Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions

 Why Mosaic?

Mosaic was designed to use all of the benefits of the Internet when buying insurance while still providing the added value of consulting with a professional insurance agent. Our program allows consumers to access multiple companies while searching for a policy. Because there is no single policy or single company that is right for everyone, Mosaic is designed to help consumers make the right choices with the advice of a professional insurance agent. Keep in mind, though, that what makes Mosaic unique is that it’s designed to use technology to enhance what an agent does – not to replace the agent.

 What is the significance of the name: Mosaic?

The program actually started out as CarInsuranceByPIA.com. Because our goal is to preserve the agent’s role in the distribution of insurance, marketing experts convinced us that we needed a name that we could brand and one that we could tie in to our purpose. We initially focused on themes and the one that really seemed to describe the role of the independent agent was: One Agent – Many Choices.

 Why did we create Mosaic?

The Internet has been growing exponentially over the past several years as a vehicle for commerce. The insurance industry has capitalized on this innovation and this has opened up tremendous opportunities for consumers to access more information and to learn more about their options than ever before. Mosaic is all about bringing together the advantages of the Internet with the value of the professional insurance agent. Our reason for creating Mosaic was not driven by any desire to create a technology product – it was out of our real concern that the Internet is adapting the sale of insurance to exclude the agent and nobody anywhere seemed to be paying attention. Because PIA is a non-profit association representing insurance agents, we are committed to spending 100% of the surplus revenue generated from Mosaic towards the promotion of this platform and the value of the independent agent.

 How was the price determined?

As a PIA member the cost is $295.00 per month. This is an introductory price established to facilitate building the network that will ultimately sustain our marketing effort. This price covers the use of the platform, multi-rater and all other functions associated with processing applications from customers via the Mosaic site. It also covers the unlimited use of this platform and its components for desktop and network use within any single office location (branches and satellite offices need to obtain separate subscriptions). The one exception to this is the additional $1.90 per application whenever it is generated through any direct efforts of the subscribing user where the pre-fill function is used.

The cost is based on our anticipated marketing campaign. We believe we have developed a platform engineered to more than pay for itself with the efficiencies achieved within your office BUT that is not why we created Mosaic. We created Mosaic to insure the survival of the Agency Distribution System by creating a network to harness the collective resources of thousands of agents. Our pledge is to keep the operating costs of this program at a minimum and dedicate the bulk of the revenue towards building that campaign.

Think of some comparable costs: Yellow Page Ads: $800.00 average per month; On-Line Leads via Leads Vendors as much as $9.50 per lead; Average Licensed CSR Hourly Wage: $12.00 per hour; Cost of a Good Client Management System With $100.00 per month per; and then the separate multi-rater costs. Mosaic offers a huge savings!

 Can I choose my billing date(s)?

There will be some flexibility in this once the system is set up.

 Will there be an option to split billing for pre-fills and subscription fees?

More than likely as we are trying to be as flexible as possible. We do banking by batch transaction so we are limited to the number of batches we submit and that will be determined by the number of subscribers. As we grow there will be more options regarding billing dates.

 Why is there a different cost for members and non-members?

PIA is a member organization and we have an obligation to provide value to our members and that is why we have two prices. It probably doesn’t make good economical sense not to join PIA if you want to subscribe to Mosaic but we’re not going to make anyone do that.

 How do I subscribe?

The registration system on SaveYourAgency.com is automated to take most of your information. A few items will have to be printed but if you follow all of the instructions there you will be able to easily complete your registration.

 Do I have to sign a contract?

Yes. It is important to remember that our focus is on building a network of agents to support an aggressive marketing campaign. In order to commit to that campaign we need a guaranteed flow of money. This is not about supporting a technology platform – it is about promoting the very existence of insurance agents.

 How long does it take to get activated?

