Strategies for Success with AMS360 Downloads

In the insurance world, “downloads” refer to the process of electronically transmitting policy, billing, and claims data from a carrier’s system to an agency management system (AMS) such as Vertafore AMS360. Most downloads follow ACORD standards, ensuring consistency across carriers and systems.

Now, why do downloads matter? Their purpose is to automate data transfers so agents don’t need to manually enter information from carrier documents. That’s a lot of time saved when working with everything from policy details (coverages, limits, endorsements, audits) and billing transactions, to commissions and claims updates.

In recent years, carriers have expanded downloads to include eDocs and carrier communications. This enables items like dec pages, cancellations, payment details, and underwriting messages to flow directly into your AMS.

Just like a phone call requires dialing the correct number, AMS360 must be properly connected to IVANS (or another download vendor) to receive carrier data. Let’s review how to set up your Downloads in AMS360.

Downloads require daily maintenance. When downloads cannot attach automatically into AMS360 via programmed data points (e.g. Insured name, Policy Dates, Parent Company, LOB), AMS360 will assign those downloads into a hold. The downloads will remain in that hold until someone has the issue resolved and then manually assigns the download to load under the customer.

To access the hold the Monitor Download Hold, go to Toolbox → Integration → Download → Assign Customer Policies. Visit this daily to manually assign unmatched downloads.