Digital distribution

Association says Japan Post Insurance enjoys favorable treatment in marketplace.

Marcus Cooper takes over for Mike Vaught as head of the company's national sales and strategic relationships.

Some tout social networking media as a marketing opportunity, but for many it is a substitute for family.

Previously only advising the wealthy, the company thinks its investment advisory platform will help to retain customers whose balances have dwindled during the recession.

For the fourth year in a row, INN is proud to recognize female leaders paving the way for others in the insurance industry.

Also receiving recognition this year are four leaders who have successfully driven significant project and/or process improvements within their companies.

Outline Systems, Inc. (OSI), a provider of IT solutions and services for insurance carriers and managing general agencies (MGAs), launched the latest release of ProducerOne, a comprehensive producer management system designed to facilitate sales and agency distribution channel relationships.

What was positive in theory back in 1986 became a dark reality for health insurance policyholders. When the U.S. government first enacted the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) legislation to help provide the unemployed with access for up to 18 months of continued medical insurance coverage, the premiums passed along to the unemployed were not discounted; in reality, they carried a 2% additional administrative fee. There were fewer unemployed then; compared to today’s unemployment rate of 9.7%, the average unemployment rate in 1986 was a paltry 7.0%, reports the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nearly 60% of North American insurers plan on maintaining a budget at least consistent with 2008 spending, according to Forrester research.

Celent investigates insurers' tactical responses to the recession, finding the streamlining of processes to be their No. 1 focus.

Insurers are scrambling for ways to save money, but pulling all sales in-house and abandoning independent agents is not the answer.

Insurer widens sales of hybrid upgrade auto insurance as part of its Prestige Auto Premier policy.

Professional v10.0 designed to provide enhanced data access, and includes a new user interface and Open Source support.

New report says convenience is king when dealing with carriers.

Additionally, ScotiaLife Financial will now offer two new life and health products.

Insurers should attempt to increase customer penetration and retention as a means of expanding market share.

After 10 months on the block, new CEO decides to retain the group, saying he wants to build a "world-class financial advisory business."

A new report suggests that customers who rely on electronic billing and payment services are more loyal, and may be more inclined to purchase additional insurance products.

Karen Barone will lead Progressive's efforts to help its independent agencies profitably grow their businesses.

New York State Insurance Department fines insurer $700,000.