Venice, Florida – June 2, 2008 – 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they have launched and successfully converted to a new software program. The software program, notably referred to as ATHIA, stands for Applied Technology for Higher Intelligence and Automation. This project has taken over two years to complete by 1st Guard® personnel. ATHIA is unique to 1st Guard® and tailored to the truck insurance industry.
“The reason why we [1st Guard®] undertook such a huge project was because we wanted to enhance our efficiency and productivity in the office which translates into better customer service for current and potential customers,” stated Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer at 1st Guard® and project manager of ATHIA. “Technology can either slow you down or speed you up depending on how well you apply it,” added Ribar, “and at 1st Guard® we are all about automation through applied technology.”
ATHIA is a next generation web application that encompasses all aspects of the [truck insurance] business. Available from any Internet connection, ATHIA transcends typical business systems by applying complex automation. 1st Guard® is well known in the truck insurance industry as the fastest truck insurance on the road and now, with ATHIA in place, 1st Guard® will be even faster than before.
Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and First Guard Insurance Company, summed it up by saying “We’ve had a leg up on our competitors for quite some time but with the launch of ATHIA, we will blow them out of the water. Everyone will benefit from the ingenious behind this software.”
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
First Guard Insurance Company Reduces Driver Error Claims By 25%
Venice, FL - May 27th, 2008 - Truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today that it has reduced driver error claims by 25% as a result of better underwriting.
After observing an upward spike in claims during the forth quarter of 2007, First Guard decided to focus attention on specifically reducing the number of claims attributable to driver error. These types of claims average over $10,000 per incident. Among other measures, the company performed an extensive review of its claim and underwriting databases. This data mining effort revealed a variety of discernible findings seemingly common to most claims involving driver error. For First Guard it then became a matter of re-working its underwriting formula to better address these themes. "We always prefer underwriting solutions to rate increases. It's better for our customers," stated Donna Fortuna, the President of First Guard Insurance Company, "obviously a reduction of this size has a very positive impact on the bottom line that will help assure our competitive position in the market."
The truck insurance business is characterized by extreme pricing cycles. Presently premiums remain near historic lows. First Guard enjoys unique standing as one of the most competitive and profitable companies in this segment. Despite the soft market the company recorded its highest underwriting profit ever in April 2008.
About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, provides truck physical damage insurance for owner operators and small fleet owners. The company is located in Venice, Florida.
After observing an upward spike in claims during the forth quarter of 2007, First Guard decided to focus attention on specifically reducing the number of claims attributable to driver error. These types of claims average over $10,000 per incident. Among other measures, the company performed an extensive review of its claim and underwriting databases. This data mining effort revealed a variety of discernible findings seemingly common to most claims involving driver error. For First Guard it then became a matter of re-working its underwriting formula to better address these themes. "We always prefer underwriting solutions to rate increases. It's better for our customers," stated Donna Fortuna, the President of First Guard Insurance Company, "obviously a reduction of this size has a very positive impact on the bottom line that will help assure our competitive position in the market."
The truck insurance business is characterized by extreme pricing cycles. Presently premiums remain near historic lows. First Guard enjoys unique standing as one of the most competitive and profitable companies in this segment. Despite the soft market the company recorded its highest underwriting profit ever in April 2008.
About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, provides truck physical damage insurance for owner operators and small fleet owners. The company is located in Venice, Florida.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
1st Guard Corporation Shines among the Lease Operators at the Mid America Trucking Show
Venice, Florida - April 2nd, 2008 - 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, announced today they had another successful truck show. This year marked the 37th annual Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, the largest truck show in the United States.
Courtney Wilson, 1st Guard’s® Director of Marketing and also a participant at the booth stated “The show was a hit for us. Despite high fuel costs and freight shortage, attendees were plentiful and our booth had a constant flow of traffic. The condition of the economy did not seem to be a significant talking point with our customer base,” added Wilson. “Rather, it was just something we all would have to overcome.”
1st Guard's® booth design enabled leased owner operators to receive physical damage quotes on the spot. The only information required for a quote was the state of residence, the year and make of the tractor/trailer, and the type of tractor/trailer. There were no other insurance vendors at the truck show who could provide such accurate information. Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance, placing coverage with their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best.
