CD-ROM Programs Still Spin with Carriers

Despite an emerging trend toward robust, interactive e-learning tools and technologies, some insurance companies continue to reap results from tried-and-true applications that are basic yet effective.Eschewing the bells and whistles, South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Co. continues to place a significant emphasis on CD-ROM diskettes for e-learning. The Columbia, S.C.-based carrier also has an intranet site chock full of information that agents need to write new business-often used as a "refresher" of insurance products the carrier markets.

South Carolina Farm Bureau, a property/casualty insurer with net annual premium of $142 million, has a network of 245 captive agents. "We're in a coastal state where customers have different needs-such as for property insurance, flood insurance and earthquake coverage," explains Beth Gamble Riggins, director of training for South Carolina Farm Bureau. "The agent must be aware of all these (potential) causes of loss and any special treatment necessary.