Chris McMahon

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.

Australian insurer Suncorp Group Ltd., has selected Solera's Risk Management Solutions platform to help manage an increasingly complex auto industry, while managing rising customer expectations, Solera said.

Jose Mercado has been named chief technology officer at Metromile, a pay-per-mile car insurer, effective immediately. Mercado will continue to report directly to CEO Dan Preston, Metromile said.

Majesco, a provider of insurance software, consulting and services, has launched Majesco Business Analytics, which the company says was built on the foundation of the Cover-All BI. Majesco previously acquired Cover-All, creator of the business intelligence application.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company, provider of workers’ comp insurance, has selected Guidewire’s DataHub and InfoCenter to support its enterprise-wide data management and business intelligence strategies, Guidewire said.

Clements Worldwide, provider of international car, property, term life, health, specialty and high-risk coverages for expatriates and international organizations, has deployed a direct-to-consumer portal using ISCS’ SurePower Innovation. The insurer completed the implementation of the policy, billing, claims and underwriting components of SurePower Innovation last year.

As direct sales, online comparative raters and insurance aggregators gain visibility in the U.S. market, independent agents continue to offer value to both consumers and insurers, says Bill Wilson, CPCU and associate VP of education and research for Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. In the first part of this exclusive interview, Wilson discusses trends in insurance distribution, the differences in claims experiences and the fact that not all policies are created equally.

American Family Insurance has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to test drones to facilitate catastrophe response.

Beyond matchmaking and introductions, Evosure said the platform now enables agents to communicate and send files and attachments directly to their underwriters. The enhancements are now live for EvoSure’s members.

Atlas General Insurance Services has completed the implementation of the FirstBest Underwriting Management System for its commercial property, commercial general liability and commercial package businesses using UMS Express, FirstBest’s accelerated implementation methodology.

The insurer, which produces as many as 10,000 documents per day, deployed Xpertdoc’s CCM solution to streamline and update their billing processes, enabling control over document content and design, Xpertdoc said.