Consumer Agent Portal announces new online resource to connect independent agents with consumers

As the provisions of the Affordable Care Act begin to come to fruition, the role of independent insurance agents is becoming more vague. In an effort to embolden independent agents, the Consumer Agent Portal LLP, a coalition of property/casualty insurers that support independent agents, has launched a new online resource system that is designed to give agents access to the 65% market share they are missing out on. The system will take advantage of the growing electronic market, which is becoming a major playing field in the world of insurance…

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Progressive to bring in 120 new hires in Austin

Progressive Car Insurance has announced that it will be hiring approximately 120 new people in their claims, sales, and service positions at its contact center in Austin, before the end of the year. These positions come with many attractive qualities, such as flexibility – for example, compressed work weeks and work from home opportunities – a casual dress code, performance bonuses, fitness centers, and on-site medical facilities for both the employees and their families. Recruiting director Katie Koch, from Progressive, said that the insurance company’s employees remain with that business…

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Independent insurance agents in Ohio flock to new insurance plan that may be a major hit with homeowners

Last month, Ohio’s Home Value Insurance Company launched a new insurance product dubbed Home Value Protection Insurance. The insurance plan is the first in the nation to provide protection against falling home prices due to a volatile market. Since announcing the plan, more than 75 independent insurance agents have applied to sell it, making Home Value Protection Insurance one of the most popular policies amongst agents in the nation. Given that the plan has no equal, there is an unprecedented opportunity for agents able to sell the product. The coverage…

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Nationwide in talks to purchase Harleysville Group, deal has insurance agents on edge

Late last week, Nationwide Mutual Insurance entered into negotiations with Harleysville Group Inc., a large insurance company operating in 32 states, to purchase the company. Details regarding the acquisition are sparse as Nationwide has been keeping a tight lid on information concerning the potential deal. The one thing that is very clear, however, is that the deal has Harleysville independent insurance agents on edge. If the deal goes through, the role of agents from both companies may soon change. Typically, Nationwide uses only contract agents to sell insurance policies exclusive…

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