TechTerms
Because it’s helpful to understand the words flying around.
TechTerm
Definition
A/B Test
Comparing two versions of content to see which gets more opens, clicks, or leads.
The process of tracking, renewing, and staying compliant with state licensing requirements for agents and the agency; often managed through specialized software or services.
Software that centralizes client data, policies, and renewals to streamline operations and support agency growth.
Technology that helps automate tasks like underwriting, customer service, and claims using data and predictive algorithms.
AI Agent
An AI-powered system that can independently perform tasks or make decisions based on data inputs—without requiring continuous human prompts. Examples include automated quoting tools, chatbots, and claims triage systems that act on behalf of users.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A connection that lets different software systems (like your CRM and quoting tool) share data automatically, making workflows faster and more seamless.
Technology that helps agencies quote, enroll, and manage employee benefits efficiently through automation, carrier integration, and centralized tracking.
Bounce Rate
How many visitors leave your website without taking action; a sign of content or design issues.
Business Continuity
The ability to keep agency operations running during disruptions like disasters, cyberattacks, or power outages.
Business Intelligence (BI)
Data dashboards and reports that help your agency make smarter decisions.
Campaigns
Coordinated marketing efforts like emails, ads, or events to promote insurance services.
Tools that simplify submitting applications, tracking statuses, and managing carrier communication to improve speed and accuracy.
Click-Through Rate (CTR)
Measures how well your emails or ads drive clicks to quotes or landing pages.
Cloud Computing
Using online systems to store data and run apps — no need for local servers.
Content Marketing
Using helpful content like blog articles, videos, or podcasts to attract and build trust with clients.
Cost Per Thousand (CPM)
The price you pay for every 1,000 views of your ad; used to budget online advertising.
Cross-Selling
Recommending multiple policies (e.g., bundling auto + home) to an existing client.
Customer Experience (CX)
The overall experience a customer has with your agency across all touchpoints.
Software used to track client communications, follow up on renewals, manage leads, and improve retention.
Cyber Hygiene
Basic practices like regular updates, password changes, and phishing training to stay secure.
Cyber Resiliency
Your agency’s ability to protect client data and recover quickly after a cyberattack.
Using data from sales, marketing, and customer behavior to improve decisions and uncover growth opportunities.
Data Backup
Saved copies of critical data and files so your agency can recover and restore operations after a tech failure or data breach.
Data Hygiene
Keeping data clean, accurate, and up to date — critical for automation and analytics.
Digital Inventory
A tool for clients to log personal items for faster, more accurate claims processing.
Tools that let clients pay online and finance premiums through flexible plans, helping agencies streamline billing, improve cash flow, and offer a smoother payment experience.
Disaster Recovery Plan
A plan to get your systems and service back up after an emergency.
Drip Campaign
A series of automated emails sent to prospects or clients over time to nurture engagement, boost conversions, or promote renewals.
Technology that lets clients sign documents securely online, reducing paperwork and saving time while improving convenience and compliance.
Encryption
Protecting sensitive client information by converting it into unreadable code to prevent unauthorized access.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Protection for agents against client claims of errors or negligence in service.
Firewall
Blocks unwanted access to your agency’s network or client systems.
A type of AI that creates content (like emails, marketing copy, or chat responses) based on patterns in data; helps agents save time and personalize communication at scale.
HTML Email
Branded, styled emails that look professional and improve engagement.
Impressions
How many times your ad or post is shown, whether or not it was clicked.
InsurTech
Tools and platforms that help insurance agents quote, sell, and service policies more efficiently.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Devices like smart home systems that share data and can impact underwriting and risk profiles.
Keywords
Search terms like "home insurance quotes" that customers use to find insurance services online; used in SEO and content marketing.
Platforms that help agencies attract and capture potential client info through forms, landing pages, ads, or integrations with CRMs and quoting tools.
Machine Learning
Technology that learns patterns and improves automatically using data; commonly used in fraud detection, underwriting, and predictive pricing.
Malware
Harmful software that can steal data or disrupt systems; a major cyber risk for agencies. Includes viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware
Software that automates emails, social posts, and other outreach to save time and increase consistency.
An agency-branded app that lets clients access policies, make payments, and request service anytime — boosting convenience, self-service, and client satisfaction.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adds an extra security step (like a text code) to log into agency systems; also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Specialized coverage for unique industries or risks not served by standard policies, allowing agencies to offer tailored solutions, round out accounts, and deepen client relationships.
Tools that let clients submit information securely online, reducing paperwork, speeding up onboarding, and integrating with agency systems for greater efficiency.
Organic
Website traffic from unpaid Google searches; an indicator of good SEO.
Using external providers or tools (like virtual assistants or RPA) to handle tasks such as policy processing or admin work; helps agencies reduce costs and focus on growth.
Phishing
Fake emails that steal login info or install malware; agents must stay alert when opening emails and clicking links.
Prompt Engineering
Crafting effective AI prompts to get better results from tools like ChatGPT or Gemini.
Quoting/Rating Platform
A tool that allows independent agents to compare rates and coverage options from multiple carriers in one place — streamlining the quote process, improving accuracy, and saving time.
Tools that monitor online reviews, send review requests, and alert agents to feedback; helps maintain a positive public image.
Software that automates repetitive tasks like data entry, policy updates, or quote processing — saving time and reducing errors in your agency.
Royalty-Free
Media (images, music, etc.) you can use in marketing without ongoing license fees.
Platforms that track leads, follow-ups, and conversions, giving agents visibility into their sales pipeline and helping close more policies.
Scalability
Growing your agency without outgrowing your tech, tools, or staff.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Using paid ads (like Google Ads) to appear higher in search engine results and drive traffic to your agency’s site.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Tactics used to improve your agency’s ranking on Google and other search engines so more people find you organically.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
One set of login credentials to access multiple agency platforms securely.
Platforms that lets agencies schedule posts, engage with followers, and track performance across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Social Selling
Using LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media platforms to build trust, share value, and engage potential insurance clients.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Cloud-based software tools agents use for managing customer relationships, policies, or quoting without needing to install anything.
An internal audit of your agency’s technology tools to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Tech Stack
The set of digital tools your agency uses (e.g. CRM, quoting software, email marketing, service platforms) to run and grow your business.
Platforms that provide on-demand learning to help agency staff build skills, stay compliant, and improve performance through continuous education.
Collaborative groups where insurance professionals share insights, solve problems, and exchange best practices around specific tools or industry topics. Also known as User Groups.
User Experience (UX)
How easy and pleasant it is for clients to interact with your website or tools.
A remote team member who supports daily agency tasks like quoting, policy servicing, client communication, and administrative work; helps agents save time, lower overhead, and focus on sales and retention.
Internet-based phone system that allows agents to manage calls remotely and track calls; may integrate with a CRM or AMS.
Workflow Automation
Automatically assigning tasks like renewal reminders or claim follow-ups to save time and reduce errors.