Digital distribution

Insurers can learn from best practices in the retail industry, where companies know the value of looking after the customer.

The password-protected eligibility tool is accessible through Zurich Integrated Products unit’s Web site.

Banks will now offer State Life’s asset-based long-term care solutions portfolio.

Know of an insurer, agency or brokerage that led or contributed to an innovative business application, innovation or project? Nominate them for the 3rd annual award program.

Fidelity Investments and Vanguard Group have both rolled out products designed to manage retirement savings and parcel them out in monthly increments.

Insurers no longer need to meet two-year cutoff when transitioning asset-based products.

The AskBlue site is designed for individuals who are uninsured, unemployed, have lost employer-based coverage or are not eligible for group benefits.

For insurers, eliminating complexity requires a front-to-back approach that identifies and addresses its root causes, and all of its network effects.

Rather than cutting costs to deal with the economy, insurers should focus on distribution channels, customer service and eliminating non-value added work.

Social networking has infiltrated consumers' lives, and insurers are using it to alter brand images.

Insurers are finding self-service portals to be an important distribution channel and are taking steps to improve functionality.

Research reveals gap in health, life insurance direct marketing to Gens X and Y.

A Towers Perrin survey finds customer experience as the key driver, while predictive modeling has been slow to make inroads.

Insurers may be wary of target-date funds, but are keeping their eye on regulatory developments.

AXA Equitable Life Insurance, Conseco Inc. and Midland National Life Insurance Co. are some of the companies to receive recognition for technology and quality enhancement.

The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina recognized the personal and commercial P&C insurer for the second consecutive year.

Northeast Bancorp's 10 insurance agency acquisitions since 2007 have vaulted it to 60th place among bank holding companies that sell insurance, up from 156th place in 2005.

Vendor purports its comparative rater will keep personal lines agents on the frontlines.

Anne MacDonald will be responsible for the company's marketing, brand management and advertising strategy, and will serve on the company's management committee.

With co-branded URL addresses, brokerage firms can use the tool to generate qualified leads.