Digital distribution

Research from Forrester finds that while U.S. auto insurance customers often utilize the Web to shop, they still prefer to purchase through agents or the call center.

In addition to offering proprietary life insurance, Phoenix now provides—through its Saybrus Partners unit—life insurance consulting services to financial advisers.

In its fourth annual program, INN recognizes Farmers Insurance for its enterprisewide “IdeaPoint” innovation.

Saybrus Partners Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix Holding Company, will provide exclusive assisted sales support, directly representing third-party manufacturers.

Bolstering its ranks with experts from within insurance companies, Novarica announces Martina Conlon, previous senior manager at Arbella Insurance, will join the research and advisory firm.

Nasdaq, Carpenter Moore’s parent company, and Aon signed a five-year exclusive marketing agreement under which Aon will provide liability insurance outreach and support for Nasdaq issuers and prospective issuers.

MassMutual Retirement Services September sales totaled $979.2 million.

Insurers that do not map a comprehensive strategy will be at a competitive disadvantage.

With so many insurers currently pondering best practices for utilizing social media, examining strategies employed by banks may help.

Despite this year’s challenges, insurance companies will see opportunities in 2010, predicts LIMRA’s CEO.

Deep Customer Connections’ industry benchmark of carriers’ performance ranks their “ease of doing business.”

One plan is to provide services to agents who already have affinity marketing schemes in place.

Carriers have increasingly heard that ease-of-doing-business and technology are the deciding factors for agents when selecting insurers with which to work, but new research shows that unless carriers have a solid product at a competitive price, all the talk is meaningless.

Insurers may need to alter operating models and product offerings to better service baby boomers.

As more and more consumers use comparison-shopping sites, a major question arises for carriers and agents: Are online comparison shoppers really good customers for your book of business?

The solution, NexJ Contact for Finance, is expected to be rolled out to Wells Fargo Advisors’ entire population of advisors and support staff across all distribution channels.

Using banks as a distribution channel may be a way for life insurers to tap into the middle-income market.

The insurer offers its customers in the education industry a new tool to help retirement planning.

A survey from LowerMyBills.com reveals that consumers shopping for auto insurance seek lower premiums, but many don’t know how to do so.

Reports indicate that revenue support is not going to come from a hardening market.