Chris McMahon

The connected car technology company has launched its NSpire platform, which the company describes as a set of tools, modules and programs designed to support customized telematics strategies.

With Progressive Insurance’s recent patent loss to Liberty Mutual Insurance, insurers are running out of reasons for not pursuing leading edge technologies, such as telematics and usage-based insurance, industry experts say, and recent changes in patent law are favoring those who challenge patent holders.

Allstate’s Drivewise Mobile application now features Allstate Rewards, which safe drivers now can use to earn points for deals on merchandise, gift cards and local offers, regardless of whether they have an insurance policy with Allstate.

The UK-based Insurance aggregator has launched a point-of-quote fraud detection and prevention service that combines its customer and quote database with Iovation’s Risk Solution, which assesses the likelihood of based on the current and past behavior of a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

John Vasturia was named president of Munich Re America’s specialty markets and a member of the insurer’s U.S. P&C executive board. Jill Beggs has replaced Vasturia as head of new strategic markets, which includes Munich Re America’s innovation practice, corporate communications and the U.S. P&C cross-platform team.

In addition to adding former Assurant CEO Greg Tachetti as tech leader, the personal lines insurer is realigning its business units .

Liberty Mutual has prevailed over Progressive Insurance in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. At issue was the validity of five Progressive patents related to online customer experience, insurance telematics and driving scores that support Progressive’s Snapshot program.

Brian Griffith will join QBE North America as executive vice president of field management and distribution on August 31, and will lead the strategy for all distribution channels across QBE, including major and regional trading partner engagement in the United States.

Julie Stephenson has been appointed senior vice president and chief underwriting officer for CNA Commercial; she will report to Kevin Leidwinger, president and chief operating officer, CNA Commercial, and will be based in Chicago, CNA said.

The board of directors has appointed Harsha V. Agadi, a board member, as interim CEO and will begin a search for a permanent CEO.

By streamlining, automating and optimizing Tryg's underwriting support, policy administration, claims processing and customer care services, the insurer expects to become more customer centric, agile, digital and responsive.

Members of the IAT Insurance Group have implemented the electronic signatures application in an effort to improve internal processes, ease of doing business for independent agents, and delivering a better customer experience.

Accenture describes the DISC as an innovation hub that showcases applications, Internet of Things devices, and enables clients to test digital insurance products through proof-of-concept pilots to validate offerings.

GameChanger Suite now includes features and functionality for agency administration and maintenance intended to simplify tasks such as license management, creating flexible commissioning structures, and conducting agency bank account sweep for commission payments and clawbacks.

Robin Heller has been selected as chief technology and operating officer of the IMA Financial Group Inc., an independent insurance broker. Heller will oversee strategic technology development, IMA said.

Curt Kibler will oversee the e-Business department, including development, systems operations, business intelligence and reporting, carrier profitability, project management and quality assurance. Dan Bryce, who has been CIO since 2000, will be retiring later this year.

By asking the right questions, and offering the time to understand and explain coverages to consumers, independent agents are creating value to consumers, says Bill Wilson, CPCU and associate VP of education and research for Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. In the second part of this exclusive interview, Wilson discusses Google Compare, the differences in policies, and how insurers can differentiate themselves in a crowded field.

The two companies have complementary technology for insurance, payments, risk management, asset solutions, and retail and corporate banking, FIS said.

George Rogers has been promoted to SVP at GEICO. Most recently he was regional VP of GEICO’s Lakeland office, a position he has held since 2002.

PartnerConnect consulting partners now are able to deliver cloud-based applications that combine Guidewire products with their own content and services, as well as complementary third-party products in a hosted environment. Inaugural partners include Capgemini, EY and PwC.