Besides the daily truck show regimen, 1st Guard® hosted a breakfast with Bill Mack for leased owner operators and their immediate family members. Bill Mack is a well-known radio personality in the trucking industry and has his own show on the Open Road channel (171) on XM satellite radio. “The breakfast allowed current 1st Guard® customers and potential customers to mingle amongst themselves and enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the same time,” noted Wilson. “There is no doubt 1st Guard® will be hosting more breakfasts with Bill Mack in the future. It was a tremendous success for us,” added Wilson. Bill Mack has a huge fan base in the trucking industry and his popularity has helped solidify 1st Guard’s® presence in the leased owner operator community. For the past several years, Bill Mack has produced commercials for 1st Guard Corporation.
Courtney Wilson was joined by Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer, Dale Pikula, Network Administrator and Ed Campbell, III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. It was noteworthy that of all the insurance vendors exhibiting at the show only 1st Guard® sent a team of top executives.
Courtney Wilson, 1st Guard’s® Director of Marketing and also a participant at the booth stated “The show was a hit for us. Despite high fuel costs and freight shortage, attendees were plentiful and our booth had a constant flow of traffic. The condition of the economy did not seem to be a significant talking point with our customer base,” added Wilson. “Rather, it was just something we all would have to overcome.”
1st Guard's® booth design enabled leased owner operators to receive physical damage quotes on the spot. The only information required for a quote was the state of residence, the year and make of the tractor/trailer, and the type of tractor/trailer. There were no other insurance vendors at the truck show who could provide such accurate information. Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance, placing coverage with their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best.
Besides the daily truck show regimen, 1st Guard® hosted a breakfast with Bill Mack for leased owner operators and their immediate family members. Bill Mack is a well-known radio personality in the trucking industry and has his own show on the Open Road channel (171) on XM satellite radio. “The breakfast allowed current 1st Guard® customers and potential customers to mingle amongst themselves and enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the same time,” noted Wilson. “There is no doubt 1st Guard® will be hosting more breakfasts with Bill Mack in the future. It was a tremendous success for us,” added Wilson. Bill Mack has a huge fan base in the trucking industry and his popularity has helped solidify 1st Guard’s® presence in the leased owner operator community. For the past several years, Bill Mack has produced commercials for 1st Guard Corporation.
Courtney Wilson was joined by Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer, Dale Pikula, Network Administrator and Ed Campbell, III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. It was noteworthy that of all the insurance vendors exhibiting at the show only 1st Guard® sent a team of top executives.
Monday, March 10, 2008
1st Guard® Hosts Breakfast with Bill Mack at the Mid America Trucking Show
March 10, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they hosting a breakfast with Bill Mack at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of this month. The breakfast is complimentary and will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Friday, March 28th at 8:00 am in room C104, located in the South Wing hall. The breakfast is open to lease operators and their immediate family members. Those planning on attending the breakfast do not have to be a customer of 1st Guard®. The only qualification is you must be leased on to a trucking company.
“This event is the first of its kind and we expect a good turnout,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “Over the years, we have developed a strong friendship with Bill Mack and what better way to bring the XM Satellite Cowboy to our target audience than to host an event at the largest truck show in the world,” added Wilson.
The complimentary breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited so it is important to arrive at the Kentucky Exposition Center is a timely manner. To reserve a spot in advance for the Breakfast with Bill Mack, call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234.
1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at the truck show all three days, March 27th – 29th. Make sure to stop by their booth, #62144 in the West Wing, for a customized truck insurance quote.
“This event is the first of its kind and we expect a good turnout,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “Over the years, we have developed a strong friendship with Bill Mack and what better way to bring the XM Satellite Cowboy to our target audience than to host an event at the largest truck show in the world,” added Wilson.
The complimentary breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited so it is important to arrive at the Kentucky Exposition Center is a timely manner. To reserve a spot in advance for the Breakfast with Bill Mack, call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234.
1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at the truck show all three days, March 27th – 29th. Make sure to stop by their booth, #62144 in the West Wing, for a customized truck insurance quote.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
First Guard Insurance Company Awards Baggett Transportation Company Fleet of the Year
Venice, Florida – January 9, 2008 – First Guard Insurance Company announced today that Baggett Transportation Company, a general freight transportation company located in Birmingham, Alabama, has won the “Fleet of the Year Award” for 2007. This is the first time Baggett Transportation has won this prestigious award.
The “Fleet of the Year” award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency amongst trucking companies and their owner operators.
