The Economical launches “self-serve” online service, through broker Web sites

The Economical Insurance Group (TEIG) has launched a Web site allowing consumers to manage their insurance online, through brokers’ Web sites.
Insurance On Demand is a broker-branded site allowing consumers to obtain quotes and purchase home, auto, condo and tenant policies directly through a broker’s Web site.
“We recognize that competing with direct insurers in the online space can be a significant financial challenge for many of our broker partners,” said Colin Smith, TEIG’s senior vice president and chief information officer. “TEIG is investing in this enabling business technology to strengthen the value proposition of our independent brokers. We are not prepared to sacrifice this space.”
To date, seven brokers have piloted the service. TEIG will implement it across Canada through the remainder of 2010 and into 2011.