Most U.S. consumers who chose direct insurance option later returned to independent agents: poll

Value was cited as the reason that almost 60% of surveyed consumers in the United States who purchased insurance through a direct channel 10 or more years ago reported switching back to an independent agent.

A study commissioned by The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., a property and casualty insurer based in Worcester, Mass., shows that most respondents who switched to direct insurers – promises of lower prices was a key motivator – later returned to an independent agent.

Conducted by InsightExpress, the study included input from 1,000 consumers who purchased insurance through direct channels 10 or more years ago.

Most consumers who switched back to independent agents cited expertise and convenience as drivers in their decision, notes a statement from The Hanover. Among other things, respondents also cited the benefits of having one point of contact to handle insurance needs and questions, the statement adds.

“The majority of respondents said their number one reason for switching from a direct insurance provider was to have someone to guide them through their insurance-buying decisions,” says Mark Desrochers, president of personal lines insurance at The Hanover.

“The study shows that consumers realize the value that independent agents bring. That’s why we deliver our products exclusively through agents,” adds Dick Lavey, president of field operations and chief marketing officer at The Hanover.

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DAILY NEWS Aug 8, 2013 10:59 AM

Canada’s top 10 riskiest online cities for cybercrime risk

Did your city make the list?

For the second time in a row, Burlington, Ont. topped Norton and independent research firm, Sperling’s BestPlaces, list of Canada’s top 10 cities that have the highest number of cybercrime risk factors.

“In our examination of the riskiest online cities, we’ve considered a number of factors that can potentially affect online safety,” said Bert Sperling, founder of Sperling’s BestPlaces and lead researcher for the analysis. “By looking at data from consumer lifestyle habits as well as cybercrime data provided by Symantec, maker of Norton products, we’re able to provide a holistic view of the various factors that put a person at potential risk.”

The study determined the per-capita rankings by examining several consumer behaviors – from the prevalence of PCs and smartphones, to social networking and accessing potentially unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, among others.

Burlington ranked high in all four categories measuring cybercrime data per capita, including attempted malware infections, attempted web attacks, attempted spamming and attempted bots by city. Burlington also ranked high amongst Internet use and expenditures.

“This is the second time that Burlington has come out on top in this ranking,” said Rick Goldring, mayor of Burlington. “We choose to look at the positive aspects. This report shows our residents are connected and are reaping the benefits of using the Internet for both personal and business needs. This is a good opportunity to look at these risk factors and remind residents – even those in other cities – to protect themselves and their information online.”

The Top 10 Riskiest Online Cities in Canada are:

1) Burlington, ON
2) Port Coquitlam, BC
3) Vancouver, BC
4) Langley, BC
5) Calgary, AB
6) Fredericton, NB
7) Toronto, ON
8) New Westminster, BC
9) Edmonton, AB
10) Victoria, BC

Norton reminds web surfers to protect themselves against cyber risk. Proceed with caution when using Wi-Fi hotspots
 and make sure you’re using a secured network if conducting online purchases or banking from a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Also, use complex and unique passwords for each site, including a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. Make passwords as random as possible, and change them regularly. Lastly, stay educated.