Clearly, we live in a time of incredible technology.  Now that a majority of consumers have access to the internet, previously hard-to-find information is now only a mouse-click away.  The increased accessibility of information for consumers has changed many areas of the business marketplace dramatically, and the insurance industry is no exception.  Use of the internet and of email has greatly improved the efficiency of insurance agents by allowing them to communicate more easily and more often with their clients.  At the same time, potential clients now have more access to product information and rates, presenting a potential problem for agents.  There is no question that a skilled insurance agent is still an invaluable resource for his clients, but a client who is suddenly able to get insurance quotes on his own may not appreciate the nuances that agents must consider when helping a client to select a policy.  Behind the scenes, agents use their experience to weigh such factors as a company’s financial strength, its reputation in the industry and its underwriting expertise, and in doing so, provide a valuable service to their clients.  Nevertheless, all of this valuable service can be easily neglected by a client who believes he may be able to get a better rate elsewhere.