SAFECO Receives Internet Achievement Award from Agents Group
SAFECO Insurance Companies were honored with the 1998 Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA) Internet Achievement for outstanding support of the Independent Agency System on the World Wide Web.
The award is presented annually to the insurance company that utilizes the Internet and Web-based technology in a manner that promotes the Independent Agency System. Chubb received IIAA's inaugural award last year.
"IIAA recognizes the efforts of SAFECO as a technology trailblazer in the insurance community," said outgoing IIAA President Bud Wilson of Chula Vista, CA. "If the independent agency system is to thrive in the next century, we need SAFECO and other companies to expand this technology with agents, and we need other insurance companies to follow its lead."
Seattle, WA-based SAFECO received the award for its site's overall appearance, ease of navigation and useful content for consumers and agents, the association said. The site also clearly defines the term "independent agent" to the insurance-buying public and promotes the benefits of using an independent agents.
In addition, SAFECO's site provides an easy means for consumers to find an independent agent by linking directly to IIAA's Web site. The association's Web site offers an agent locator that allows consumers to find a local agent by name, street, city, area code or zip code.
Wilson presented the award to Lance Cornell, SAFECO vice president of property and casualty marketing, during the IIAA National Board of State Directors meeting, held at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston. The meeting preceded IIAA's 103rd Annual Convention and Trade Show.