Quebec broker sets online selling launch

Following last fall’s announcement that Quebec brokerage DiPerno and Associates would be among the first to launch an online sales vehicle, AssureMoi.com president Mark DiPerno says the site will be up and running at the beginning of October. The first stage will offer auto quotes to Quebec customers in both official languages.

When the project was first announced, DiPerno, who also owns the Internet domains “sportsinsurance.com” and “yachtinginsurance.com”, said brokers should embrace the Internet as a new distribution tool. However, he experienced resistance from some insurers who had their own plans for Internet sales, he notes. That situation seems to have changed, and DiPerno says he is pleased with the reception he is getting from insurers.

The biggest hurdle recently has been integration of company systems with the broker’s online presence. DiPerno says that, although these issues are being worked out, the process has been time consuming and “frustrating”. However, he adds, other brokers considering the same path will find the way has been cleared considerably in terms of establishing the technology requirements of broker-to-company interface. “It’s going to be really smooth sailing for the next guy who’s coming along.”

Currently Zurich and Pafco are signed on for the auto offerings, with two other insurers in negotiations. Future plans for the site include the addition of life, residential, travel and medical insurance. RBC, Maritime and AIG are signed on for the life products, while two U.S. companies will underwrite the medical coverage. In addition, DiPerno says the company plans to expand the project beyond the Quebec border, going nationwide with the domain “InsureMe.ca” in the coming year.