Verisk Insurance Solutions - Underwriting Launches New Mobile App for Vehicle Inspections

JERSEY CITY, N.J., April 29, 2014 - Verisk Insurance Solutions - Underwriting, a unit of Verisk Analytics (VRSK), today announced the availability of RISK:check^® Virtual Inspector, a new mobile application designed to improve the automobile insurance underwriting process. The new app uses patent-pending technology to enable agents and consumers to capture real-time images and information during the quote or application process. 

Many insurance companies offer mobile apps to help policyholders manage coverage, pay bills, or report claims. But few carriers have used the smartphone to improve the quote or application process with new data and analytics. "The Virtual Inspector app offers real advantages for consumers, agents, and insurance companies," said John Cantwell, vice president of auto product management, Verisk Underwriting. 

Consumers are now very comfortable providing information, including photographs, via their smartphones, especially when they know it could be helpful in a future claims situation. And insurers will benefit from real-time information, such as the exact location of the consumer`s vehicle and the ability to capture important rating and underwriting information quickly and easily. According to Cantwell, "I think we`re just beginning the journey where mobile-based images, information, and analytics will improve the customer experience while simultaneously helping insurers improve underwriting accuracy." 

A demo version of Verisk`s RISK:check Virtual Inspector is available in the app stores for both Apple and Android smartphones. The app requires a one-time registration using the customer`s e-mail address and cell phone number. Once registered, users can employ the application to "inspect" their vehicles. The new technology includes a vehicle identification number (VIN) bar code scanner and decoder. The demo application will return a real-time PDF report for each inspection to a user-provided e-mail address. 

According to Cantwell, "The demo app is a `lite` version of the technology we`ll customize for each insurance company based on product, market, workflow, and proprietary data needs. It`s intended to allow Verisk`s customers to `imagine the possibilities` of mobile image and data capture in the underwriting process." And while the demo app is designed to help determine personal auto risk, the Virtual Inspector platform supports virtually any insurable asset. Added Cantwell, "We hope our customers will have some fun with the application while considering how the technology will improve the insurance underwriting life cycle." 

About Verisk Insurance Solutions - Underwriting
A unit of Verisk Analytics (VRSK), Verisk Insurance Solutions - Underwriting is a leading source of underwriting information about property/casualty insurance risk. Drawing upon vast experience in data management, predictive modeling, and risk assessment solutions, Verisk Insurance Solutions includes the industry-leading brands of ISO, AIR Worldwide, and Xactware. In the United States and around the world, Verisk Analytics helps customers protect people, property, and financial assets. For more information, visit www.verisk.com/insurance.

Contact:

Erica Helton/Giuseppe Barone
MWW Group (for Verisk Underwriting)
201-507-9500
ehelton@mww.com
gbarone@mww.com

---

This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Verisk Analytics Inc. via GlobeNewswire
HUG#1780541

• Technology & Electronics
• Software
• Verisk Analytics

Read More

Crestbrook Insurance Expands into Arizona

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Crestbrook Insurance Company, an affluent market personal lines carrier, announced today its expansion into Arizona. Independent insurance agents and brokers appointed with Crestbrook in Arizona are now able to offer the property and casualty carrier’s products and services to their affluent clients. A Nationwide Insurance subsidiary, Crestbrook provides customizable insurance solutions for home, auto, collections, personal excess liability, secondary residences and additional exposures.

“The state of Arizona is particularly significant for us, with our company headquarters in Scottsdale,” said Crestbrook President Jim Pedersen. “As part of the Scottsdale Insurance group, it is a tremendous milestone to now have the opportunity to offer Crestbrook to affluent clients in Arizona. We are dedicated to meeting the distinctive coverage and service needs of our clients and will do so by partnering directly with our agents and brokers.”

Crestbrook debuted in Illinois in October of 2013 and most recently launched in California in March, as part of its aggressive two year rollout schedule. With products and services designed for affluent homeowners, Crestbrook aims to be a total account carrier by focusing on the individual needs of each client. In addition to its insurance products, Crestbrook provides concierge-style services and benefits such as:

• 24-hour Claims reporting
• Equipment Breakdown Protection
• Identity Theft Assistance
• Risk mitigation strategies
• Travel Assistance

“We are extremely proud of the progress Crestbrook has made in such a short amount of time,” said Scottsdale Insurance President Mike Miller. “This is a relationship-driven industry and that’s been the focus since we started building this company in 2013. To be open for business in Arizona is a testament to great leadership and teamwork.”

