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Progressive Deploys SSP Insurance Solution for Australia Launch
SSP Technology Drives New Market Entry
| Source: SSP
DENVER, CO--(Marketwire - February 23, 2010) - SSP, a leading global provider of solutions to
property/casualty carriers, today announced that The Progressive Group of
Insurance Companies, one of the largest automobile insurers in the United
States, has recently gone live with SSP's S4i insurance solution to support
its entry in to the Australian car insurance market. Progressive's goal was
to launch a streamlined, Internet-only car insurance business in Australia
in less than a year.
"In Australia personal lines products, and particularly car insurance, are
primarily sold direct through call centers. Our research suggests there is
a market for an online only product. We wanted a cost-effective,
best-of-breed package that would deliver straight-through processing," said
Tom King, head of international operations at Progressive. "SSP and S4i
enabled us to get our Australia program off the ground quickly and within
budget."
In under twelve months SSP developed and implemented an entire insurance
solution encompassing a fully customized Web front-end and the
configuration and implementation of the S4i back-office application for the
Australian market. It used S4i's Product Builder to execute Progressive's
complex pricing model.
Commenting on the implementation, King said, "S4i has lived up to its
reputation. Its flexibility and core capabilities were a key factor in
ensuring we completed this project on time and on budget. The combination
of SSP's experience in transacting car insurance and their knowledge of the
Australian insurance market increased our speed to market."
SSP's S4i is a highly-flexible, end-to-end policy administration system for
all lines of business, with modules including product development, policy
administration and claims management. A fully scalable, Web-enabled
solution, S4i provides a modern platform for property/casualty carriers to
manage the entire business lifecycle from a single system. With rich
functionality, S4i delivers self-sufficiency and provides a rapid return on
investment.
"Across the world we are seeing strong growth in the number of consumers
that expect more than just an online quote, they want to buy and manage
their policy 100% online," commented Andy Lovett, SVP, Americas at SSP.
"This solution allows Progressive to provide its Australian customers with
competitive prices and a fast, hassle-free self-service experience.
Customers can manage their policies in a streamlined and secure Internet
environment backed by 24/7 online support. We are delighted to have been
able to meet Progressive's aggressive timescales for this project which is
a testament to the hard work of both teams and the capabilities of the S4i
solution."
Phil Race, insurer director at SSP, commented, "SSP has immense experience
of eCommerce within the insurance arena, and a market leading solution in
S4i, which is now at the heart of over 50 insurers worldwide. It is great
to be able to project this expertise globally. I would like to congratulate
the SSP and Progressive teams who have worked very effectively to deliver
this complex and successful project."
About SSP
SSP is the international expert with the broadest spectrum of knowledge,
talent and technology for insurance and financial services, dedicated to
long-term business advantage through complete solutions. Supporting over
45,000 insurance and financial services professionals in over 50 countries,
SSP offers brokers, MGAs, carriers and financial advisers of all sizes the
benefits and security of a global business with the flexibility of a local
provider. With over 25 years experience in insurance and financial services
and 800+ of the most talented IT professionals, SSP is placed perfectly to
offer the widest choice of solutions across multiple IT platforms from IBM,
Microsoft or Oracle. SSP has a proven track record and a commitment to
delivery, giving customers peace-of-mind. For more information about SSP,
please contact Lloyd Bishop via phone 303-209-5914 or email
Lloyd.bishop@ssp-worldwide.com, or visit the SSP website at
www.ssp-worldwide.com.
About Progressive
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is
one of the largest auto insurance groups in the United States, the largest
seller of motorcycle policies, and a market leader in commercial auto
insurance based on premiums written. Progressive offers competitive rates
and innovative products and services that meet drivers' needs throughout
their lifetimes, including superior online and in-person customer service,
and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of
claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan
areas throughout the United States. For more information about the
Australia car insurance offering, visit www.progressivedirect.com.au.