Our goal (and expectations) is that it shouldn’t take more than a few days unless the demand surges. Some of this is still new to us so we hope you’ll be patient. We can assure you the clock on your subscription costs doesn’t start ticking until you’re completely set up. The most important part is getting you set up with the multi-rater because the system won’t work if we can’t obtain quotes. It’s important to make sure you give us complete and accurate information on your application paperwork in order for this to happen.

 I have more than one office. Can I share this with my other offices?

The license to access and use Mosaic is limited to one location although its use is not limited to any number of producers within that office. Branch locations, satellite offices, subsidiaries or any other related entity not located at the same address is required to subscribe separately..

 I have several branches but I want to try this at only one location. Is that possible?

Yes. Although use is by licensed agreement only and our control is by location, we have made an exception that allows an agency owner with multiple locations to trial the platform at one location. This trial is for a limited time only and subject to whatever promotional limitations exist at the time.  Pricing is also based on membership and membership benefits do not extend to branch offices unless they are specifically enrolled. In order for agencies to continue use of Mosaic all branch locations will have to enroll by the end of the trial period. The savings and value of Mosaic are designed to benefit even the smallest office. It really makes sense to use this every where you can as fast as you can.

 Does that mean my branches have to also join PIA?

No, but it makes no sense not to because of the pricing. PIA Branch membership is $250 per year per location. Non-member pricing for Mosaic is $495 per month per location.

 How do you monitor this?

We have a comprehensive list of insurance offices with ownership for the entire state. Our contract limits use to one location and any violation of this will render the contract void. Our goal is to help and promote agents – not unfairly take advantage of them. We ask all agents to help support us in our efforts to support you.

 Can I try the system before I subscribe?

No, the system doesn’t work unless we connect you with the multi-rater and merge that with our platform. We can’t activate people just for the purpose of trying the system. We will host a webinar in the near future to allow those interested to view the platform in action. This webinar will also be archived for others to see in the future.

 What if I sign a contract and then find out I’m just not happy with the platform or something else happens and I can’t continue for a full year?

We’re going to do everything we can to continue to make this platform as receptive to agent’s needs as possible. It is a program built by agents for agents and that’s our only agenda. We’re confident we can accommodate the needs of every agent who subscribes but we realize not everything is under our control. PIA’s primary mission is to support our agent members. If there is a compelling reason for any subscriber to discontinue  

 How many new customers should I expect?

Mosaic is designed to bring you customers from a source previously unavailable to you – the Internet. In order to maximize that opportunity we need to build a large enough network to support various major ad campaigns. Early on that’s simply not possible. Anticipating this, we focused on designing a platform that provides real savings and increased productivity IMMEDIATELY so that you save money before you ever bring in new customers. Our goal is to preserve the agency distribution system. The longer we delay taking this action, the more difficult that will be.

 Is the program limited to a specific number of agents in one territory?

No. The program is designed to provide savings whether or not it ever brings in new customers but we know new customers will come. Our model is no different than the demographics that already exist in your area and it is not limited to any particular number. Selection of agents is based on a round robin method.

 How does the round robin work to make sure that each agent gets their fair share of leads?

In Florida we have established 10 geographic territories divided fairly equally based on registered vehicle / agency distributions. There are some territories with significantly more agents but with a corresponding percentage of vehicles. When a consumer enters a zip code it automatically assigns an agent in that territory to that person. Agents are assigned on a rotating basis based on the number of agents participating in a particular territory. We have tried to maintain a local flavor the selection while also taking advantage of the global market the Internet has created.

 I have tried the system and it assigned an agent to me 500 miles away. How is that local?

It’s not and it shouldn’t happen much longer. We only started building the network May 1st and it takes awhile to get agents from each territory subscribed. The system defaults to the open list (all agents) if no agent from a particular territory is subscribed.

 How can I save money if I don’t bring in new customers?

