Allstate Introduces Agency Web Sites – Extending Services Through More Than 11,000 Internet Doors.
Company recognized for customized Web site best practices
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Allstate Insurance Company has expanded the Web presence of its 11,000 exclusive agents by creating individual consumer Web sites that provide local auto, home and financial services product information, insurance quoting capabilities and 24-hour customer service features.
The unique agency Web sites extend beyond the traditional one-page business card functionality found in the industry today. These sites have now been transformed to provide consumers with expanded quoting and service capability along with a full suite of state-specific Allstate product and service information presented on behalf of the agent, enhancing consumers’ online experience.
In a recent analytical brief, Gomez, a leader in evaluating Web site execution for corporations, has credited Allstate’s online initiatives saying, “[Allstate] agents are given their own customizable and branded environment to which they can easily promote and drive leads. Suddenly, agents have a vested interest in making the online channel work for them.”
“Allstate is excited to be one of the first in the industry to offer customers a tool that enables them to directly interface with their local Allstate agent. Customers can use the full suite of tools available through the agency Web sites to help with both their insurance and financial service needs,” said Richard Heneberry, assistant vice president of Internet marketing, Allstate Insurance Company. “The breadth of what we offer consumers online has been revolutionized with the introduction of the enhanced agency Web sites.”
Additional agency Web site features include:
- At-a-glance agency contact information, including prominent placement of the agent’s phone number throughout the site making it easier for consumers to contact agents.
- Detailed agent background information helping consumers get to know agents and their staff better.
- Life-event related resources including financial calculators, with easy to read tables and graphs, assisting consumers with their savings, education, retirement planning.
- The ability for consumers to sign up for informative newsletters, service reminders or promotional announcements.
- Quick access to 24-hour online self-service functionality for Allstate customers, including extensive billing and claim frequently asked questions.
- Consumer friendly content, written in agent’s voice providing visitors with a more personal online experience.
- Customized product information based on the agent’s state, license and certification.
Research shows that the role of the Internet in assisting consumers with their insurance and financial services shopping requirements continues to rise. In fact, The Dieringer Research Group, Inc. 2003 American Interactive Consumer Study reports 51% of all consumers who have opened new financial service accounts and insurance policies used the Internet in some way during their research and application process. Development of the agency Web sites reinforces Allstate’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling these consumer needs along with direct access to local Allstate agencies and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Seamless integration of the agent into the online presence is critical to the success of the Internet channel,” said Tim Carpenter, insurance sector analyst, Gomez.
Throughout 2004, Allstate plans to expand and improve agency Web site features and functionality to better help consumers with their insurance and financial services needs.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate provides insurance products to more than 16 million households and has approximately 12,300 exclusive agents and financial specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services through Allstate agents, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. EncompassSM and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. Allstate Financial Group includes the businesses that provide life and supplemental insurance, retirement, banking and investment products through distribution channels that include Allstate agents, independent agents, financial institutions and broker-dealers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Emily Daly, 847-402-5600