Recently, independent insurance agency management system (AMS) provider HawkSoft and billing-as-a-service provider Input 1 announced a strategic partnership to enable premium collection functionality for HawkSoft agencies.

Input 1 provides digital billing and payment solutions to insurance carriers, managing general agents (MGAs), banks, agencies and premium finance companies. Their software and cloud billing and payment solutions are used by more than 1 million agents, brokers and policyholders annually.

With the integration of a premium finance and payments solution by Input 1, HawkSoft customers can offer digital premium financing, accept digital payments for pay-in-full policies, and set up recurring payments via credit, debit, and ACH—with data sourced directly from their management system. The integration eliminates double entries in their shared workflows.

Thirty percent of agencies use e-billing to clients, and of AMS functions, nearly two-thirds of agents say payment functions are important for both personal and commercial lines, according to the 2022 Agency Universe Study.

"Input 1 is thrilled about our partnership with HawkSoft. We look forward to being part of their ecosystem and delivering their customers a full spectrum of payment options on one platform," said Chris Farfaras, executive vice president and chief sales officer at Input 1. "HawkSoft shares our commitment to improving productivity and adding value to the customer experience."

HawkSoft's AMS is a central insurance platform that includes application programming interface (API)-powered connectivity across the InsurTech stack. HawkSoft focuses on providing independent insurance agencies with technology informed by real-world workflows that increase efficiency and revenue.

"One of our key goals is to support the unique approaches independent insurance agencies apply in running their businesses," said Rushang Shah, chief marketing officer of HawkSoft. "We are happy to collaborate with Input 1 and welcome them to our ecosystem as a Solution Partner."

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.