Flood Rating Software Provided Free to The Hartford Agents

Writing flood insurance for homes and businesses just got easier for agents representing The Hartford, the carrier said.

The Hartford has teamed with National Flood Services (NFS) to provide Hartford's agents with Flood2000 Rating Software, a flood insurance rating software application that allows agents to rate, quote, print and submit flood insurance applications. The software provides agents with a tool to perform policy endorsements and changes on their policies, as well as the ability to download their entire book of flood insurance business from NFS, and even submit new applications over the Internet.

"This release sets a new industry standard for flood rating software," said Ed Holt, information services director, NFS. "In addition to allowing agencies to electronically transmit applications to NFS over the Internet using a simple, one screen software form, Flood2000 Rating Software also provides agents with the option to electronically transmit premium payment using a credit card.

Premium payment by ACH (automated clearinghouse) transfer is available on a request basis.

"Agents using the software can dynamically access a variety of forms from the same screen - quote, standard application, preferred risk and mortgage portfolio protection plan - simply by selecting the form to be used," Holt added.

Flood2000 is provided free to agents enrolled in the Write-Your-Own Flood Insurance program with The Hartford, underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program. Updates will be provided through the Web or via diskette.

"This software is just one more way The Hartford is helping you to grow your business," said David Moore, assistant vice president of marketing strategy and communication, Agency Personal Lines, The Hartford. "Floods and flash floods occur in all 50 states and there are few duties as painful for an agent as having to tell a client there is no coverage because the incident was caused by a flood.

"We've partnered with NFS to provide and appropriately service this business with little agency effort so you can comfortably tell your clients they have adequate protection," he added.

The Hartford says it is interested in handling book-of-business transfers as well as writing individual flood insurance policies.