The company supports its independent agency partners with well-defined product differentiation, seasoned insurance professionals with affluent market experience, and a commitment to ease of doing business. In building its policy administration system, Crestbrook Innovations (CBI), the company developed a platform that allows agents to rate, quote and issue a policy in real time â€" a service unmatched by the current issuers.

Crestbrook continues to expand into key markets across the country to support its goal of becoming the industry’s top affluent personal lines carrier. The company employs nearly 100 associates throughout the country with localized claims, sales and underwriting professionals in targeted geographic regions. Crestbrook has dedicated offices in Scottsdale, AZ, Columbus, OH, Rosemont, IL, Sacramento and San Diego, CA.

About Crestbrook

Crestbrook, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a bold insurance company dedicated to the development of its associates, unlocking profitable growth opportunities for its agents and brokers while working relentlessly to meet the distinctive coverage and service needs of its clients. Crestbrook is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family, which holds an A+ XV (Superior) rating from A.M. Best and an A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s. For more information, visit www.crestbrook.com or find them on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Nationwide

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, homeowners, pet, motorcycle, boat, farm, commercial insurance, life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, public and private sector retirement plans, banking, mortgages, and specialty health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, On Your Side, Join the Nation and the Nationwide frame mark are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Crestbrook Insurance, Crestbrook, and the unlock icon are service marks of Crestbrook Insurance Company.

• Finance
• Insurance
• Nationwide Insurance
• Arizona

Read More

Car Insurance Calculator for High Risk Policies Added to Auto Portal Online

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) April 22, 2014

New calculations for insurance products are now available through the Quotes Pros website due to new technology installations. A car insurance calculator for high risk policies now exists for public use at http://quotespros.com/auto-insurance.html.

This calculator is designed to search the entire U.S. network of agencies that are positioned in the quotation system for this year. A price calculation is now instantly prepared for any vehicle owner who is seeking SR22 or other risk level coverage plans.

"Prices are one of the ways that consumers use to compare agencies for a risk level policy in the United States and our website is now making this process easier," said one Quotes Pros company source.

The intelligent calculation systems that are now installed are capable of producing more than SR22 policy pricing to motorists. Because of the range of agencies that are displaying prices, special rates for basic and advanced policy types are now offered.

"The use of our website can help any motorist to immediately calculate an annual or monthly price for a selected coverage policy that is applicable in all USA states," said the source.

The Quotes Pros company website is able to provide instant access to additional calculation systems for other coverage policies popular with consumers. The life, renters, homeowners, health and motorcycle coverage plans available can be quoted at http://quotespros.com/home-insurance.html.

About QuotesPros.com

The QuotesPros.com company is now available to help consumers quote insurance products from state and nationwide companies on the Internet. This company has privately developed location tools that are now in place on the company website for 2014 and beyond. The QuotesPros.com company is now connecting different companies with consumers to help make comparisons for health, life, renters, business, motorcycle and other forms of insurance. The private location service uses a zip code processing service to maintain the privacy available when using the open interface.

Read More

Auto Insurance Comparison for Full Coverage Rates Now Possible at Auto Company Website

Midland, TX (PRWEB) April 20, 2014

Car owners who access the research services provided by the Bright Sky Insurance company this year can benefit from a new way to search new policies. The auto comparison for full coverage rates that is now provided is accessible at http://brightskyinsurance.com/car-insurance.html.

Any driver who has obtained rates at the local level offline can utilize the new comparison feature to explore prices that are presented by national companies. The comparison feature is designed to supply a larger number of products that are underwritten by agencies offering full coverage plans.

"A car owner has full access to our research system to locate and compare prices to expand the ways to find the best discounts agencies provide," said one Bright Sky Insurance source.

Some of the advantages that any vehicle owner receives upon immediate access to the search tool this year is the sorting and privacy features. Agencies can be sorted from highest to lowest price and users of the system can search privately to find new rates.

"Our system is not currently dependent on vehicle identification numbers or other data formats apart from a basic zip code to match motor vehicle owners with different policy providers," confirmed the source.

The Bright Sky Insurance company is now in the process of planning additional modifications to the national insurance finder tools that are in use on the homepage. Apart from automobile coverage providers, a source of homeowners insurance agents are available to quote plans at http://brightskyinsurance.com/home-insurance.html.

About BrightSkyInsurance.com

The BrightSkyInsurance.com company has programmed different tools that are currently publicly accessible to research provider companies in the insurance industry for 2014. This company has opened its entire fleet of portals to the public for use this year. The BrightSkyInsurance.com company connects with various insurers to supply all of the content that is distributed using the platform now open on the company homepage. Life, auto, renters, homeowners, health and business insurance products are currently searchable and are now quotable using the available tools.

