Unitrin Direct insurance cos., subsidiaries of Chicago-based Unitrin Inc., are offering a $50 discount in 17 states for customers who use Esignature, an service that lets customers sign policy documents online."One of our main goals at Unitrin Direct is to continually seek new ways to provide a terrific value on outstanding car insurance coverage," says Unitrin Direct President Scott Carter. "With Esignature, consumers not only save money instantly, they do it with the knowledge that they have a trusted company behind them that prioritizes customer service."
Other insurers are also stepping up e-signature strategies. A survey from Dallas-based Robert E. Nolan Co. resulted in insurers naming e-signatures and online applications; document management, workflow and imaging; and Web self-service for distributors and/or customers (portals) as the technology strategies they are very likely or likely to implement.
The "Life & Annuity Industry Survey Findings" report says, "While e-signatures and online applications are likely to represent the largest investment, the electronic delivery of customer materials in support of the online purchase ranks somewhat lower. This is probably a direct result of the technology adoption curve, with the first priority of being online applications, transitioning to electronic delivery of materials as more consumers sign on as 'electronic customers,' bringing with them the expectations of electronic service."
Unitrin Direct's Esignature discount is automatically deducted from the car insurance rate when customers get a free, no obligation online quote by going to the "Get A Quote" box at the Web site and typing in their zip code. The auto insurance company offers another savings of $25 at the first policy renewal.
The Esignature discount was introduced in South Carolina and Virginia last year, and it proved so popular that Unitrin Direct has expanded it to customers seeking low cost auto insurance in 15 new states: Arizona, Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
Sources: Unitrin Direct and Robert E. Nolan Co.
