What is a comparative rater, and how do independent agencies use one?

The problem it solves

Without a rater, a producer enters the same driver, vehicle and property details into one carrier portal after another and copies the premiums into a spreadsheet. It's slow, error-prone and it's why many agencies quote fewer options than they'd like.

How a comparative rater works

1. You enter the applicant's details once.
2. The rater sends the data to the carriers you're set up with.
3. Premiums come back side by side so you can compare coverage and price.
4. The quote is saved on the client record.

What to look for

• Lines covered. Personal auto and home are the common starting point; commercial often runs through separate quoting tools.
• Carrier coverage. Make sure it supports the carriers you actually write with.
• Quote filing. Quotes should attach to the client automatically.
• Import options. The ability to import an existing quote from a photo or screenshot saves re-keying.
• Cost. Check whether the rater is included or priced per quote or per module.

The rater in DarkHorse AMS

The DarkHorse AMS comparative rater quotes personal auto and home across your carriers side by side, files quotes to the client, and can import a quote from a photo. Commercial quoting connects through Quotamation and, optionally, Bold Penguin under your own contracts. It's part of the core platform at $250 per month.

More guides

• How to choose an insurance agency management system: 9 questions to ask first
• AMS vs. insurance CRM: what's the difference for an independent agency?
• How to switch agency management systems without losing your book
• Insurance agency software pricing: what to expect and what to watch for

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