The Hartford Adds Gallagher Bassett as TPA Choice

As part of an effort to provide increased flexibility and choice, The Hartford says it has added Gallagher Bassett Services to the group of outside third-party administrators (TPAs) the insurer is making available to its customers.

The Hartford's Risk Management and Specialty Casualty divisions will offer clients the option of selecting Gallagher Bassett to provide claim management services for their accounts. Customers also may choose claim management services from Specialty Risk Services (SRS) -- The Hartford's own TPA -- or those provided by GAB Robins or Sedgwick Claim Management Services.

``We're delighted to partner with Gallagher Bassett to offer our customers another high-quality provider in claims management services,'' said Holly Potvin, director, TPA Administrative Services, at The Hartford. She noted that the relationship allows clients to integrate Gallagher Bassett Services' claim services with The Hartford's coverage, risk financing and value-added services.

The Hartford first offered the services of an outside TPA in May, when it signed a deal with GAB Robins, followed by a deal with Sedgwick announced in September. The company hopes to extend its TPA roster in the future to feature as many as five outside firms.

``Many of today's companies seek the flexibility to work with different organizations to meet their specific needs,'' explained Potvin. ``The Hartford doesn't want loyalty to a third-party administrator to keep customers from purchasing The Hartford's insurance and other risk management products.''

The new agreement with Gallagher Bassett is for workers' compensation, general liability and commercial automobile insureds.