AMS+ screenshot

What's the Difference?

An Agency Management System vs. a Generic CRM: What's the Difference?

When comparing an insurance agency management system (AMS) with a generic CRM, there are three significant differences: who specifically it's built for, what features it includes, and how productive it makes you and your team.

Generic CRMs are built in a way that businesses of all sizes and industries can often utilize them. There are generic CRMs that are more geared for sizes of businesses, like small business, mid market, and large enterprises.

However, for insurance agencies to use CRMs effectively, they often need to build extensive customizations that can cost a significant amount of time and money. Many agencies have to seek out a developer or third party to assist in these customizations. Alternatively, an insurance-specific AMS includes important CRM capabilities, but is built for the specific needs of insurance agencies and includes specific field types (coverage types, policy details, etc.), policy management, contact type distinction (individuals vs. groups), sales and compliance management, and more. 

Key Features of an Insurance Agency Management System

Tour an Industry-Specific AMS

Questions to Ask Agency Management System Vendors

One of the first steps to take when selecting an AMS is to define your needs, wants, and goals. A need is what you must have to function at your current level. A want is something that you would like to have to improve upon current operations.

The next step is knowing what to ask AMS vendors—which can be challenging. Here are three areas to focus on:

  • What does data migration to an AMS entail?
    Data migration is the act of bringing all of your data points (contacts, attachments, notes, commissions, to-dos, etc.) over from your current system to your new AMS. The migration itself can vary widely from vendor to vendor, so be sure to ask these questions.
  • How secure is the AMS?
    No matter which AMS you choose, knowing the level of security around the system is crucial. They’ll be storing all of your and your client’s sensitive data, so make sure to ask these critical questions.
  • Who is the AMS vendor?
    Your AMS should be more than just software. It should be your partner. A tool that you can use to help you reach your goals. Look beyond the product to ensure the vendor aligns with your goals and your brand.

5 Steps to Choosing the Right AMS

You want to ensure you're making the right decision for your agency when choosing a new agency management system (AMS). Take your time and follow these 5 steps to help you find the right technology partner:

  1. Identify Your Pain Points & Goals
  2. Identify Your Needs & Wants
  3. Research Your Vendors
  4. Make a Decision
  5. Manage the Change

Learn more in our infographic: Select the Right Agency Management System for Your Agency in 5 Steps.

Agency Solutions

AgencyBloc's Plus Suite: An Unparalleled Agency Management Platform

With a range of insurance-specific agency management and CRM tools, plus our industry-leading training and support, we've got you covered.

AMS+

AgencyBloc’s AMS+, is an all-encompassing, industry-specific sales and servicing management solution designed to help your team be more efficient, increase sales, and improve client retention. Features include:

Learn more about AMS+

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See Real Client Experiences

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"We have been with AgencyBloc for almost 10 years and they have been great. They are open to our suggestions for improvements and are always there to help when needed. So glad we have them as our CRM!"

Justin B.
RIS

"I love AgencyBloc!! It's a great system, but even greater than that is the staff that supports it. I thought for sure that, sooner or later, the support that I am accustomed to would come to an end, but I have since decided that this is just AgencyBloc's culture."

Michelle M.
Medicare Advisers of the Triad, Inc.

"AgencyBloc has streamlined our business. It has operationally helped us in more ways than one. We’ve been able to take our business to the next level and grow because of our partnership with AgencyBloc."

Cristin H.
The Brokerage, Inc.

"We are very happy we found AgencyBloc after searching and evaluating several CRMs for our insurance business. The most impressive thing I walked away with from the demo was the amount of support. It seems to be the one thing that is overlooked with most software solutions. AgencyBloc truly cares about their customers. They have followed through with everything they said they would, which is a rare trait."

Brandon W.
Translating Insurance

"We've been a member of AgencyBloc for 5 years now. It's hard to put in words how much gratitude I have for this program and the people behind it."

David E.
Integrity Advisors