Mass. Auto Insurance Submissions Flow With Boston Software's SinglePoint System

NEEDHAM, MA--(Marketwire - February 22, 2008) - Boston Software has introduced SinglePoint, a new data-exchange system that makes it easy for independent agents to submit Mass. auto insurance applications to any carrier.

SinglePoint creates a standard new-business-submission process that conforms to the agent's workflow. Instead of making agents log in and out of carrier websites, SinglePoint lets agents transfer complete rating data from WinRater Auto Rating Software to an ACORD new-business application.

Once the user selects the insurer, SinglePoint sends the completed ACORD app to the carrier's policy-processing system and returns a confirmation. The carrier, in turn, receives the data and maps it to the appropriate fields. Agents won't have to learn different workflows for different carriers or need to rekey customer information in multiple places.

Part of the new WinRater Comparative Auto Rating Software, SinglePoint was created in response to Mass. auto managed competition.

Users will be able to submit business to both voluntary carriers and the Massachusetts Auto Insurance Plan (MAIP) for assigned-risk policies.

"Given new workflow demands on agencies, a standardized submission process is a necessity," said Charles Walsh, Boston Software director of sales and marketing. "Agents can't afford to spend all their time navigating in and out of various carriers' proprietary systems."

Getting an accurate quote in WinRater and then uploading the ACORD app to the carrier via SinglePoint offers a superior, consistent workflow, he added. CSRs and agents can then focus on qualifying risks instead of reentering data.

More Efficiency for Insurers

"Insurers that plug into SinglePoint will give agents a simple, user-friendly process. By supporting SinglePoint they're supporting their agents in the field. These carriers should win more business under managed competition," said Walsh.

Several carriers have already signed up for SinglePoint, and Boston Software is expecting all other carriers in the Mass. auto market to follow.

"Universal participation is really where the significant benefits can be gained by agents and carriers," added Walsh. "It's exciting to see agents, carriers and vendors coming together for a common goal."

Additionally, Boston Software has plans to use SinglePoint as its real-time rating platform of the future.

The firm named Jim Barry project manager in charge of helping carriers implement SinglePoint.

Based in Needham, Mass., Boston Software provides comparative and custom rating software to independent insurance agents and carriers. Its WinRater software, used by more than 1,700 Mass. agencies, gives insurance agents an exact-dollar estimate of auto and homeowners premiums and includes sales and efficiency features to help them manage their book of business. Created in 1995, WinRater pioneered Windows-based rating and set a new standard for speed, simplicity, accuracy, and reliability.

Web: www.bostonsoftware.com.

Contact Information: Media contacts: Henry Stimpson Stimpson Communications henry@stimpsoncommunications.com 508-647-0705 Charles Walsh Boston Software Charlie@bostonsoftware.com 781-449-8585