The Hartford Unveils Quote-to-Issue System
NU Online News Service, Oct. 17, 11:19 a.m. EST?The Hartford announced it has taken another step toward faster, easier agency interface with the introduction of Quote-to-Issue for homeowners insurance, and by establishing "bridges," or links, to its recently introduced Quote-to-Issue for auto insurance.
"Customers have come to expect an immediate response," said George Thacker, senior vice president, personal insurance marketing at the Hartford, Conn.-based Hartford Financial Services Group. "They want to be able to stop by their agency and leave with a proof-of-insurance card on their way to accept delivery on an automobile. It's all about instant service."
QTI enables such service while also making it faster and easier for agents to issue the policy, the company said.
"Quite simply, QTI is a big step toward making our processes easier for an agent [and] helping to deliver greater value to our agents," Mr. Thacker added.
QTI is now available for homeowners insurance and for standard and non-standard auto insurance to agents in 10 states?Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New York, and South Carolina?and will be rolled out to additional states throughout 2003, said The Hartford.
QTI is accessed through The Hartford's Electronic Business Center, a Web extranet used by about 36,000 producers and customer service representatives at independent insurance agencies throughout the country.
The new "bridges," which are based on ACORD XML standards, enable straight-through processing for auto insurance from an AMS AfW agency management system and certain comparative raters, the company said. Additional links are planned for later this year and throughout 2003.
"Data bridges allow for what is virtually single entry, and transfer customer information between systems," said Mr. Thacker. "These advantages streamline workflow and speed processing for agencies, giving agency staff more time for more profitable activity."
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