Independent Insurance Agent On-boarding

Oct. 8, 2008 - On-boarding is a Human Resources (H.R.) term that refers to both transactional on-boarding (contracting/licensing) and acculturation (training).  While the value of on-boarding efforts is significant to human resource professionals in regard to employees, independent insurance agents have been relatively underserved in this regard. Relative to agent driven distribution systems, on-boarding begins once an agent has been recruited and refers to the process of contracting and training a new agent.

Insurers have historically been challenged by the fact that geography, logistics and an inconsistent flow of agent recruits inhibits their ability to properly acclimate new agents.  Therefore, it has been difficult to cost effectively and efficiently provide new agents with the communication, tools and programs they need to get into production quickly.

The Web has created a platform in which radical improvements can be made to the way new agents as well as veteran agents are served from an on-boarding perspective.  Comprehensive Web-enabled technology solutions transcend paperwork and forms, providing valuable tools that eliminate sales obstacles and facilitate quick production.  These technology solutions often include the e-contracting process, integration related functions such as information dissemination (including sales processes, product knowledge, compliance, incentives and much more), as well as agent sales and product training tools.

Through Web-enabled applications, insurers are now able to develop, implement and manage the agent on-boarding process which helps to increase the sales success of new as well as veteran agents.  In turn, these insurers are also able to negate certain costs relative to
non-productive agents. Diverse, independent and remote agent forces can now be provided with the tools, programs and resources necessary to build knowledge and nurture sales success long-term.

Want more information? Talk with an insurance technology solutions expert today - Contact IdeaStar's Mike Wise at or 1-216-674-1600 ext 116.