BostonHerald.com, February 26, 2008
State Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes claimed a major victory yesterday when the nation’s third-largest auto insurer announced it was entering the newly deregulated insurance market in Massachusetts.

Burnes, who has come under fire for the lack of insurers entering the state market after she ordered a new “managed competition” rate system, said Ohio-based Progressive’s plan to offer passenger-car insurance starting May 1 has the “potential to add a new dimension” to choices for consumers.

CapeCodonline.com, February 26, 2008
Progressive Insurance announced yesterday that it has filed proposed auto insurance rates with the Division of Insurance. If the submission is not denied, Massachusetts consumers will be able to buy coverage from Progressive as of May 1.

This move makes Ohio-based Progressive the second company drawn back into the state’s auto insurance market since Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes began implementing a new, more competitive system last year.

Boston.com, February 26, 2008
Progressive Insurance, the nation’s third-largest auto insurer, will begin offering auto insurance to Massachusetts drivers May 1, the company said. Progressive already sells commercial Auto in the state; starting in May, individual consumers will be able to purchase policies through the company’s website, progressive.com.

InsuranceJournal.com, February 26, 2008
Progressive Insurance said it plans to begin selling personal auto insurance in Massachusetts starting May 1 if state regulators approve the company’s rate filings, which it submitted to the Bay State’s insurance department this morning.

The Mayfield Village, Ohio-based company said it will first offer policies through its Web site, and later through independent agents. Progressive already sells commercial auto coverage in Massachusetts.

CapeCodonline.com, February 21, 2008
The first round of renewal notices to reflect new, competitive rates is now being mailed out, allowing Massachusetts consumers to comparison shop for auto insurance for the first time in 30 years.

InsuranceJournal.com, February 19, 2008
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has launched a Web site that allows auto insurance customers to compare sample auto premiums – a move that the state says will help consumer find the best deals as managed competition shifts into high gear.

Worcester Business Journal, February 18, 2008
With the advent of managed competition, insurance agencies of all sizes are rushing to add more carriers and provide their customers with more plan options. But that can be particularly difficult for solo and small agencies, some of which are looking to sell their business to a larger competitor. But others say it’s too soon to decide what the new system will mean to small agencies.

We’ve been working closely with the good folks at CAR to streamline the submission of new business applications from WinRater to the MAIP system.   We ironed out a faster “streaming” electronic transfer of data, which will eliminate a number of clicks and keystrokes for you.

The MAIP system will also be able to accept ACORD XML files now (in addition to AL3 files) from vendors like us and CGI.  XML is the latest data format, allowing for a better standard and compatibility with other vendor systems.  Adoption of a standard XML file for MA Auto by more vendors and carriers means a greater ability to transfer data with greater ease and faster resolution of problems.  CAR has been extremely responsive in this development effort.  That’s a big win for agents. 

Going forward, it also means that data exchanges with new carriers or vendors and/or for other tasks (i.e. real time rating) will come to market faster. 

By the way, our data exchange with the MAIP system will take place via our new SinglePoint platform, which you will be hearing a lot about in the next couple weeks.  SinglePont is aimed at greatly simplifying and standardizing the the submission process for independent agents.

Can’t tell you how many calls and emails we’ve received over the last few days from upset agents. 

 It seems that some carrier reps are saying WinRater may not be ready for managed competition.  (Not true.)  Or WinRater may not be available until late spring.  (Not true either.)  Or WinRater may not be able to quote their rates accurately.  (Definitely not true!)

 This is not all carriers — in fact, most carriers have been really great partners throughout this switchover — but still all you need is one or two rumors because you know how quickly they can spread. 

As you might imagine, it’s been frustrating to spend a lot of our time dispelling rumors and reassuring people that WinRater will be ready.  So please keep in mind that we (Boston Software) are the only true source for information about WinRater.  If you’re hearing anything that gives you pause or needs clarification, pick up the phone and give us a call.  We’ll do our best to answer all your questions with 100% candor.

We’re right on schedule. We’re in the process of compiling and shipping a beta version of the new WinRater to our trusted group of test agencies. They’ll report their experiences, find errors, and make suggestions. We’ll fix any problems and make necessary improvements and begin releasing the software to all agents in early March, just as planned.

We’ve already done rigorous internal testing here at Boston Software so we’re confident that the new WinRater is in good shape. Remember, we’ve been doing this kind of work for over 12 years now and we’ve gotten a lot of support and supplemental information from carriers. This has been invaluable.

As you know, agents, insurers, software vendors, regulators and consumers are all venturing into unknown territory so naturally there are a lot of questions and concerns. We understand, but please be assured that WinRater will be up to the challenge.

Look for more specific information in the next couple weeks as we move through beta testing. We’ll keep you informed of our progress and we’ll begin sending out training information.