Insurance Kiosks the Wave of the Future?

By: Amy O’Connor (Insurance Journal) November 2013

Milk…check; Eggs…check; Bread…check; Car insurance…wait, what?

Most Americans’ grocery lists don’t typically read this way, but a new approach to selling personal auto insurance from Nashville-based, Direct Auto Insurance Co., could change the way consumers buy their coverage.

The company, which writes business in 13 states in the Southeast and targets underserved communities that typically are without bank accounts, has created insurance kiosks called “Direct on the Spot” (DOTS) that it describes as an “insurance store in a box.” The kiosks give people the ability to quote, bind and print a personal car insurance policy in less than five minutes. Basic, low-limit life insurance policies, roadside assistance plans, or emergency protection plans are also available.

To start, customers scan their driver’s license and are given a quote and the option to continue with the buying process. The kiosks are self-service, but Marc DiGiacomo, vice president of product management at Direct Auto says there is a phone attached that customers can use to contact a Direct Auto agent if they are having issues with the quote and bind process or if they have any questions about the policy. Customers also have the option to send their policy information or auto insurance quote to their personal email and finish later at home if they prefer. They can also identify a local Direct Auto agent to work with.

“This is an extension of the network we already have. Being local is very important to us and our customer base, and the kiosk helps us expand that,” he says.
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