If you’re using Outlook or an Excel spreadsheet to manage your contacts, it’s probably time to consider an update to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Today, there’s a wide variety of CRM options for insurance agencies offering tools to help insurance agents and brokers.
A good insurance agent CRM solution will help you keep track of everything you need to know about your customers, including:
- Name
- Contact information
- Family composition (spouse, children, etc.)
- Pre-existing health conditions
- Long-term goals
- Policy renewal dates
- Last contact
A CRM system can also help you be more effective as a salesperson. But choosing the right CRM software isn’t always an easy choice; each agent and broker has their own set of procedures, carrier contracts, and clientele.
You may also be looking to customize your program to suit your individual needs. As a result, you need the right CRM software that will help you improve your business – and pay for itself by saving you time.
Let’s help you juggle these considerations, and more, by assisting your search for the right CRM solution for your business.
What You Need To Do Before Updating Your CRM
Consider What You Want
There are several questions you may want to ask yourself as you evaluate a CRM for your insurance agents:
- What are your needs and wants?
- What are your goals?
- What would help you the most?
- What needs to change in your process?
- What are you looking to improve?
Consider the following steps for choosing the right insurance agent CRM for your operations.
5 Qualities To Look for When Choosing the Best CRM for Your Insurance Agency
1. Easy Integration
Your CRM software should integrate with your current email system and/or website. If it doesn’t, while it may offer good features, it could actually create more work for you if you’re forced to use two systems.
Look for a leads program that works with your website and CRM, too. That way you can avoid a manual – or double-entry – process. If you have an email service, be sure your CRM will connect with that as well.
It’s a good idea to have a list of all of your key systems in place in your office – and then to use that list as a reference when checking features of any potential CRM software.
2. Automated Reporting
One of the most beneficial features of CRM software is how it can automate tasks like reporting, setting up your calendar, and creating “to-do” lists.
Think about the daily, weekly, and monthly tasks you perform. Wouldn’t it be great to automate those? CRM tools can make it possible.
3. Advanced Features
The features your CRM brings to your operations can make or break its impact on your bottom line. Therefore, it’s vital that you integrate the CRM platform that best meets your needs and advances your business.
Here are just a few of the bare minimum features, as well as some advanced features of a CRM for your insurance agency, that can enhance your operations.
Bare Minimum Features To Look For
- Recordable contact history and information
- Daily, weekly, and ad hoc reporting
- Calendar integration
Advanced Features To Elevate Your Operations
- All-in-one quoting engine
- Streamlined single-form online enrollment
- Side-by-side comparison of health plan costs, deductibles, coverage, and more for both agents and clients
4. Available Support
There are a lot of CRM software programs available, many offering great features. However, it’s important to know just who is behind the software.
If you choose software run by a solo web developer, for example, what happens when you need service and they are unavailable?
Make sure you choose a company that offers consistent help to resolve any issues. Your business could depend on it.
5. Client-Focused Tools
You work hard to create strong relationships with your clients and retain business. Your CRM should help you ensure you maintain great client relationships and forge new ones with prospects.
With a top CRM system, such as Quotit, you’ll have the most recent client information to help you deliver more plan eligibility, relevant coverage options, upcoming appointments, and more for a personalized touch.
Aim for a Streamlined System
It’s critical to have CRM tools that work well with your website, rate quoting, plan comparisons, and proposals. With some services, integration may be a nightmare (or at least a headache). Ask your colleagues or brokers with whom you don’t compete directly if they have a favorite program, how they use it, and what might be missing (or what makes it better than another).
The real goal of CRM software for insurance agents is to help you streamline your business processes and maximize your opportunities for additional sales. If you have to spend hours working each month to get your CRM tools to work well with your other programs, it may not be the right choice.
Pairing a Top CRM Solution With Resources Proven To Help Grow Insurance Businesses
Integrating a cutting-edge CRM can drive more ROI, attract more prospects, cultivate strong relationships with current clients, and, ultimately, boost your bottom line tremendously.
Furthermore, pairing your insurance agency CRM solution with the top industry tips, resources, and techniques can lead to a drastic difference for your business. That’s why we’ve compiled all of our top methods for growing your insurance business into one convenient resource.
Get your copy of Proven Methods to Grow Your Insurance Business today!
