Quoting workflows can easily be one of the most time-intensive parts of the job for insurance brokers. From collecting client details to comparing policies from multiple carriers, insurance brokers must also ensure that every detail is accurate.
If not automated, all these tasks can be time-consuming and leave little to no time to focus on strategic tasks such as advising clients on the right policies and building relationships with your clients.
With the right tools, insurance brokers can streamline quoting workflows, eliminate repetitive day-to-day tasks, and eliminate errors.
In this article, we will highlight the top insurance automation solutions tailored for brokers, focusing specifically on quoting workflows. We'll also explore how these solutions empower brokers to enhance advisory practices and close deals faster.
How Insurance Workflow Software Empowers Brokers to Succeed
Insurance brokers do far more than match clients with policies—they’re trusted advisors who guide clients through the intricacies of coverage and risk. Yet, the demands of managing quotes, comparing policies, and handling administrative tasks can quickly overwhelm even the most experienced brokers.
Insurance automation software offers a solution by streamlining quoting workflows and improving accuracy.
Let’s dive into how workflow software empowers brokers to work smarter, not harder.
Efficient Policy Comparison and Recommendation
Policy comparison is at the heart of a broker’s quoting workflow, but juggling carrier-specific requirements, coverage details, and pricing data manually is prone to errors. Automation tools address this by consolidating carrier information and enabling side-by-side comparisons in seconds.
For example, Feathery integrates with comparative rating tools like EZLynx to pull real-time quotes and data. Brokers can quickly analyze options, tailor recommendations to clients’ needs, and position themselves as trusted advisors—all without the administrative bottlenecks.
Streamlining Client Quoting Intake
Workflow automation software streamlines the quoting intake process by enabling brokers to collect client details efficiently and securely.
Feathery simplifies this process, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors. By streamlining client quoting intake, brokers can focus more on delivering tailored solutions, improving both operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Comparative Rating: A Game Changer for Brokers
Comparative rating tools are game-changers for brokers, enabling instant comparisons of policies across multiple carriers. Tools like EZLynx not only save time but also improve quote accuracy by eliminating manual data entry errors.
When paired with Feathery’s custom automation workflows, brokers can enhance their quoting processes further by integrating data from other systems, such as CRMs or AMS platforms, to streamline the client journey from quote to policy issuance.
Streamlining Operations with Agency Management Systems (AMS)
Agency Management Systems like Applied Epic act as the backbone of broker workflows by centralizing client data, tracking policy renewals, and facilitating seamless communication.
When integrated with Feathery’s automation capabilities, AMS platforms can become even more effective. Custom workflows can automate tasks like document management, compliance tracking, and client onboarding, giving brokers the tools they need to run an efficient and scalable operation.
9 Best Insurance Automation Solutions for Brokers
Automation tools are reshaping the insurance industry, enabling brokers to manage quoting workflows more efficiently and accurately. From comparative raters that aggregate carrier data to agency management systems (AMS) and CRMs that centralize operations, these tools address key pain points in a broker’s day-to-day activities.
Comparative Raters
Comparative raters are essential for brokers to quickly and accurately compare quotes across multiple carriers. These tools eliminate the need for manual data entry, reduce errors, and ensure brokers deliver competitive options to their clients.
1. EZLynx
Known for its real-time carrier connections, EZLynx allows brokers to compare multiple policy options quickly, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.some text
Pros: Comprehensive carrier integration, user-friendly interface, accurate comparisons.
Cons: Limited customization compared to other platforms.
2. PL Rating by Vertafore
A popular choice for personal lines, PL Rating enables brokers to gather quotes from multiple carriers in seconds, simplifying client presentations.some text
Pros: Streamlined for personal lines, highly efficient for bulk quoting.
Cons: Focused more on personal lines than commercial lines.
3. Feathery
While Feathery itself is not a comparative rater, it seamlessly integrates with comparative rating solutions during the quoting process. Feathery offers customizable automation workflows that integrate with tools like EZLynx, which we just mentioned.
Brokers can manage complex quoting workflows, from data collection to document processing, all in one platform.
Pros: Highly customizable, supports seamless integration with other tools, exceptional document management.
Cons: Requires initial setup for advanced workflows.
Agency Management Systems (AMS)
AMS platforms serve as the operational hub for brokers, consolidating client information, communication, and policy management into one system.
4. Applied Epic
Applied Epic is one of the most robust AMS platforms available, centralizing operations for brokers and agencies of all sizes.some text
Pros: Scalable, excellent reporting features, strong integration options with Feathery.
Cons: Can be complex for smaller agencies to implement.
5. HawkSoft AMS
HawkSoft simplifies policy management with a broker-first approach, focusing on user-friendliness and efficiency.
Pros: Easy to use, good customer support, tailored to broker needs.
Cons: Limited advanced features for larger agencies.
6. NowCerts
NowCerts is a cloud-based AMS platform offering robust automation capabilities for brokers, including policy tracking and reporting.some text
Pros: Affordable for small to mid-sized agencies, intuitive interface, solid reporting tools.
