Sun Coast General Insurance is showing just how cool a traditional industry can be, using advanced M2M technology to re-invent what auto insurance can do for policyholders and agents.
“We’re a general insurance agency in Laguna Hills, Calif. And like most general agencies, we operate on shoestring budgets,” said Sun Coast CEO Jeff Yeskin. “But unlike most, we’re willing to be first to the market with innovative new platforms.”
Sun Coast seized on insurance telematics to create a whole new level of service for car owners. Insurance telematics involves plugging a specialized wireless device into a vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port. The device transmits secure vehicle performance data to the insurer, which can use it to offer unprecedented services. Benefits for customers who opt in can include immediate feedback on driving habits and potential discounts for operating a vehicle safely.
“Playing the commodity war and selling conventional auto insurance based on price didn’t make sense for us. We wanted something that would be a differentiator. As we looked out in the marketplace and saw the momentum around insurance telematics technology, we thought it was the right time to make a move,” Yeskin said.
While the basic concept is simple, insurance telematics is complex. It takes careful planning, deep familiarity with the insurance industry and customized technical expertise to affordably deploy services that car and truck owners want to use. Determined to distinguish itself as an insurance telematics leader, Sun Coast sought telematics technology to meet the company’s unique requirements for a technologically sophisticated yet economical solution.
The answer came in the form of the Sprint® Driver Development Solutions portfolio. Sun Coast took advantage of a comprehensive package that eliminated the need for piecemeal solutions. Instead, Sprint managed the entire project to Sun Coast’s specifications. Sprint also brought in solution provider Modus to help with equipment and analytics capabilities, and to support a summarized display of data on Sun Coast’s consumer portal. Sprint delivered wireless connectivity via its high-performance 2G wireless network.
“Agents are taking a different look at us now. We’re getting to be known as the innovative, technologically advanced insurer in our market,” Yeskin said.
“Our combination of M2M connectivity, expertise and partner ecosystem enables us to provide customized solutions for innovative leaders like Sun Coast,” said Mohamad Nasser, director, M2M Product, Platforms and Marketing, Sprint. “Our solutions are designed to create better drivers, reduce claims, increase the accuracy of risk scoring and create a stronger bond between the insurance company and their policyholders.”
Said Yeskin, “Sprint’s always been there to support us without hesitation. I know that when I jump on the phone and ask for a favor to get something done, they’ll be on it, and probably do more than I ever thought to ask for.”
To learn more and view a brief video on Sun Coast visit the Sprint Business insurance telematics webpage, or contact Kevin Adams at kevin.adams@sprint.com or 913-762-7583.
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