Read More

Auto Insurance Quotes - 3 Reasons to Take Them Lightly

So, you're ready to get new auto insurance. What do you do? Naturally, you get a few quotes from your favorite agent or go online to a website promising to get you the lowest prices. Unfortunately, I found as an insurance specialist, even this exercise - for smart people like you - is often a waste of energy. Here's three reasons why . . .

Reason #1: Details about your driving record are missing.
If you have noticed, most insurance quotes require limited information about your past driving history. Yet, any fool understands that the number of tickets and accidents on your plate GREATLY effect the amount you pay for auto insurance. This data is dug up AFTER you obtain an auto insurance quote and sign up with an insurer. Then, the real amount of your premium comes to light or sometimes you're even denied coverage.

Reason #2: You probably are slightly ignorant about your car's features.
Sure, you're aware of whether or not your car gets good gas mileage and can comfortably fit your family of four. However, you probably don't know how it rates with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or whether or not the safety features on the vehicle matter to an insurance company. These two factors affect what you pay to an insurance company for protection. Unfortunately, they are often not taken into full consideration during an insurance quote.

Reason #3: Auto insurance quotes are only estimates, not final costs.
As a consumer, this truth is apparent based on the disclaimers in small print when you obtain an auto insurance quote. For this reason alone, you should understand the bottom line is subject to change. Until everything about you and your vehicle is taken into consideration, you can't believe the 'magic' number given to you as a future premium. Your best bet is to think of an auto insurance quote as an estimate of what you may pay for car insurance in the future.

The above are three reasons why you should take auto insurance quotes lightly. Use them as guidelines - a way to get an idea of what you'll pay after signing up with a new insurance carrier. For more information on related topics, see Myths about Claims Insurance Adjusters and Keep Insurance Rates Low for Your Teen.

--------

Source: Self

Read More

Temporary Car Insurance for Part-Time Workers Quoted at Insurer Portal Online

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) April 15, 2014

Workers who are now working part-time in the U.S. can take advantage of a new way to research better auto insurance pricing online. The Auto Pros company has made improvements to its search tool to quote temporary car insurance for part-time workers at http://autoprosusa.net/insurance.

These rates apply to any person working less than 30 hours in a standard work week. The specialized insurer rates that can be reviewed while using the location tool are offered through a larger list of agencies. A person who is underemployed can also review the better priced policies.

"The need for different types of insurance is growing in many parts of the country as more people are exploring ways to reduce annual coverage costs," said one Auto Pros source.

The temporary rate quotes that are now supplied when accessing the insurer finder are in contrast to the regular and discounted plans that national agencies supply this year. One of the advantages to full-time workers is the comparison of full coverage and liability rates that can now be conducted while accessing the finder tool.

"The system is designed to extract quotes for licensed drivers who are able to input a zip code that can be validated to start the process of calculating prices," the source confirmed.

The Auto Pros company website is currently used by auto owners in all U.S. states to find different pricing for selected auto insurance policies. Part of the new plan types that have been added this month includes car warranty policies that are quotable at http://autoprosusa.net/auto-warranty.

About AutoProsUSA.net

The AutoProsUSA.net company has arranged all of the research tools that can be accessed on the homepage this year to supply instant data to car owners during insurance agency research. The AutoProsUSA.net company website offers its tools freely to the public as a simple resource for comparing prices and types of coverage plans that national companies supply. New technology updates have been added this year that has increased the accuracy of the search tools that are offered by this company on the Internet.

Read More

Online Insurance Quotes for Vehicle Owners Now Generated Through Auto Tool Online

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 11, 2014

Owners of vehicles in the U.S. can now use the new tools provided by one auto company to being quoting coverage plans. The Quotes Pros company is now providing online insurance quotes for vehicle owners using its open system at http://quotespros.com.

A car owner who is researching rates nationwide can now use the open system to explore the discounts that are now always marketed by insurers. The policy types that are provided for each vehicle includes liability, full coverage and other more complex options.

"The online quotes feature that is now part of our website set of tools is accessible from any PC or mobile phone in the U.S.," said one Quotes Pros source.

One of the immediate advantages that car owners who access the company system will receive is the enhanced privacy. Owners of vehicles are no longer required to input a VIN number or other identifier while exploring the quotation system.

"Our tool makes use of a zip code that is linked to the mailing address of every driver who accesses our system to continue providing a secure way to review insurer rates," the source added.