You can’t. Mosaic will bring new customers to you. Our platform is designed to take advantage of Internet word searches so that anyone using Google to find insurance quotes is likely to find our site. In addition, we encourage agents to imbed Mosaic on their own homepage and direct local traffic there. The Internet platform selects agents using a round robin method but every lead you bring in through your web site, you own. You can also use the Mosaic technology to process applications in your office and that is guaranteed to save you time and money – more money than your monthly subscription costs.

 There is already technology available to do many of the things Mosaic does. How is Mosaic different?

Our goal regarding the technology component is to always make it as current and comprehensive as possible. We expect, however, that other technology alternatives will always be available and many at lower costs. We are not competing with for-profit technology companies and, in many cases, actually partner with them to complete our platform. Our reason for creating Mosaic was not driven by any desire to create a technology product – it was out of our real concern that the Internet is adapting the sale of insurance to exclude the agent and nobody anywhere seemed to be paying attention. Because PIA is a non-profit association representing insurance agents, we are committed to spending 100% of the surplus revenue generated from Mosaic towards the promotion of this platform and the independent agent.

 How many companies does Mosaic represent?

Mosaic doesn’t represent companies. Mosaic is simply a platform that gives agents access to the internet allowing customers to receive quotes from companies that a selected agent already represents. The Internet search will assign customers to agents based on a round robin selection.

 Who controls the leads?

The system is designed so that leads remain the property of the agency they are assigned to. If a client enters information at a later date the system will remember the client and the same agency is assigned. Mosaic does not share or sell leads. If any lead in the system has had no activity (contacts, sale, etc.) for over 13 months it will be removed from the system.

 How are the companies selected for the customer to see?

The agent determines which companies they want displayed and how many (up to 6). The number of actual quotes displayed is determined by how many companies respond.

 Why wouldn’t all the companies respond?

For the same reasons you might not get a quote today. If there is missing information on an application that a company requires then there won’t be a quote. If the customer does not meet the underwriting guidelines of a particular company, there won’t be a quote. If it is a matter of missing information, the agent will get a message on their site (the customer doesn’t see this) and you have the opportunity to provide the missing information and then get a quote.

 What if I represent more than 6 companies?

Using our current multi-rater, the agent will have access to quotes from every company the agent represents as long as the application and the underwriting information meet the requirements of that company. This is just one example of why consumers need to talk to an agent – there is always more information consumers can get than through passive Internet searches.

 Do I need to have my own website in order to use Mosaic?

No. In today’s business climate you should seriously think about getting one but it is not necessary to have a website in order to use Mosaic. It is an Internet based program that requires no downloads so your only requirement is access to the web.

 Is linking to our agency website part of the setup?

No, but this is a fairly easy thing to do and we would be happy to help you facilitate this.

 My web site already allows prospects to get their own quotes!

Great! Borrowing a line from Dr. Phil, “How’s that working out for you?” We suspect that if you made it this far, it may not be doing as well as you would like. When you sign up for Mosaic we will link your web site directly into the system at no extra cost to you. This gives your website data pre-fill capabilities, and stores the lead information in the system for immediate work load assignment and lead follow up. The fundamental problem with going it alone is the price and difficulty in driving traffic to your site, and then getting the on-line shopper to actually provide you enough information to obtain quote comparisons! There are already dozens of programs available ready to give you access to technologies that will perform many of the services Mosaic offers. Mosaic isn’t a technology service -- it’s an idea using technology to achieve our goal of preserving your future.

 I already have an auto multi-rater, and it’s not AccuAuto!

AccuAuto is the only multi-rater currently available to the system but we are already in the process of expanding to other raters. The cost of AccuAuto has already been factored into your monthly base price so there may be additional charges for the subscription if you decide to use other raters. There are also likely to be some savings from what you are currently paying as we integrate other raters but that cannot be determined until terms are finalized with specific raters.

 I already have a great client management system! Why do I need to use yours?

Although Mosaic does not interfere with your existing client management system, it’s not a client management system at all! It is however a great prospect management system for auto quotes.