A survey of insurance agent carrier satisfaction has found only one company rated high on technology, a New Jersey trade group reported.
The results came from a Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of New Jersey, Inc., poll, which gave top marks to nine of 46 insurers that were rated. The survey mirrors similar surveys done by PIA in Connecticut and New York.
Member agents were asked to rate companies on a scale of one to five on a number of issues concerning their relationship with the company.
Out of a possible score of 80, nine companies came in with an overall score of more than 60. The companies were Chubb (personal lines), Peerless, Encompass, Selective, Atlantic Mutual, Andover Companies, FMI Group, Fireman's Fund and Philadelphia Contributionship Group.
On technology, Selective was the only one to get high marks in three areas that were surveyed: good overall technology; good support and training; and support of single entry.
"We introduced this survey because it's important to determine where the strengths and weaknesses lie in this relationship so agents and companies can better serve each other," said Louis Beckerman, president of PIANJ, in a statement.
A total of 437 agents took part in the survey, either responding to the survey by the Internet or fax, said a PIA Regional spokeswoman.
Agents were asked to rank 46 insurance companies on the following: products and pricing; treatment of agents; marketing support; technology; claims handling; service; and underwriting.
Complete results of the survey were not released by PIA Regional.
Agents said that of the top five, Atlantic Mutual scored well on two questions–competitive pricing and coverage compares favorably with others.
When it comes to treatment of agents, Andover Companies and Atlantic Mutual were the only two to receive high marks for the three areas of dedication to the independent agency system, attractive agency compensation and communicating effectively with agents, PIA said.
In the area of marketing support, Chubb (personal lines) and Mercury Group got high ratings for both having a recognizable brand and supporting agency marketing.
Andover Companies and Chubb (personal) were rated high on underwriting on two items: providing stable, consistent market; and granting flexibility when warranted.
Similar agent surveys from agents in Connecticut and New York are due to be released on June 14 and 28, respectively, said the spokeswoman.
"The purpose of the Company Performance Survey is to provide agents' feedback to the companies that were featured in the survey," said Ellen D. Kiehl, assistant executive director of PIA regional, which assembled the survey, when asked why the association did not release all of the results. "These results are published to reward the companies that did well, rather than single out the companies that didn't score as high."
More details on the results are available by going to www.piaonline.org.
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