Hartford Small Businesses Center Online

NU Online News Service, July 24, 11:52 a.m. EST?The Hartford Financial Services Group, a provider of small business insurance, has unveiled its new Web site, sb.thehartford.com, to help entrepreneurs educate themselves about insurance before they buy.

According to Hartford, Conn.-based The Hartford, the Small Business Insurance Center explains the different types of coverages for small businesses, translates insurance jargon into plain English and provides tools to help analyze specific coverage needs, minimize risk, and even develop a disaster recovery plan.

"Small business owners have told us they want to research a product or service before meeting with an independent agent, so they can ask the right questions," said Jim Ruel, senior vice president of small business insurance for The Hartford. "Our Web site provides the tools and information they need to make educated decisions regarding their insurance and risk management needs."

According to Mr. Ruel, The Hartford worked closely with small business owners and insurance agents on the Web site development.

Key features of the small business Web site include:

? Coverage Analyzer?which provides a customized checklist of coverages business owners should consider, based on their type of business.

? Test Your Risk IQ?which lets visitors test their knowledge of common risks. A customized report provides both a score and an explanation of the correct answers to each question, as well as links to additional information on relevant topics.

? Disaster Recovery Planning?This helps smaller firms jumpstart the process of preparing a disaster recovery plan. The section provides an interactive risk assessment tool, planning worksheet, disaster planning tips and other resources from loss control experts.

? Insurance Jargon Translator?which provides legal definitions and plain English translations of insurance terms.

? Protection Match Reports?which lets small business owners review a list of coverages by key category or receive a customized report of coverages based on their specific needs.

? Find an Agent?Once business owners are ready to talk to an agent about specific coverage needs, they can access a list of independent insurance agents in their areas.

The Hartford is one of the nation's largest investment and insurance companies, with 2001 revenues of $15.1 billion. As of March 31, 2002, the company reported assets of $184.9 billion and shareholders' equity of $9.0 billion.

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Hartford Small Businesses Center Online

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