Tag: Insurance

Correos delivers on the promise of RFID

Posted by | Nov 12, 2007 | |

Embracing technology to help monitor and improve its delivery service, Correos launched Q-RFID, a quality-control system that taps 13,000 passive RFID labels, 2,300 antennas, and more than 331 readers at the post office’s 16 APCs (Automated Processing Centres).

The largest European RFID deployment ever, Q-RFID brought together hardware from Symbol Technologies and software in the form of Sybase’s RFID Anywhere. Aida Centre was brought on as a systems integrator to build and integrate the RFID technology into existing back-end solutions.

According to Regina Defarges, project lead and organizational deputy director at Correos, the project was undertaken to help audit the efficiency of postal operations and improve delivery times by streamlining the post office’s operating procedures.

Antennas at each APC activate tags on mail and send data from the tags to readers, which in turn send the data to the main server. Business logic within RFID Anywhere then identifies bottlenecks in the system by looking for exceptions to built-in business rules. When an exception occurs — say, a letter overstays its three-hour window in one of the APCs — an alert is transmitted.

But the system delivers much more than a tap on the shoulder when the mail is not getting out. It also provides keen insights into operations, which when coupled with other systems, allows Correos to correct systemic factors that may be contributing to delivery delays.

Read More

UK holidaymakers ‘can’t be bothered’ to claim over GBP 13 billion on travel insurance

Posted by | Nov 2, 2007 | |

New figures released today by Post Office Travel Services reveal that 70 per cent of UK holidaymakers are not claiming on their travel insurance when they are entitled to and are potentially missing out on over GBP 13.5 billion.

The research shows that while 62 per cent of UK holidaymakers experienced a flight delay, 22 per cent lost or damaged luggage and 15 per cent were involved in an accident or needed to seek medical treatment, less than a third made a claim on their insurance.

When asked why they did not claim, a third of people said that the excess on their policy – the amount the individual pays to make a claim – was set too high. A further 23 per cent said they simply didn’t bother to even try to claim as it was too much hassle. Nearly one in eight didn’t even realise they could.

Holidaymakers aged between 25 and 44 were the least likely to claim, with over three quarters saying they had not made a travel claim despite having experienced something which could have warranted a policy payout.

At the Post Office customers can discuss the type of insurance they need over the counter, face to face or by telephone. This will ensure they are getting the appropriate level of cover for their specific needs. The maximum excess on all policies is GBP 50 and in the event that a customer needs to make a claim, the procedure at the Post Office is simple and straightforward. Settlement is guaranteed within five working days with a valid, fully documented claim.

Read More

Post Office launches life insurance

Posted by | Oct 24, 2007 | |

The Post Office today announces the launch of a new product into the life market, and is offering a GBP 100 cash back bonus to anyone taking out a policy.*

Post Office Life Insurance has the flexibility for customers to choose Level Term cover which pays out a fixed lump sum to the deceased’s dependents in the event of their death or Decreasing Term which is suitable for those with a repayment mortgage as the sum assured decreases in line with the outstanding mortgage.

Both products offer up to GBP 500,000 worth of life cover and people can get cover from as little as GBP 5 a month and choose the amount and length of cover they require.

The new life insurance will join the Post Office®’s recently launched Over 50s Life Cover to create a suite of life products, offering affordable and comprehensive peace of mind to customers wanting to protect their loved ones and their home.

In line with the Post Office®’s other financial policies, the new life insurance product is easy to understand and simple to apply for.

The Post Office® will be able to accept more life insurance applicants on standard terms by using an interactive application process, which will see fewer applications referred to its underwriters for a decision on health issues.

Read More

Post Office to trial Mortgages

Posted by | Sep 26, 2007 | |

The Post Office today announced it will be trialing mortgages at selected branches in the North.

The trial follows a succession of well-received financial product launches by the Post Office which is now the fastest growing financial services provider in the UK. It has already attracted more than one million customers with its easy to understand and good value products.

As the mortgage market becomes ever more complex, the Post Office is investigating the need for straightforward mortgages with good initial and long term value and no hidden charges.

Three mortgage products will be available during the trial, led by a three year fixed rate product with an initial rate of 6.09 pct. Each of the products will have a transparent pricing structure, including a low cost fixed arrangement fee of GBP 399, no higher lending charges and a competitive reversion rate.

Post Office Mortgages are provided in conjunction with Bristol and West, the Bank of Ireland’s lending arm. As a responsible lender, the Post Office will apply strict lending criteria and enforce appropriate checks before an offer is made.

The products are as follows, led by a market leading three-year fixed rate mortgage with an initial rate of 6.09 pct.

Read More

Norwich Union announces Post Office deal

Posted by | Sep 17, 2007 | |

UK-based insurer Norwich Union has announced a distribution deal with Post Office Financial Services. Under the agreement, Post Office-branded Norwich Union protection products will be available for the millions of customers who use the Post Office every week.

A 50-plus life insurance plan is the first product to be launched. It offers simple, affordable life insurance for those over 50 without the need for underwriting. A further life protection product will be launched later in the year.

David Barral, intermediary and partnerships director for Norwich Union, said: “We are delighted to announce our latest partnership, which builds on our existing relationship as the Post Office’s lead insurance provider of personal motor, home and commercial vehicle insurance.

“This is an exciting opportunity which supports our strategy to develop new distribution channels, in particular to increase our offerings direct to customers and to develop new, simpler products which are affordable and easy to buy. It will also help to close the estimated GBP2.3 trillion life protection gap that consumers have in the UK.”

Post Office director of insurance Phil Ashkuri said: “The Post Office has already attracted well over half a million insurance customers and this new launch builds on our existing range, which now includes travel, home, motor and van insurance and a payment protection policy – lifestyle protection. As with all our financial services products, our new over-50s life plan offer a simple and straightforward solution at value for money prices.”

Read More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What's the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



View ResultsHide Results

Post & Parcel Magazine


Post & Parcel Magazine is our print publication, released 3 times a year. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, Post & Parcel Magazine is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

Subscribe to the Magazine

 

Pin It on Pinterest