Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an additional charge to use Agency Builder on more than one PC?
No. Agency Builder was designed from the very beginning to be networked. When you purchase a license to use Agency Builder in your office, you can use it on as many workstations as you have, at no additional charge. Some agents use this policy to install the software on their PC at home so they can play catch-up on the weekend without driving to the office. That's fine with us. We try to focus on smaller agencies, but we don't limit the number of users to ten. The largest ABS^® user we know is running over a dozen workstations. He pays the same price as an office with only one PC -- what a deal.

I am an independent agent, not a Farmers agent, will this software work for me?
Lately over 50% of our new business comes from independent agents, and that percentage is climbing. Version 1 of the software was designed for Farmers agents. The current version (Version 2) is a completely different story. It was designed to satisfy the needs of Independent Agents while still doing what a Farmers agent needs (and then some).  Over the past few years, a good number of Farmers agents have switched, and become Independent Agents. They continue to use our software with great success.

I need help and the ABS office is closed (after hours, weekend, holiday, etc.).

We you can view our Tips and Troubleshooting web page. It has help with the most frequently asked usage questions. It also has solutions for the most frequent "trouble" calls we get. Fortunately, they are pretty few. Click here if you want to view Tips and Troubleshooting.

I've looked at the other agency management systems. Why is your price so low? 
We get this question all the time, especially when our features are compared to the "big guys". The simple answer is, it is part of our business plan.  Since the very beginning we have focused on small to mid-sized agencies. The price of the "name brand" software is so far out of reach we believe this is a niche market we can fill (spell that dominate). We know keeping track of your business is tough. It doesn't make any difference if you have 10,000 policies and a staff of 10, or 500 policies and one part time helper - you still need to be as efficient as you can with the money you've got. The smaller you are, the more it hurts to search through file folders or take time getting on-line (or on the phone) just to answer a simple question. You need efficiency software that immediately puts information at your fingertips. When someone needs an evidence of insurance, you need to print it -- not type it. When you need to send a letter, you need to pick it from a list, not create it from scratch.  Our software does all that just like the "big ticket" software, it's just designed for agencies with 10 or fewer staff members. It's just that simple.  Beware of people who say, "you get what you pay for". They may be measuring with a yard stick designed by the "big-ticket" software guys.

Should I use Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP-Home or XP-Professional?
The only environment Microsoft intends for business use is now XP-Processional which is the latest release of Windows NT (2000). We encourage you to use Windows 2000 or XP-Professional. Some computer sales people, and even some uninformed technicians will recommend XP-Home but they don't know the strenuous demands an insurance office places on Windows. Remember, even Microsoft® considers 95, 98 and ME to be home computer software, and when they released their latest, they even included the word Home to indicate you should not use it for business. Their business software is Windows XP Professional. XP Home belongs in the home, not the office.

If I switch to Windows 2000 or XP Professional, do I need to buy the server version?
A Server operating system is not necessary for ABS Agency Builder. Windows 2000-Professional or XP-Professional will do the job just fine, and for a lot less money. If your technician recommends the server version, (s)he may have a very good reason based on other parameters. Find out what they are.

If the software doesn't meet my needs, can I get my money back?
You bet. We have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. Before you order, we ask you to spend a little time with us discussing what your needs really are. The last thing we want to do is mislead you because we didn't understand something. Regardless, if you get it and decide you don't want it, notify us within the first 30 days, and send the software back. Check out our order form to see more details about refunds.

What if I like the software, but discover something I need isn't there?
We know we can't think of everything. We believe one of the things that makes us strong is our policy of encouraging suggestions. If you could look back and compare the first generation of ABS Agency Builder with what we have now you would be amazed at the improvements. Our software gets better as a direct result of input from our users. Our user manual even has suggestion forms that welcome user feedback.

If I make a suggestion, how long does it take before it's part of the software?
When improvements are made to the program, we usually put them on the web right away so you can download them. That doesn't mean your suggestion will be in the next download. Sometimes a good idea is complicated, and can't be implemented right away. We have a general rule of thumb; if a suggestion has broad appeal, it is more likely to be given a higher priority than if it is something that would be used in only one or two offices. We also want suggestions in writing. They are usually better thought out. Besides, we are less likely to forget something on paper. 

Can Agency Builder help me reconcile my commission statement?
Yes. There is a special query just for that purpose. You can sort the results on any field (Producer, Client name, Company, Renewal Date, Policy number, Premium, etc) to make it easier to organize the data . The report identifies new business, as well as renewal so you can check new business as well as service commission. You'll be surprised at the number of mistakes you'll find. Some agents say it's like getting a raise. Click here form more on reconciliation.

I share my office with another Agency. Can we both use Agency Builder?
Yes. This is more common with Farmers agents than with independents.  Remember that ABS Agency Builder is designed to manage one agency's business. That means mixing one agency's data with another's won't work for several rather simple reasons. The most important concept is that ABS Agency Builder is business management software. Each agency is a separate business. Put this into perspective by thinking about how the carriers pay commission. If they pay you a separate commission check from the other agency, you should manage your business separately too. That means your agency's software license must be separate from the other agency. At our prices, two copies of the software won't break the bank. On the other hand, if your agency is a corporation, and the carriers pay the corporation and not an individual, you may be able to use one copy of the software. You should discuss the structure of your arrangement with us.

I already use a PC program for my contacts. Can you import that data?
If you are a Farmers agent, we can convert FAME or Client Vision so you can start out with a pretty complete database. If you are an independent agent, we may be able to convert your data so it can be used with our software. It depends on the program you are using now, and the format of the data. If you use a Personal Information Manager (PIM), such as Act®, we can do a pretty good job of converting your data but we'll need more information about how you may have customized it. We encourage you to discuss what you are currently using  so we can give you a more specific answer. 

Will Agency Builder increase my workload?
Absolutely not -- the opposite is true. The proof is found in the documented increase in efficiency of agents who currently use ABS Agency Builder. If it created more work, our users would need to increase staff. Instead, they typically decrease staff by an average of 1.4 employees per 1000 policies in force. If you have heard otherwise, you are talking to the wrong people - talk to someone who uses the program.