Central Mutual Launches Real-Time RatingCentral Mutual Insurance Co., Van Wert, Ohio., has launched real-time access to Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia auto rates through SETWrite, a new Web- based rating product from Rackley Solutions, Windsor, Conn. SETWrite enables agents to enter information one time into a single Web interface and receive real-time rates and related information directly from Central Mutual's site. Central Mutual will launch SETWrite in additional states for auto and home rates, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.
Homeowners Agent Directory Goes National
InsureMyHouse.com, an informational Web site about homeowners insurance, has launched an online directory of homeowners insurance agents. The directory began in Pennsylvania and now lists agents in more than 10 states. It is organized by state and then zip code. InsureMyHouse.com is also working with several insurance advisors to gather relevant information for the site's visitors, such as "Learn the Basics," "Understanding Credit," "Enough Coverage" and "Lightning Strikes."
Firstlogic Launches Data Quality Blog
Firstlogic, Inc., La Cross, Wis., has launched a new weblog (blog) to educate business and technical professionals on the rapidly changing landscape of data quality initiatives, data strategy and information quality technologies. Authored by Frank Dravis, noted industry leader and Firstlogic vice president of information quality, the blog is available at http://weblogs.firstlogic.com/dravis. The blog is designed to provide thought-provoking, brief insights on data quality and information management strategies, technologies and projects. Accessible for reader feedback, the blog is an open communication forum for all things relating to data quality, including personal experiences and commentary, market trends, answers to questions, project issues, and advice on improving data quality in enterprise data management systems such as CRM, CDI, ERP, and BI projects.
Real-Time Cyber-Threat Sharing System
The Cyber Incident Detection Data Analysis Center (CIDDAC) has brought the first test group of RCADS (Real-time Cyber Attack Detection Sensors) online at its national operations center in Philadelphia. Launched in April 2005 to protect businesses and communities from criminal and terrorist use of the Internet, CIDDAC is structured as a real-time cyber-threat sharing system to protect the nation's critical infrastructure. The CIDDAC operations center is located at the University of Pennsylvania ISTAR (Institute of Strategic Threat Analysis and Response) laboratory. Testing is being conducted in cooperation with the ISTAR lab and the FBI. Based on the data gleaned from testing, CIDDAC will refine nationwide deployment plans, with live implementations at corporate locations that participated in the pilot program.
New Hampshire Signs On to NAIC's SBS
The New Hampshire Insurance Department is implementing the NAIC's State Based Systems (SBS) for its regulatory business needs. SBS is a solution offered by the the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Kansas City, Mo., for state insurance Departments to support their company and producer licensing, market conduct, consumer services, enforcement and revenue management activities. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive Web-based application that state regulators can use to provide more efficient and expeditious license processing for producers and companies. SBS is also designed to help the states more effectively respond to regulatory concerns and consumer-initiated inquiries or complaints and remain compliant with national uniformity initiatives.
Web Conferences on Retirement Topics
New York-based BISYS has launched an interactive Web conference series to keep retirement plan professionals and plan sponsors apprised of regulations and legislation. Called ERISAEDGE, the series is hosted by BISYS' ERISA professionals. Sessions provide direct access to experienced specialists in this field and a forum for attendees to interact with their peers. A full calendar of topics includes mandatory rollovers and Roth 401(k) plans, Safe Harbor plans, cross testing, SMART plans and auto-enrollment, managed accounts, new 401(k) regulations and operational focus topics such as expediting amendment requests and conducting plan audits.
Warranty Broker Launches Quote Engine
Newark, Del.-based warranty broker AA AutoWarranty LLC has launched a warranty quote engine that enables consumers to find the best value in extended auto warranty plans for their needs. Based on artificial intelligence, the quote engine analyzes a vehicle's and owner's characteristics and weighs these against thousands of security policies based on price, coverage, term, and options to determine the best valued policies for the consumer. Consumers can then purchase the policy immediately online at www.aaautowarranty.com or request assistance from one of AA AutoWarranty.com's specialists. The AA AutoWarranty.com quote engine covers every make and model vehicle from the major manufacturers for the past 20 years, including classic, collector, and exotic cars. The quote engine's database includes thousands of policies from all of the major insurers to match these vehicles.
AAPPO Launches PPO RapidResource
Washington, D.C.-based American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations (AAPPO) has launched PPO RapidResource, a single source of information on the PPO industry. Accessible online at www.aappo.org, and free to all AAPPO members, PPO RapidResource includes market and trends reports, plus contact information on PPO organizations. The online resource has four components: a 2005 PPO Market Report; a 2005 PPO Industry Trends Report; a PPO DataSource; and a 2005 directory of operational PPOs.
Liberty Mutual Launches Group Benefits Site
Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group has launched an online source for group disability and life insurance and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) information and tools. For employers, the site, which is called MyLiberty Connection, provides a Lost Productivity Calculator. Benefit managers can access Liberty's Group Benefits InfoSOURCE application, which is designed to help them better manage their company's program by analyzing claim data and identifying opportunities for improvement. Employees can use the site to gather information and use Liberty Mutual's Life Insurance Needs Calculator. Employees also can use MyLiberty Claim to file a claim and MyLiberty ClaimStatus to check the status of their claim and track claim payments.
Blog Launched for Financial Professionals
The American College, a Bryn Mawr, Pa.-based financial services educational institution, has launched a weblog (blog) on its Web site. Known as "The Wealth Channel," this blog is designed to provide financial professionals and the public with a place to ask questions and share information. Those who submit entries or comments can choose to identify themselves or remain anonymous. To participate, visit http://wealthchannel.blogspot.com or www.TheAmericanCollege.edu.
Online Agent Resource Adds Content
DST Vision, a Kansas City, Mo.-based account management Web site for financial intermediaries, has expanded its content with the addition of the WM Group of Funds. Thirteen other management companies, including Allianz Life Variable Annuities and BB&T Funds, also have recently joined Vision. With customer account information from more than 260 mutual fund and variable annuity companies, Vision functions as an online resource for independent advisors to manage their business. Through the Vision Web site, they access their books-of-business, establish customized account relationships, access electronic statements and conduct a variety of transactions.
InsuranceNoodle Celebrates Five Years
Chicago-based InsuranceNoodle, an Internet-based distributor of small business insurance has celebrated its fifth anniversary. Launched in July 2000, the company currently processes approximately 150 new business quote requests per day, and more than 2,000 agencies across the country use InsuranceNoodle's proprietary, Web-based technology platform to write and service small commercial business. InsuranceNoodle partner agencies can provide their customers with access to 11 carriers, including AIG, Chubb, CNA, Encompass, The Hartford, OneBeacon, Philadelphia Insurance Cos., Safeco, St. Paul Travelers and Zurich.
