Chubb's Extranet Will Expand Service.

Chubb & Son is testing an extranet designed to create direct, value-added services for agents and insureds through Internet-delivered applications.

It allows agents to view policy and billing information; access claims information, including adjusters' notes, in real time; and download forms, said Donald Garvey, assistant vice president, Chubb & Son, Warren, NJ. Some of the extranet's functions are also for insureds. For example, if an insured is notified that a policy is being canceled because payment wasn't received, the customer can access billing information to determine whether the check and the cancellation notice crossed in the mail.

When agents log on to the extranet through Chubb's Web site, the system recognizes who they are and what type of information is important to them.

Chubb uses e-commerce to support global brand development; strengthen ties to the distribution system; facilitate communication and commerce with clients and business partners; extend applications to business partners; complement and enhance execution of company strategies; and penetrate new customer segments to create and develop new sources of revenue.

Deb Bronson, a senior vice president at Chubb, described the company's extranet as "a flexible, robust architecture implemented to provide a secure environment that is present, but invisible, to a broad range of customers."

Security is assured at the agency level with user IDs and passwords issued to each employee.