Agency management system: Quickfile or ABS?

steve32 · Post by **steve32** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:38 pm

Hi, I'm looking to get an agency management system and considering either Quickfile or ABS. What do you recommend? I'm on a budget and not looking to spend too much.

Thanks

Porter · Post by **Porter** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:35 pm

Steve,

ABS is a good product for Farmers agents. However it is limited. For an independent agency you would want to go with Quickfile. I have the Enterprise version which is internet based. You don't have to worry about backing up and you can access your client's information from any computer with internet access. Quickfile has everything you need.

Porter

steve32 · Post by **steve32** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:22 pm

Thanks for your help Porter.

Have you checked out the newer version of ABS? It looks like they made some improvements.

So, do you think that I will need the functionality of Quickfile if I'm a newer agency?

Porter · Post by **Porter** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:08 pm

Quickfile is about a $1000 per year and that comes with everything such as accounting, downloads, Acord Forms, document manager, etc. It is internet based so you don't have to worry about backing up. ABS is not that much less once you add on everything. Also, ABS does not have carrier downloads.

I started off using ABS and then switched to Quickfile. I recommend going with Quickfile. Switching systems later is a major task.

mattbalt · Post by **mattbalt** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 4:52 am

We use Quickfile in our office and are very happy with it. Quickfile has its issues, but all agency management systems do.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:40 pm

Steve,

If you are personal lines, I think Quickfile would be good. I checked alot out but I am commercial lines and I found the lower cost systems lacking and because of that had to switch from ABS. I switched to easy apps pro which is like a mini management system including Acord forms which is sufficient for my size agency. The cost for that is $695 per year. More info here: http://www.agencysoftware.com/index.shtml

steve32 · Post by **steve32** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:22 pm

What do you think about Quickfile compared to Easy Apps or Easy Apps pro? Thanks for your help so far

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 12:19 pm

steve32 wrote:What do you think about Quickfile compared to Easy Apps or Easy Apps pro? Thanks for your help so far

Are you more into personal lines or commercial lines?

Sundance · Post by **Sundance** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:23 pm

I think for the money I'd use Quickfile, matter of fact I did

If you are mainly personal lines I think they do very well. They are also good for basic commercial but if you are mainly a commercial lines agency with larger more intricate accounts, you may want to be sure they have what you need first.

I believe (or at least they used to) they'll send you a free trial version (or I think you can download it now).

steve32 · Post by **steve32** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:56 pm

Thanks for the helpful replys.

I called Quickfile and the Enterprise (online) version is about $100/month plus a $650 setup fee. Ouch!

I do like the online features of Quickfile and also not having to setup a whole network.

So, do you think its better to spend the extra money now... compared to going with ABS?

Sundance · Post by **Sundance** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:56 am

You never have told us what type of agency you are, primarily personal lines or what?

And I don't recall now, what is the cost of ABS?

Most of this is just going to depend on the budget you have, how many clients you have at this point and what you want the system to do.

steve32 · Post by **steve32** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:43 pm

Sundance:

I have mainly personal lines. I have under 1000 clients.

ABS is about $950 (the first year) with all of the extras. I do like the internet/online access of Quickfile though.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 1:03 pm

If you are personal lines, I liked Quickfile.

Sundance · Post by **Sundance** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:04 am

Well not knowing the ABS system I'm going to say go with Quickfile. I rec'd an e-mail from them not too long ago that I believe offered a free trial. and like you said, I do like the online advantage. They can doi all the updates and I don't have to mess with it!