Cons: Fewer integrations compared to competitors.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CRMs are vital for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and nurturing relationships, making them essential for brokers who want to grow their business.
7. Salesforce
Salesforce is a gold standard in CRM, offering extensive tools for client management, lead tracking, and reporting. It integrates with insurance-specific platforms to enhance workflows for brokers.some text
Pros: Highly customizable, excellent reporting tools, strong integration ecosystem.
Cons: Expensive for small brokerages, requires significant configuration for insurance-specific use cases.
8. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM offers a cost-effective solution for brokers, with features for client communication, lead tracking, and sales automation.some text
Pros: Affordable, user-friendly, scalable for small to mid-sized brokerages.
Cons: Limited advanced features for large agencies.
9. AgencyBloc
Built specifically for insurance agencies, AgencyBloc combines CRM functionality with AMS-like features for managing client policies and leads.
Pros: Tailored for insurance, strong lead management features, excellent client policy tracking.
Cons: Less flexible for non-insurance workflows.
5 Insurance Workflows Brokers Can Automate
Automation allows brokers to handle repetitive tasks efficiently so they can focus on what matters. Below are some quoting-specific workflows that brokers can automate to save time, reduce errors, and enhance client satisfaction.
1. Policy Issuance and Renewals
Automation tools simplify the transition from quote to policy issuance by integrating comparative raters with policy management systems. Brokers can automatically generate policy documents, update renewals, and send reminders to clients, reducing manual work.
How Feathery Helps: Feathery connects with platforms like EZLynx and Applied Epic to create seamless workflows, automating the generation and distribution of renewal notices.
2. Comparative Rating
Comparative rating is critical for brokers managing multiple carrier quotes. Automation tools like EZLynx and PL Rating eliminate manual data entry by pulling real-time carrier information, allowing brokers to present clients with personalized recommendations instantly.
How Feathery Helps: Feathery enhances comparative rating by integrating submission workflows, ensuring accurate data flow between quoting tools and client management systems.
3. Group Quote Marketing
Marketing insurance products to groups, such as small businesses or professional associations, requires tailored quotes and communication. Automation enables brokers to manage group inquiries, generate bulk quotes, and customize proposals efficiently.
How Feathery Helps: Feathery allows brokers to build customized workflows for group quoting, streamlining data collection and ensuring compliance with carrier requirements.
4. Client Onboarding for Quoting
Client onboarding for quoting involves gathering details like demographics, coverage needs, and previous policy information. Automation ensures that these steps are error-free and completed quickly, enhancing the client experience.
How Feathery Helps: Feathery provides customizable onboarding workflows, enabling brokers to collect client information through intuitive forms and instantly integrate it with quoting systems.
5. Agent and Broker Management
For brokerages with multiple agents, managing quoting workflows across teams can be challenging. Automation tools centralize agent activities, track performance, and ensure compliance across all quoting processes.
How Feathery Helps: Feathery offers role-based workflows, allowing brokers to assign tasks, monitor quoting activity, and maintain consistency across teams.
How to Choose the Right Insurance Workflow Software
The right insurance workflow software isn’t just about automation—it’s about giving brokers the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market. Here are the key factors brokers should prioritize when evaluating workflow solutions:
1. Customization and Flexibility for Broker-Specific Needs
No two brokerages are alike, and your software should reflect that. A customizable solution allows you to design workflows that match your quoting process and cater to your clientele, whether you’re handling personal lines, commercial policies, or specialty coverage.
- What to Look For: The ability to tailor workflows, forms, and reporting to align with your quoting and policy management needs.
“Feathery offers high levels of customization to match complex workflows, seamless integration with industry-standard tools like comparative raters and AMS platforms, robust security features to ensure compliance, and a user-friendly interface that streamlines quoting and policy management.
It’s the perfect solution for brokers since it’s designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction across every step of the process.” Peter Dun, CEO & Founder at Feathery
2. Integration with Comparative Raters and AMS Platforms
Brokers rely heavily on tools like comparative raters (e.g., EZLynx) and agency management systems like Applied Epic to manage policies and streamline quoting. Your workflow software should seamlessly integrate with these tools to prevent data silos and ensure smooth operations.
- What to Look For: Pre-built integrations with industry-standard tools to eliminate repetitive data entry and enhance data accuracy.
3. Security and Compliance for Sensitive Client Data
Brokers handle highly sensitive client data, from financial information to personal details. Ensuring this data is secure and compliant with industry regulations is essential to maintaining trust and avoiding penalties.
- What to Look For: Features like data encryption, secure document storage, and automated compliance workflows for regulatory reporting.
4. User-Friendly Tools for Broker Efficiency
A cluttered or overly technical interface can slow brokers down, especially when handling high volumes of quotes and client interactions. A user-friendly solution simplifies quoting workflows and enhances broker productivity.
- What to Look For: Intuitive design, straightforward navigation, and tools that require minimal training for both brokers and clients.