Catastrophe models target Europe, Asia

ANDOVER, Mass.--Weather Services International Corp. has expanded its catastrophe models for Europe and launched a model for eastern Asia.

WSI PreCat Forecast Europe will deliver forecasts on windstorm numbers and locations during the upcoming European storm season. PreCat can be integrated with WSI's LiveCat Forecast Europe, which provides predictions on developing storm paths up to 10 days prior to the event.

When used in tandem, users will receive monthly forecasts from June through November, and two daily updates from October through March. Bulletin formats can be customized, WSI said.

In addition, WSI has rolled out WSI LiveCat Forecast Pacific to project the path and intensity of storms in eastern Asia.

The risk management tools were developed in response to reinsurance market demand, according to the Andover, Mass.-based unit of the Weather Channel Cos.

For more information, contact Todd Crawford, principal scientist at WSI, at tcrawford@wsi.com or visit www.wsi.com.

Assurex launches online communication tool

COLUMBUS, Ohio--Assurex Global Partners said it has rolled out an online tool to streamline communication between brokers and insurers and improve the process of placing coverage for insurance buyers.

XpertConnect is a search engine and real-time database that allows brokers within the Columbus, Ohio-based insurance brokerage's network to communicate with each other and collaborate on placements, the company said. The program also connects users with insurers in more than 80 countries, Assurex said.

Assurex teamed with Austin, Texas-based technology company ProspX Inc. to set up the platform, which will serve more than 100 brokers.

For more information, contact Ric Mazon, vp-partner development, at Assurex at rmazon@assurexglobal.com or Jill Ford, marketing manager, at ProspX at jill.ford@prospx.com.

Lockton effort focuses on outsourcing, IT risk

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--Lockton Cos. L.L.C. said it is launching risk management services designed to help firms reduce exposures associated with outsourcing and data breaches.

Both services--vendor risk management and contract governance, and designing a security breach incident response plan--focus on concerns about risks associated with outsourced and offshore business functions and information technology applications, the Kansas City, Mo.-based brokerage said in a statement.

The program includes workshops, client consultations, access to legal and security experts, and other resources to help clients develop and implement an effective risk management program, Lockton said. The program serves policyholders of London-based Ace Global Markets and Brit Syndicates Ltd. and Bermuda-based Hiscox Ltd.

For more information, contact Emily Freeman, executive director of Lockton's technology and media team in London, at 44-207-933-2224 or emily.freeman@uk.lockton.com.

Insurance Services Office adds Medicare service

JERSEY CITY, N.J.--Insurance Services Office Inc. has added a Medicare reporting service to its claims database capabilities, which it said will help insurers and self-insured organizations comply with new law.

The ISO ClaimSearch Medicare Secondary Payer Reporting service was developed to address Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, which requires organizations to report bodily injury claims filed by Medicare-eligible claimants to the Department of Health and Human Services, according to the Jersey City, N.J.-based company.

The service is available to ISO ClaimSearch subscribers and the Medicare reports will be processed on behalf of participating organizations.

The database program also has a Medicare eligibility query function, automated claim file submissions and a process to handle responses from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

For more information, contact Bryan Berkowitz, ISO ClaimSearch compliance specialist, at 201-469-3095 or visit www.iso.com.