The Quotes Pros website is now offering additional quotations for different products that insurers provide this year. Aside from regular auto coverage, plans that are designed for adults like life insurance or homeowners insurance can now be quoted directly from the company homepage.

About QuotesPros.com

The QuotesPros.com company has continued its support in 2014 for American consumers reviewing and comparing insurance products on the Internet. The company search tools that are offered are capable of providing policy data and pricing without entry of personal data. The QuotesPros.com company has included auto, renters, homeowners, medical, life and warranty insurance to its portal for this year. Consumers can freely access the information using the programmed systems that now exist directly on the homepage. New content is now supplied inside of the portal each week of the year.

Read More

Car Insurance Quote USA Enhances Its Listings With Increased Opportunity for Lower Rates

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 08, 2014

Instant results in just a few clicks; that was the goal behind the new design of the popular car insurance quote site's strategy in efforts to bring consumers more efficient, user friendly ways to compare auto insurance quotes online.

Get cheap auto insurance quotes today, click here.

Consumers have a hard enough time searching through search engines for a website they can complete their research on without having to stress even more about complicated processes and forms. Now when visitors launch Car Insurance Quote USA, the message and the mission couldn't be more clear:

Find the best deals with reputable insurance companies nationwide in three simple steps.

No obligations, no sales agents, no problem.

Drivers who haven't shopped around for a new plan in 2 years or more often have an opportunity to save anywhere from 60-70% annually due to new insurance rules and personal factors that affect their insurance rates. In addition, the database has been update to reflect the current car insurance rates by state to ensure a better chance of savings.

Save more on car insurance rates in 3 easy steps, click here.

Other drivers who are more frugal and up to date with their insurance plans still can experience cheaper insurance quotes that lead to a savings on average of 30% just by entering their zip code into the sites home page.

The secret to savings is simple; an easy to use interface along with strong partnerships with leading insurance companies in the industry who have expressed a commitment to offering up promotions and discounts through the sites listings.

How does it work?

Visitors can get free no-obligation quotes in three easy steps:

1. Visit the website at CarInsuranceQuoteUSA.com and enter their zip code.
2. Select any number of insurance providers from the location based listings.
3. Apply online for quotes based on the drivers details and save up to 70%.

About Car Insurance Quote USA

Online for over a year now, the company connects consumers to a range of local and national insurance companies that provide discounts through their listings to help them save on car insurance. Continually revising their offers and discounts as well as adding new providers to keep their results at a high success rate of savings has led to them become one of the leading websites across the US for auto insurance quotes.

To try out their free service today, visit CarInsuranceQuoteUSA.com.

Read More

Automatic Acceptance Auto Insurance Plans Now Quoted for Drivers at Auto Portal Online

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 08, 2014

Acceptance rates for some types of car insurance plans can be lower based on driver histories and credit ratings, according to industry data. The Auto Pros company is now giving access to drivers to review automatic acceptance auto insurance plans online at http://autoprosusa.net/auto-insurance.

These policies are now available for review and can be compared to the success rates that drivers have with other agencies in the U.S. The insurers offering the policies can be selected from a list upon entry to the search system. Zip codes are one component now used to sort the acceptance providers.

"The insurer plans data that is viewable through our system is creating a simpler way to review prices before a consumer commits to the purchase of an insurer plan," one Auto Pros source said.

The acceptance policies for vehicle insurance that are included offer more than state minimum protection. American drivers who are researching full coverage, agreed value, high risk and non owner policies can find these plans and receive an immediate quote.

"The plans for coverage that our system presents to the public can help a person to save time during exploration of several agencies to find the most affordable prices," the source said.

The Auto Pros company has introduced a new method of searching coverage plans to compliment its auto insurer tool. A car warranty finder is now in place to allow consumers to review prices and repair insurer plans at http://autoprosusa.net/auto-warranty.

About AutoProsUSA.net

The AutoProsUSA.net company has remained one of the trusted sources on the Internet for providing insurance products quotations to the public. This company has recently added hundreds of different resources for reviewing coverage plans this year. The AutoProsUSA.net company website is now one of the easiest to use sources for reviewing company insurer information. The staff of professionals working for this company helps consumers locate all information inside a simple database platform that is currently modified weekly with new content for review online.

Read More

Mercury Insurance Giving LA Kings Fans A Chance To Win Playoff Tickets

LOS ANGELES, April 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The LA Kings are preparing for the playoffs with hopes of putting their name on the trophy again, and Mercury Insurance is sending a different pair of fans to each home playoff game when they complete an online auto insurance quote with them.

The promotion starts today, running as long as the Kings are in the playoffs. Fans can enter the sweepstakes by going to mercuryinsurance.com/Kings to receive a free auto insurance quote.

