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D.A.S. Legal Protection offers app for smartphones

Press release 14 February 2012

D.A.S. Legal Protection Insurance in Germany is expanding its range of digital services for customers by offering a free app for iPhones, iPads and android smartphones. The legal protection insurer of the ERGO Insurance Group is thus developing its mobile services for people interested in legal protection.

Smartphones are now an integral part of our everyday lives. Whereas roughly 13 million Germans had an internet-enabled mobile phone in 2010, the number of users last year rose to more than 20 million. Thanks to the countless apps available, high-tech phones have become multi-media all-rounders: “We have responded to this trend by enabling our customers to contact D.A.S. Customer Services at any time on their mobile phone and to obtain legal tips“, explained Rainer Tögel, Spokesman for the Board of Management of D.A.S. Legal Protection Insurance.

Legal protection app with two main applications
‘Rund um’s Recht’ [legal advice] provides legal tips and useful information for all situations in life – for both D.A.S. customers and non-clients – ranging from the legal issue of the day, legal videos and a German legal dictionary. It even includes a legal costs calculator. ‘Sofort Hilfe’ [instant help] offers an overview of services provided by D.A.S, such as telephone legal advice or the recommendation of a specialised lawyer. As regards legal questions or specific legal problems, D.A.S. customers can directly contact the experts of the legal advice department.

The new app is available from the Apple App Store and can be downloaded free of charge. It can also be found in Android Market under the keyword ‘D.A.S. Rechtsschutz’.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Dr. Claudia Wagner

Tel +49 211 477-2980
Fax +49 211 477-1511
claudia.wagner@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About D.A.S.
D.A.S. is Europe’s No. 1 in legal expenses insurance. Founded in 1928, the company operates today in almost 20 countries in Europe and beyond. The brand D.A.S. stands for the successful introduction of legal protection insurance in various markets. Over twelve million customers place their trust in the D.A.S. brand and its experts when it comes to legal matters. D.A.S. recorded a premium income of € 1 billion in 2010.
D.A.S. is the specialist insurer for legal protection within the ERGO Insurance Group and thus part of Munich Re, one of the world's leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.das.de

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of ERGO Insurance Group. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements given here and the actual development, in particular the results, financial situation and performance of our Company. The Company assumes no liability to update these forwardlooking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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HMI has become ERGO Pro

Press release 27 January 2012

The German sales organisation HMI is now being called ERGO Pro. This change of name is the result of the restructuring of the financial sales organisation which ERGO announced to the press on 8 December 2011.

“The new name of ERGO Pro is also a visible sign for sales partners’ commitment to act in accordance with the ERGO Insurance Group’s mission statement”, stated Ludger Griese, member of the Board of Management of life insurer ERGO Lebensversicherung AG and responsible for ERGO Pro.

The restructuring will also involve a package of measures that will focus on the quality of sales advice and customer service, management as well as on culture and values.

ERGO announced in early December that it would be continuing to operate a multi-level sales organisation in line with its multi-channel sales strategy. The ERGO Insurance Group is represented on the market by a wide range of sales organisations, including tied agents’ organisations, broker sales, bank partnerships, a multi-level sales organisation and direct insurance. This gives customers and prospective clients the opportunity of choosing their own path to the company in a way that is most suitable to them.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Petra Wahedi

Tel +49 211 477-3174
Fax +49 211 477-1511
petra.wahedi@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About the ERGO Insurance Group
With premium income of € 20 billion, ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, ERGO is represented in more than 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO is one of the market leaders in all segments in its home market of Germany. More than 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or full-time self-employed insurance agents.
ERGO offers a broad range in insurance, provision and services. More than 40 million customers, of which 20 million are based in Germany alone, place their trust in the expertise, security and support provided by ERGO and its experts in the various fields of business.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

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Bortenlänger member of the Supervisory Board of ERGO Insurance Group

Press release 26 January 2012

Since 1 January 2012, Dr. Christine Bortenlänger, member of the Board of Management of Bayerische Börse AG and member of the Executive Board of Munich Stock Exchange, has been appointed a new member of the Supervisory Board of ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG.

Dr. Christine Bortenlänger has been Managing Director of Munich Stock Exchange and a member of the Board of Management of Bayerische Börse AG since 2000. Her responsibilities include Sales and Marketing, Press and Public Relations and Strategy. As Spokesperson for the Munich Financial Center Initiative, she actively moderates contacts between the financial sector and the political world.

