As we end a successful 2023 and head into 2024, we want to take the time to thank you for both your partnership and your business, and to remind you of some key points regarding Protective.

Protective is the only carrier in your system that pays daily (two days in arrears) so agents get paid faster. We can handle any size or complexity of a case, from simple term to complex large permanent life cases. And we're always open to your feedback and make changes, where possible, based on that feedback.

You and your open, honest feedback have been instrumental in helping us to improve the process of insuring Allstate clients. Here are some of the changes that have been made in 2023 based on your feedback, and some additional enhancements to look forward to in 2024.

Overall cycle times
At the start of 2023, our average 60-day cycle time, from ticket drop to placed, was 44.07 days. By Q4, that cycle time had dropped to 36 days – a week faster.

Ongoing process enhancements for Protective Velocity

• Digital Part II:
  • Online interview contact strategy changed to 15 days, consisting of emails, texts and phone calls, after which we'll keep the case open, until the application expires, allowing the customer the freedom to complete it at their convenience.
    • We gave the customer longer time to complete their online interview, so you do not need to go in and resend the ticket.
  • We enhanced MyProtective.com the includes clearer next steps once the online interview is completed via the "Info to Agent" notes in Pending (with the option for the agent to go in and resend the Part 2 notification to the client).
• Exam vendor
  • In the event an applicant is required to undergo an exam, we have given you the option of choosing a preferred exam vendor for all your business.
  • You can contact your your Regional Vice President or Case Manager and stipulate that you would like all of your cases to be handled by either ExamOne or APPS.
• Instant Issue
  • In October, we launched our Instant Issue process. PLUS approved applications are reviewed for Instant Issue, and those that qualify allows TeleLife to collect the application signature and issue a policy during that one seamless transaction!

Introduction of eNoah's mobile authorization platform (eMap)

• This platform allows clients to complete and sign forms online for record requests that require special authorization.
• Flexibility and convenience of completing the processes via email and text.
• Reduced special authorization turnaround times – a 13-day time savings in some instances.
• Average APS turn-around time: 6.74 days.
• eMap Utilization: 46.43% with average turn-around time of two days, two hours.
• eMap signatures at 100% acceptance.

Product updates

• Protective repriced our Classic Choice term product six times in 2023.
• In May, by request, we launched Passport term, our simplified issue term offering.
• In August, we started allowing direct conversions for all policies within the first five years of their effective date.
• In September, we launched the Indexed Choice^SM UL in New York.
• In October, we began annualizing compensation for "controlled" (personal) business.

EZ-App illustrations
In late April, we launched our proprietary illustration platform: EZ-App. To access the web-based software, log in to MyProtective.com and navigate to the EZ App link.

Underwriting updates
As a result of some of the below changes that were made in 2023, we have reduced the percentage of APS orders by 6% in just a three-month period.

• Family history: Our Select Preferred criteria will no longer factor in whether a client's parent or sibling had an incidence of cancer, heart disease or cardiac condition prior to age 60 – only whether they died prior to age 60. This means more clients with a family history of cancer or heart disease will qualify for Best Class.
• Dual manual approach for build: We've discontinued our internal build chart in favor of using the best result from our reinsurance manuals. Now credits can be applied in some cases with other favorable risk factors.
• Senior build: We implemented minor adjustments to Select Preferred and Preferred build cutoffs for applicants aged 71 and up.
• Improvements to PLUS Accelerated Program throughput: We made some changes behind the scenes to help more cases qualify for fluidless underwriting, including accelerating more cases at Preferred rates.
• Age/face APS adjustments: We raised the threshold at which internal guidance/guidelines recommend ordering aps records, ultimately better aligning Protective with competitors and increasing underwriter efficiency/receipt to approval metrics.
• MEDI data utilization: We initiated the use of progressive industry tools and resources to more efficiently assess both medical and financial risks with less (i.e., prescription history checks, LabPiQtures, electronic inspection reports, investment statements, etc.). Underwriter assurance and implementation resulting in a less invasive experience to customers and more expeditious underwriting review and decision.

And remember, the Protective team is always there to help assist you at every point in the process:

• Three Regional Vice Presidents and their dedicated internal wholesalers, available for one-on-one or group meetings, webinars, product, and process training.
• Dedicated inbound call line staffed with 10 operators, to assist our wholesaling team (877-905-3078, option 1).
• The Resource Center staffed with 32-36 customer service reps.
• Dedicated email boxes:
  • New Business: allstateAS@protective.com
  • Resource Center: resourcecenter@protective.com
  • Life Inforce Service: service@protective.com

At Protective, we're committed to continuing to innovate and invest in new technology to improve efficiency and decrease cycle times so we can help you insure more of Allstate's customers.

Seeing the hard work and accomplishments we've made this past year makes us excited about what we can do in 2024. Keep these achievements in mind in the new year and identify ways to actively aspire for better. Thank you!