“Winning Fleet of the Year is a noteworthy award for any trucking company,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “This award goes beyond achieving the lowest physical damage loss ratio. It really boils down to the structure and implementation the trucking company takes in regards to safety and compliance. Baggett Transportation deserves this award because of their strong safety measures and quality drivers,” added Campbell.
Baggett Transportation Company got its start in 1928, specializing in hauling dynamite to local coal mines in Birmingham, Alabama. Not too long after, a world war broke out and Baggett Transportation was summoned by the Department of War (Defense) to haul munitions due to its experience hauling dynamite. Baggett Transportation still remains a major hauler for the Department of Defense today.
About Baggett Transportation Company
Baggett Transportation is located in Birmingham, Alabama and hauls explosives for the Department of Defense. They also have a less-than-truckload division that hauls a variety of general commodities within the state of Alabama and other Southeastern states.
The “Fleet of the Year” award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency amongst trucking companies and their owner operators.
“Winning Fleet of the Year is a noteworthy award for any trucking company,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “This award goes beyond achieving the lowest physical damage loss ratio. It really boils down to the structure and implementation the trucking company takes in regards to safety and compliance. Baggett Transportation deserves this award because of their strong safety measures and quality drivers,” added Campbell.
Baggett Transportation Company got its start in 1928, specializing in hauling dynamite to local coal mines in Birmingham, Alabama. Not too long after, a world war broke out and Baggett Transportation was summoned by the Department of War (Defense) to haul munitions due to its experience hauling dynamite. Baggett Transportation still remains a major hauler for the Department of Defense today.
About Baggett Transportation Company
Baggett Transportation is located in Birmingham, Alabama and hauls explosives for the Department of Defense. They also have a less-than-truckload division that hauls a variety of general commodities within the state of Alabama and other Southeastern states.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Claims Division of First Guard Insurance Company Now Under One Roof
Venice, Florida (January 3, 2008) – First Guard Insurance Company (FGIC), one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles,
recently relocated their claims office to their Venice, Florida home office. Both the insurance company and the claims division now reside in the same building. “For many years we used 1st Guard Adjustment Company out of Sterling Heights, Michigan to handle all 1st Guard® claims,” remarked Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “But First Guard Insurance Company has grown to the point where it strategically made sense to have underwriting and claims in one location,” added Fortuna.
“We are a progressive company and this is the right move at the right time,” added Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Having the two power-houses of our company under one roof is advantageous for our customers because they are dealing directly with the insurance company and not the typical insurance agent. When our customers have questions, we have the answers.”
First Guard Insurance Company does not broker through agents but rather deals directly with the owner operator. By cutting out the middle-man they are able to pass on cost-savings to their customers. FGIC specializes in truck physical damage insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier.
recently relocated their claims office to their Venice, Florida home office. Both the insurance company and the claims division now reside in the same building. “For many years we used 1st Guard Adjustment Company out of Sterling Heights, Michigan to handle all 1st Guard® claims,” remarked Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “But First Guard Insurance Company has grown to the point where it strategically made sense to have underwriting and claims in one location,” added Fortuna.
“We are a progressive company and this is the right move at the right time,” added Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Having the two power-houses of our company under one roof is advantageous for our customers because they are dealing directly with the insurance company and not the typical insurance agent. When our customers have questions, we have the answers.”
First Guard Insurance Company does not broker through agents but rather deals directly with the owner operator. By cutting out the middle-man they are able to pass on cost-savings to their customers. FGIC specializes in truck physical damage insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
1st Guard® Announces Concierge Style Loyalty Program For Truckers
January 2, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they are launching a customer loyalty program for their most prestigious group of customers. The program is called the Class 8 Elite. Class 8 signifies the type of vehicle (tractor trailer) 1st Guard® insures.
“We are launching the first elite customer program in the insurance industry similar to the elite status that hotels and airlines confer on their best customers,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Corporate Communications for 1st Guard Corporation. “The goal is to recognize our best customers and support them with a concierge style experience.” added Wilson.
Class 8 Elite members will enjoy an array of perks that will enhance their experience as a 1st Guard® customer. Some of the more notable benefits include a special customer service number that guarantees their call will be answered first, VIP tickets to select truck shows, invitations to all 1st Guard® special events and access to 1st Guard’s® top executives via telephone or e-mail. “As the program grows in the number of members we anticipate the expansion of benefits as well,” commented Wilson.
“We are excited about the launch of the Class 8 Elite loyalty program,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. “We have always been on the cutting edge in the truck insurance industry,” added Campbell.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)