Abstract: A method and system for retaining customers with interrupted payment streams includes identifying an at-risk-for-lapse customer based on at least one failed billing attempt. The at-risk-for-lapse customer by use of at least one communication channel. A billing information database is updated with updated billing information provided by the at-risk-for-lapse customer as a result of the communication, and a transaction record, which is indicative of the failed billing attempt, is recorded in a transaction history for future reference. This method is enabled by use of a specialized software application capable of retrieving, analyzing, and storing customer information from a central database. The software application is capable of identifying the at-risk-for-lapse customer based on certain factors, as well as selecting an appropriate customer contact strategy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for the sale of insurance products using a telemarketing system combined with a voice response unit (“VRU”) housed at a licensed agency to efficiently offer, make, and close the sale of insurance products. The direct marketing process includes providing a lead file to an agency, operating a dialer from the agency to call a consumer, obtaining an indication of interest in an insurance product using an unlicensed agent, and passing the consumer to a VRU housed in a licensed agency to offer and close sale using a pre-approved script. Also, the apparatus for direct marketing of insurance products includes an outbound autodialer, a VRU at a licensed agency, telephonic or computer interfaces, and related connection equipment.