Insights from Ivans Connect 2024 Breakout Sessions

One of the most engaging segments during Ivans Connect™ was the “Tech Today Breakout Sessions.” During these sessions, carriers and agencies shared how technology has supported their goals regarding specific processes within our industry. We discussed commercial distribution, book roll and consolidation, and integrating everything with technology, connectivity, and APIs. Additionally, we shared experiences related to claims and risk mitigation.

Here are some of the top takeaways from these insightful conversations.

Enhancing Agent-Carrier Collaboration: Tools and Feedback for Improved Communication

Agents need to do their due diligence, especially when communicating effectively with carrier partners. Sometimes, agents might not realize that helpful tools, like eDocs, claims or policy downloads, are readily available to deliver important client data directly to their management systems.

As a case in point, we heard from a carrier that has significantly upgraded their agency resources, making it easier for agents to manage their download preferences. Plus, they’ve provided resources for testing downloads so agents can try them out, especially for more complex commercial lines, before fully committing. And these carriers are no longer just providing once-a-day batch downloads. Frequencies vary, but small business policy downloads and claims are being sent throughout the day so agents have near real-time visibility. They’ve also set up a technology council where agents’ feedback is instrumental in shaping their initiatives, including their improved download preferences feature.

Maximizing Ivans Download: Strategies from Successful Carriers

One of the standard practices Ivans® undertakes is working closely with our new download carriers. More recently, carriers have focused on identifying their agency partners in advance to ensure they are correctly set up for Ivans Download™. Two carriers have performed exceptionally well using this strategy.

One notable example is Pie Insurance. Early in their download implementation process, they created a dedicated webpage for their agents. This page was designed to collect all the necessary information for setting up the download, including several critical pieces of information. By gathering this information upfront, Pie Insurance successfully activated download capabilities for nearly 800 agents within the first six months of their pilot program.

We are also collaborating with another carrier that has adopted a similar approach. They anticipate enabling downloads for over 1,200 agents by collecting the necessary information through a dedicated webpage. This innovative process is unlike anything we have seen before with other carriers.

Consistency is Key: Best Practices for Agency Management

What makes an agency's processes truly successful? Here's what some agents had to say during our breakout sessions.

Direct Download into Your Management System

Agencies depend on their downloads to receive policies, claims, and other information from the carrier into their management system. This ensures that the most up-to-date information is available for near real-time visibility when needed.

Consistency is Key

Consistent procedures are essential regardless of an agency's size — whether it is a small local firm or a large national brokerage. Whether one person manages downloads and resolves suspense or an entire team is involved, it is crucial to adhere to the same guidelines day in and day out. This shared consistency truly strengthens your processes. Furthermore, managing your Ivans mailboxes efficiently helps keep track of incoming information and allows for prompt responses.

Entering Policy Shells Before Any Associated Policy Downloads

This practice ensures that all download processes, such as claims and electronic documents (eDocs), are accurate. When a policy has a designated spot in your system, everything that follows – such as direct bill commissions – has a clear path. Once again, it all circles back to consistency and ensuring everyone adheres to these processes daily. It is also essential to manage the process actively rather than "setting it and forgetting it."

Enhancing Download Capabilities: Support and Resources for Carriers

As we collaborate with carriers, whether they are new to downloading or implementing a new download capability, Ivans Customer Success is here to help. We work closely with your marketing team to create promotional campaigns that announce new lines of business or capabilities to your agency partners.

We also supply reference documents that can be customized according to the specific lines of business you are downloading to provide your agents with the information they need to take advantage of all the lines you offer. Our Download Connections: The Key to Agency Efficiency eBook is also available to help educate agents.

Lastly, Ivans Exchange™ is an online tool for managing agency download connections. By consolidating all agency activity and download reviews in one place, you can save time on individual agency requests, see opportunities for adoption, and foster better relationships with agencies.

Mark Your Calendar for Ivans Connect 2025

Ivans Connect is an exciting opportunity for carriers, MGAs, agencies, and solution providers to discover the latest digital distribution and servicing innovations. I encourage you to check out the Ivans Connect Resource Hub, where you can catch up on everything from 2024 and learn how to register for Ivans Connect 2025.

This year's program promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring over 10 interactive sessions on topics that matter, like commercial lines distribution and what agencies genuinely value in their partnerships. Plus, don’t miss the chance to network at our welcoming reception on Sunday, October 5, followed by the main event on Monday, October 6. We can’t wait to see you there!