First Connect, Root team up

First Connect, Root team up | Insurance Business America

Technology

First Connect, Root team up

Alliance streamlines process for quoting and binding

Technology

By
Terry Gangcuangco

First Connect Insurance Services, a digital platform that connects independent agents with insurance carriers nationwide, has announced a new partnership with Root Insurance.

Through the collaboration, First Connect will provide independent agents with API-powered (application programming interface) capabilities for quoting and binding Root policies.

Agents in California will be the first to benefit with access to Root’s standard and preferred auto insurance products. Expansion plans are underway, with the companies expecting to offer the service in 25 additional states by the end of October.

Aviad Pinkovezky (pictured), president of First Connect, stated: “First Connect is committed to providing independent agents with access to leading insurance products and the technology they need to succeed in all markets.

The new system allows agents to input basic customer information before automatically retrieving data on drivers and vehicles. The tool evaluates state minimum coverage requirements and a customer’s insurance history to recommend appropriate policy options and deductibles.

Jason Shapiro, senior vice president of business development at Root, commented: “The independent agent channel presents a unique opportunity to reach more drivers.

“First Connect’s technological prowess and productive independent agent community make them a natural partner for building a seamless and secure interface and further diversifying our distribution strategy.”

A licensed property casualty insurance agent, First Connect’s platform spans a range of insurance lines including home, auto, cyber, small business, life, and specialty products.

The Root app, meanwhile, has collected more than 27 billion miles of driving data to inform its insurance offerings.

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