Collabor8 agent portal software and services from the Toronto-based vendor. The Brampton, Ontario-based P&C carrier decided to embark on a multiyear investment in its independent broker channel in the attempt to achieve superior ease of doing business in its personal lines property and auto, and commercial lines products, according to an iter8 source.
Phase I will enable independent brokers to generate online quoting and submit new business for personal automobile lines, according to iter8. Brokers should expect faster processing times, while straight-through processing will enable the Peel Mutual underwriting team to focus on exceptions generated and to work closely with their brokers. Access to the portal is made easy via direct login; with access through third-party rating engines such as Compu-Quote or directly from broker management systems, including TAM from Applied Systems, available shortly. This phase will greatly improve the new-business process in place at Peel, iter8 claims, and provide brokers with the capability to improve their customer service levels. Newly automated access to third-party report data will greatly enhance underwriting performance, the vendor asserts.
The next phase of the portal, slated for 2009 completion, is to extend quoting and new business for personal lines property. This is to be followed by Phase III, with online, real-time policy change.
"To become the company of choice for our brokers, our goal is once-and-done transactions including a round trip from Broker Management Systems," comments Brian Bessey, general manager, Peel Mutual. "We broke the work into clearly defined phases so that we could properly allocate resources, while delivering a series of 'wins' for our brokers."
The iter8 source characterizes Peel Mutual's efforts as a process to introduce new, modern technology into its processes while maintaining the personal touch for which the carrier is known.
"Peel Mutual have invested in their distribution channel so that they can successfully compete and grow for many years," comments Glen Piller, president of iter8. "In just a short time they have provided brokers with an ease of doing business, including real-time rating, underwriting, underwriter workflow, and desktop and full systems connectivity."
Anthony O'Donnell has covered technology in the insurance industry since 2000, when he joined the editorial staff of Insurance & Technology. As an editor and reporter for I&T and the InformationWeek Financial Services of TechWeb he has written on all areas of information ... View Full Bio
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