Willis unit launches online quoting, binding for commercial agents in U.S.

InsuranceNoodle Inc. announced this week it has launched a new online quoting service that gives agents in the United States access to several commercial lines, including auto, umbrella and professional liability.

Insurance Noodle is the distribution vehicle for the Willis Commercial Network North America, which provides products and services to small insurance agents and brokers nationwide. 

Insurance Noodle Plus (IN+) links agents to real-time quotes from seven insurance carriers, Willis Group Holding plc stated in a press release Monday. Chicago-based InsuranceNoodle is part of Willis North America. It already gives agents access to home and personal auto insurance quotes.

“IN+ gives agents access to the admitted commercial lines marketplace, for (business owners’ policies), commercial auto, workers compensation, umbrella, and professional liability,” the company stated.

It gives agents the option of finding a quick rate indication or a fully bindable quote. It will also let agents access the non-admitted market “when standard markets cannot provide terms.”

Agents who get quick rate indications to show to prospective clients can then get fully bindable quotes by logging into their Insurance Noodle profiles and requesting bindings.

“Along with carrier access and fast quotes, the Insurance Noodle platform provides agents with an efficient means of accessing their Insurance Noodle book of business,” the firm stated. “All client records, quotes and policies from all carriers are stored in the member’s profile on the Insurance Noodle website.”

In order to get accounts, agents must be licenced with their state’s department of insurance and must have errors and omissions coverage — written with a carrier rated A- or higher with A.M. Best — to 100% of their P&C production.

The improved user experience is what our clients have been asking for,” stated  Ralph Blust, managing partner of Willis Commercial Network, in the press release announcing IN+. “They can easily check carriers’ appetite, utilize the streamlined classification process, and get user help tips at every turn.”

It costs US$250 to get a membership, but agents can service their existing clients after their memberships expire. Agents whose memberships expire cannot receive renewal commissions and cannot submit new business until they renew their memberships.