WinRater Software for Competitive Mass. Auto Insurance Released by Boston Software

NEEDHAM, MA--(Marketwire - March 10, 2008) - WinRater Comparative Auto Rating Software for competitive Massachusetts auto insurance has been released by Boston Software.

WinRater lets independent agents quote and compare premiums for multiple insurers, including the Massachusetts Auto Insurance Plan (MAIP). It handles the range of carriers writing in the state and calculates both simple and multivariate rating.

WinRater covers all the unique discounts carriers provide under managed competition, such as loyalty credits, hybrid-vehicle and student-away-at-school discounts. In addition, the new version contains enhanced features and functionality, including an improved connection to the Registry of Motor Vehicles for validating driver, vehicle and policy information, as required under managed competition starting April 1.

"Agents expect WinRater to help them get an accurate quote quickly, so we went to great lengths to be accurate to the dollar while streamlining the workflow," said Charles Walsh, Boston Software sales and marketing director. "It's a huge challenge trying to get your arms around all the nuances of managed competition and individual carrier rate filings, but we're really pleased with this initial version of the new WinRater."

Walsh said he expects Boston Software will upgrade WinRater many times in the coming weeks to respond to the specific needs of independent agents.

Fully integrated with agency management systems and carriers' policy-processing systems, the new WinRater offers the same simple point-and-click interface and timesaving features that have helped agents achieve a smooth workflow since 1995.

Some 70 agencies statewide and various carriers tested the software thoroughly before release.

The new WinRater also incorporates SinglePoint, a new data-exchange system that streamlines new-business submissions to carriers and MAIP. After getting the quote in WinRater, agents can complete the ACORD new business application in SinglePoint, which electronically transfers it to a voluntary carrier or MAIP.

Boston Software is excited about the benefits WinRater and SinglePoint can provide agents, who can use these new tools to get their footing in the new rating environment. "WinRater is now more than a comparative rating system: It's a comparative writing system for new business," Walsh pointed out.

Based in Needham, Mass., Boston Software provides comparative and custom rating software to independent insurance agents and carriers. Used by more than 1,700 Mass. agencies, WinRater gives insurance agents an exact-dollar estimate of auto and homeowners premiums and includes sales and efficiency features to help them manage their book of business. Created in 1995, WinRater pioneered Windows-based rating and set a new standard for speed, simplicity, accuracy, and reliability.

Web: www.bostonsoftware.com.

Contact Information: Media contacts: Henry Stimpson Stimpson Communications henry@stimpsoncommunications.com 508-647-0705 Charles Walsh Boston Software Charlie@bostonsoftware.com 781-449-8585