"LA Kings playoff tickets are hard to find, so we know fans will appreciate the chance to score a pair of free tickets," says Erik Thompson, Mercury advertising director. "This is one of Mercury's favorite promotions and we'll be handing out tickets as long as the Kings playoff run continues."  

Kings fans who get a quote and switch to Mercury by buying an auto policy will also get an extra bonus as a thank you gift from their new Mercury agent â€" an autographed Dustin Brown mini locker. This limited edition collectible is part of the 2013-2014 Mercury Insurance Mini Locker Series, which features replicas of Brown's, Anze Kopitar's and Drew Doughty's lockers. 

Besides its partnership with the Kings, Mercury â€" a personal auto and homeowners insurance provider in 13 states, including California â€" is a sponsor of the LA Dodgers, San Diego Padres and USC Trojans.    

ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE (www.mercuryinsurance.com)
Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization predominantly offering personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents in Florida, Georgia, California, New Jersey, Arizona, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia and Pennsylvania.  Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices â€" core values that distinguish Mercury in the marketplace.

Read More

Car Insurance Quote Tool Now Programmed for Public Use at Quotes Pros Website

Oklahoma City, OK (PRWEB) April 03, 2014

American vehicle owners who are concerned with insurance agency rates on a national level can now use the public QuotesPros.com tools this year. This company has arranged usage of its car insurance quote tool by average owners of vehicles at http://quotespros.com/auto-insurance.html.

Consumers who choose to explore the company portal for insurance agencies are presented with applicable discounts and other deals that U.S. companies are providing. The rates information that is viewable or quoted directly for the public is distributed direct from licensed agents online.

"A quote for vehicle coverage through our website is accurate due to the arrangement with each agency that we've made this year for a car owner to benefit," said one QuotesPros.com company source.

The insurer information that is gathered and put inside of the quotation tool provides a wealth of knowledge to vehicle owners. The standard rates for liability plans, full coverage and policies for high risk drivers are part of the data that can be extracted through the no cost tool.

"Drivers seeking private ways to explore rates that agencies promote in the U.S. can receive the most benefits from our system compared to calling companies by phone to conduct rates comparisons," said the source.

The Quotes Pros company has enabled use of its public tool this year to find car insurance rates in all 50 states. Different types of coverage plans apart from automotive types are also viewable when visiting the company homepage at http://quotespros.com.

About QuotesPros.com

The QuotesPros.com company is one of the newest resources that American consumers can depend on for locating and reviewing insurance products. The Internet portal that has been created this year now features completely digitized tools free of charge to use. The QuotesPros.com company is planning to add various forms of coverage types that national agencies underwrite. The company customer support staff continues to distribute support to website users unable to find discounts using other sources offline. The provider list now available on the company homepage features rated insurers.

Read More

E Insurance Companies Quotes Added to National Quotation System at Auto Website

Miami, FL (PRWEB) April 02, 2014

Auto insurers able to quote pricing for vehicle owners on the Internet have increased in size over the past 10 years in the U.S., according to new industry research. The Auto Pros company is now including new E Insurance companies quotes inside of its national tool for car owners to use at http://autoprosusa.com/insurance.

These electronic insurance providers are helping to increase the use of the public search system each day. The new range of companies is providing new data sources for the public to use while exploring the variety in insurers in North America. Full quotes in price for selected plans can now be extracted through the search system.

"The E insurers that are showcased inside of our public tool specialize in underwriting plans in all USA states to make it simpler for drivers to obtain accuracy in price quotes," said one Auto Pros company source.

The company information that is now supplied through the completely digital tool is obtained direct from agencies within the search system. A data distribution tool is now linked with each agency to ensure that consumers are offered valid plans with available discounts attached during research.

"The electronic data that is available through our search platform includes reviews of insurance agencies, prices for policies and exploration of coverage types," said the source.

The Auto Pros company has updated all of its programmed research tools in 2014 and is now one source to use for locating car warranty agencies. The warranties industry has increased in size as more used car owners are seeking better repair coverage. The finder platform at http://autoprosusa.com/auto-warranty is now activated for daily use.

About AutoProsUSA.com

The AutoProsUSA.com company is continuing its search options for the American public this year by updating its digital research tools. This company has expanded the provider lists that can be reviewed by consumers through the open access portal. The AutoProsUSA.com company is one of the resources that car owners use each day of the year to compare and sort insurance products. The company customer support staff offer immediate assistance for any promoted programs that are now marketed to the public on the company homepage.

Read More