The Hartford Offers New 'Dimensions' in Personal Auto Insurance
July 10 2006 - 1:30PM
PR Newswire (US)
Company enhances its popular coverage with four package options;
provides greater choice, competitive pricing and fast quoting for
customers and agents HARTFORD, Conn., July 10
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When it comes to insuring America's
drivers, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG)
understands that a "one-size-fits-all" approach doesn't work for
everyone. Knowing customers want choice in their policies, and
agents need innovative solutions for their clients, The Hartford
announced today that it has enhanced its popular Dimensions(SM)
auto insurance program, which will now be offered as Dimensions
with Auto Packages. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051208/HARTFORDLOGO )
Introduced in 2003, and currently available in forty states through
the company's network of independent agents, The Hartford's
Dimensions auto program is one of the most sophisticated
underwriting plans in the industry. By evaluating and connecting a
broad set of different risk factors, agents can generate a
customized price, or rate, for each policyholder regardless of the
risks and rates of other members in the same household. In order to
reach an even broader range of customers, The Hartford is making
Dimensions more attractive by offering it with four distinct
package options. Each package provides a unique bundle of features
and benefits to best match an individual's insurance needs. The
program also includes improved credits and more competitive pricing
and coverage. "Not every driver has the same car, uses their car
the same way or wants the same type of protection," said Mike
Concannon, senior vice president of personal lines. "With our new
Dimensions with Auto Packages, an agent or front line
representative can provide almost anyone who walks through their
door with a quote on four different options of coverage, each with
its own level of protection and features. The process is fast and
easy, and provides customers with greater choice. In the end, it's
all about understanding our customers, and offering them something
that best fits their needs." When refining its Dimensions auto
plan, The Hartford reached out to consumers to learn more about
what they wanted when purchasing insurance through an agent. Based
on their feedback, the company learned that having a choice,
gaining more control over their policies, and having an agent
better explain their coverage options were important criteria. This
research shaped The Hartford's new auto package options, which the
company believes will help agents build stronger, long-term
customer relationships. "We think it's a win-win for both customers
and agents," added Concannon. "Customers will have choice and the
ability to work more closely with their agents, and agents will be
able to serve a broader range of drivers as their insurance needs
change over time. When you think about it, it's like we're
providing the convenience and diversity of four companies in one."
Dimensions with Auto Packages Options The four Dimensions with Auto
Packages options each come with standard features, such as a home
ownership credit, 24-hour claims service and Roadside Assistance,
and forgiveness for the first not-at-fault accident. Additional
coverage features and pricing depend on which package is purchased:
The Hartford Essential -- Provides broad coverage for drivers who
appreciate value. The most competitively-priced plan, it offers
six-month policy-terms, a choice of any limit and deductible,
multi-policy and safe driver discounts, as well as a zero
deductible for windshield repair. The Hartford Sentinel -- Offers
the same discounts and credits of Essential, plus some additional
state-of-the-industry coverage. It also provides a six-month
policy-term and a variety of payment plans. This package is an
ideal option for customers looking for a competitive policy with
convenient service and claims handling. The Hartford Sentinel Gold
-- Includes the features of Sentinel with even more benefits, such
as a disappearing collision deductible, full-value replacement cost
coverage for new cars, $100 collision deductible waiver when using
The Hartford's Direct Repair Provider Network and a $10,000
accidental death benefit. It also offers an optional 12-month term
if a companion homeowner policy is also purchased. The Hartford
Sentinel Platinum -- Building upon Sentinel Gold, it provides the
most benefits and the maximum protection, including accident
forgiveness, a renewal assurance guarantee, emergency expense
coverage and a 12-month policy term. The process of getting and
comparing quotes for these packages will be faster and easier than
ever before with enhancements to The Hartford's online
Quote-to-Issue (QTI) system for rating, quoting and issuing the
Dimensions plan. "We understand the demands on agents and the need
for their staff to process business fast and efficiently," noted
Concannon. "Our QTI technology makes it easy for them to work with
The Hartford, freeing up more time for what's important -- focusing
on their business." The newly-enhanced Dimensions with Auto
Packages program is being rolled out on a state-by-state basis. It
is currently available in the following states: IL, NE, OH, SC, TX,
WI and WY. Additional states will be added each month continuing
into 2007. In addition to the Dimensions auto program, The Hartford
also offers a companion Dimensions homeowners program. Purchased
together, they provide a wide range of protection with a premium
discount on both policies that can help agents meet their
customers' total insurance needs. Moreover, they demonstrate The
Hartford's long-standing commitment to the personal insurance
market and the company's ability to leverage its competitiveness,
financial strength and leading edge technology to remain a trusted
name with both agents and policyholders. For more information on
Dimensions with Auto Packages or the Dimensions homeowners program,
as well as The Hartford's electronic Quote-to-Issue platform,
agents can contact a personal insurance sales representative from
The Hartford or visit the company's Electronic Business Center
(EBC) at http://ebc.thehartford.com/. Customers who are interested
in purchasing Dimensions insurance coverage should contact an
independent agent of The Hartford in their area. The Hartford, a
Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest financial
services and insurance companies, with 2005 revenues of $27.1
billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products,
life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners
products; and business property and casualty insurance.
International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the
United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is
http://www.thehartford.com/. Some of the statements in this release
should be considered forward- looking statements as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include
statements about our future results of operations. We caution
investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees
of future performance, and actual results may differ materially.
Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties
that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and
uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other
filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We
assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the
date issued. Contacts: Joe Loparco 860-547-3397 Debora Raymond
860-547-9613
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051208/HARTFORDLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: The Hartford CONTACT: Joe
Loparco, +1-860-547-3397, , or Debora Raymond, +1-860-547-9613, ,
both of The Hartford Web site: http://www.thehartford.com/
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