AMS Services and The Hartford Announce Quote-to-Issue Bridge Between Products.

Business/Technology Editors

HARTFORD/WINDSOR, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2002

AMS Services and The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE:HIG) have taken another step toward reducing duplicate entry for agents. The two companies have introduced a bridge enabling users of AfW and AfW Online management systems, or AMS rating products (QuoteWorks East and West) to transfer their data directly to The Hartford's Quote-to-Issue (Q-T-I) Internet-based rating product. After a successful pilot, the bridges are ready to be released in the states of Connecticut, New York, California, Florida and Arizona (states listed in order of roll out). The new bridges, which are based on ACORD XML standards, enable straight-through processing for auto insurance from the AfW agency management system and QuoteWorks rating products. The AfW to Q-T-I bridge will be rolled out first, followed by the QuoteWorks bridge. The Hartford's standard auto and non-standard auto in certain states are the first lines of business supported. The bridge will be expanded to support homeowners in the future. A bridge with AMS's Sagitta management system is also being planned.

"Data bridges allow for what is virtually single entry, and transfer of customer information between systems," said George Thacker, senior vice president, personal insurance marketing at The Hartford Financial Services Group. "These advantages streamline workflow and speed processing for agencies."

The recent AUGIE survey revealed that 80 percent of respondents would be more likely to place business with a carrier that allowed pre-fill from the agency management system to the company's proprietary Web site, even if the price is not the lowest.

"The Q-T-I bridge is an excellent example of providing agents with a tool that they want," commented David Shea, president and CEO, AMS Services. "AMS has focused on developing tools that eliminate duplicate entry for agents. The Q-T-I bridge does just that."

The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is one of the nation's largest investment and insurance companies, with 2001 revenues of $15.1 billion. As of June 30, 2002, The Hartford had assets of $179.6 billion and shareholder's equity of $9.7 billion. The company is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; business property and casualty insurance; and reinsurance. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

AMS Services, Inc. provides software and automation services to insurance agents, brokers, carriers, banks, MGAs and other distributors of insurance and financial services. To learn more about AMS products and services, call 800-444-4813 or visit our Web site at www.ams-services.com.