ROLLING MEADOWS, IL--(Marketwire - Jan 17, 2012) - The Innovation Group plc (Innovation Group), a global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and software solutions to the insurance, fleet, automotive and property industries, today announced Direct General, a major regional insurer, selected Innovation Group's auto direct repair and independent adjuster services, delivered via the company's managed auto repair network (iMRN™), to enhance claims service and coverage.

Direct General provides insurance directly to consumers via storefronts, call centers and the web across 12 U.S. states. Innovation Auto services and network will further strengthen Direct General's commitment to provide fair and friendly claims service.

"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Innovation Group to further strengthen and differentiate our products and service in a growing direct-to-consumer marketplace," said Tom Kaschalk, chief claims officer for Direct General. "Their knowledge and expertise in auto claims and repair will provide our customers a superior claims experience. Our long-held commitment and culture to do right by our customers is enhanced and strengthened with the Innovation Group relationship, creating a new era of value for our customers."

"Innovation Group is excited to be working with Direct General, a company with a commitment to customer service and doing the right thing, values that are consistent with ours," said Bill Langley, Managing Director North America BPO for Innovation Group. "As highlighted by research analysts, Innovation Group's industry-leading BPO services provide our customers higher value with a predictable cost, business agility, scalability and process optimization which together provide a robust and innovative claims management services."

Innovation Group was recognized by Novarica and Celent in 2011 as a top provider of insurance-specific BPO services, including the company's managed repair network (iMRN™). The iMRN has over 2600 repair shops that meet strict guidelines relating to facilities, equipment and training, as well as performance goals for customer service, cycle time, quality estimating and repairs. Innovation's repair network offers nationwide coverage with a choice of shops, consistency and a lifetime warranty on the work performed. For Direct General and their customers, the iMRN provides access to the most trusted, reliable body shops for an accurate estimate with efficient quality repair service.

About The Innovation Group plc:
The Innovation Group plc (LSE: TIG.L) is a global provider of business process outsourcing and software solutions to the insurance, fleet, automotive and property industries. Innovation Group provides contact centers, repair networks, process management, supply chain and technology operations and decision support analytics to support accident management, repair and estimation and claims management services. Innovation Group has over 800 global clients including AXA Insurance, RSA, Encompass, b, Hertz, CNA, Main Street America Group, American Modern Insurance Group, LeasePlan, The Ford Motor Company, Aviva, Toyota and Zurich. The Group processes more than 4 million claims per year with 20 per cent direct claims cost saving achieved. Innovation Group's 2,300 people are located in the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain and United States. www.innovation-group.com