Hippo’s First Connect partners with Root Insurance in the quote and link process

First Connect Insurance Services and Root Insurance said they are partnering to disable API-based quoting and tie-in capabilities to independent agents.

First Connect, a subsidiary of insurtech Hippo, is a digital platform designed to give independent agents access to some of the nation’s leading carriers and general agent management across home, auto, cyber, small business, life and specialty. The partnership with insurtech Root will streamline access to Root’s standard and preferred auto insurance in California, the companies said, with plans to expand to 25 other states by the end of October.

After an agent enters basic customer details, the new streamlined process pulls driver and vehicle data and, after taking into account state minimums and previous customer coverages, provides a policy type and deductible. Once logged into First Connect, agents can work across all their devices without having to enter additional operator credentials, First Connect said.

“Adding leading technology like Root, renowned for providing a simple insurance buying process, is a natural fit for our platform and a win for the agents we support,” said First Connect President Aviad Pinkovezky in a statement.

Root’s Jason Shapiro, senior vice president of business development, said the independent agent channel is an opportunity to reach more drivers.

The announcement comes about a week after Root and Goosehead Insurance said they would connect technologies to speed up Goosehead agents’ access to Root products.