With her wide-ranging experience and expertise, Dr. Bortenlänger is an eminent pragmatist, and brings valuable knowledge of the financial services sector to the Supervisory Board. She has replaced Dr. Karin Dorrepaal who had been a member of the Supervisory Board of ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG since April 2006. The Supervisory Board and Board of Management of ERGO would like thank Dr. Dorrepaal for her work and commitment to the company.

Dr. Bortenlänger was elected at an extraordinary General Meeting in December 2011.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Releations
Alexandra Klemme

Tel +49 211 477-3003
Fax +49 211 477-1511
alexandra.klemme@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

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ERGO extends premium partnership with German men’s national handball team

Press release 24 January 2012

ERGO Insurance Group will remain the premium partner of the German Handball Association (DHB) for the next two years and is thus its official insurer. The partners have now jointly set up the DHB’s official fan club.

The successful premium partnership began back in 2007. Dr. Rolf Wiswesser, a member of ERGO’s Board of Management in charge of sales and himself a former active handball player, is familiar with the dynamic force and speed of the game: “The players have to understand and trust one another. Understanding and trust are also important values for an insurance company in dealing with customers and employees alike.”

As their latest joint project, ERGO and the DHB have set up the official DHB fan club, whose activities can be viewed at www.facebook.com/fanclub.dhb. “We wanted to give something back to the fans after all their years of support for the national teams and for handball in general,” said Ulrich Strombach, President of the DHB. “We’re pleased that we have ERGO at our side as an active partner.”

The ERGO logo will continue to feature on the national team’s jerseys and ERGO remains the official insurer of the DHB. The insurance company has unique expertise in insuring professional sportspeople in Germany.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Dr. Monika Stobrawe

Tel +49 211 477-5570
Fax +49 211 477-1511
monika.stobrawe@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

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ERGO’s occupational disability cover gets top marks

Press release 19 January 2012

The independent German insurance analysis agency Franke und Bornberg has given the occupational disability insurance from life insurer ERGO Lebensversicherung its top FFF (“outstanding”) rating. In a complex process, analysts carried out an in-company audit of the insurer’s internal figures and the quality of its business processes. This is the fifth time that ERGO has proved its high level of competency in the area of occupational disability cover.

Each year almost 200,000 Germans have to give up work because of an accident or illness. However, since the 2001 pension reform, the state has largely withdrawn from protecting against this risk. It is therefore all the more important to have private provision on the basis of an occupational disability insurance policy. When taking out such insurance, consumers should carefully consider whom they can trust. “Securing against occupational disability is a complex area, and customer focus, experience and stability are particularly important”, stated Dr. Daniel von Borries, Chairman of the Board of Management of ERGO Lebensversicherung. “Our exceptional result in this rating shows that we are a top player and a partner that our customers can rely on.”

High customer focus
In the latest audit, analysts have rated ERGO Lebensversicherung with the top FFF (“excellent”) mark. This was also the case last year. When rating companies offering occupational disability insurance, Franke und Bornberg examines three areas: customer focus during the offer/application stage, customer focus in settling payments and the stability of occupational disability business. In the complex rating process, the experts do not just rely on the figures supplied. Franke und Bornberg also checks business processes at the company’s premises. As regards customer focus during the offer/application stage, Franke und Bornberg emphasises that ERGO Lebensversicherung has a clearly structured application form, a well-balanced cover focussing on needs and a rapid processing of applications and above-average acceptance rate.

Reliable performance
As far as the payment settlement is concerned, the experts praised the company’s pronounced customer focus, as evidenced by its rapid processing, and the clearly explained decisions and assistance received when submitting an application. ERGO also made a good impression in terms of its benefits: the degree to which time limits and individual agreements are used is lower than average. This is also true for abstract referrals, cancellations and appeals. Franke und Bornberg is convinced by the stability of the company’s occupational disability business: the agency also certifies the efficient controlling by ERGO Lebensversicherung, with which possible risks can be identified quickly. The prerequisites are very favourable for maintaining the stability of current portfolios and tariffs.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Releations
Robert Hirmer

Tel +49 211 477-6874
Fax +49 211 477-1511
robert.hirmer@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

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“ERGO Agency TV” offers convenient mobile search for an insurance agent

Press release 6 January 2012

Profiles of ERGO sales partners can now be called up on mobile devices on “ERGO Agency TV”, a YouTube portal which has been specially created. ERGO is thus setting a benchmark throughout Europe with the development of this modern channel of communication.

An increasing number of people now use the Internet when they are on the move. In keeping with this modern form of communication, ERGO has launched its own modern mobile service on YouTube. The user can search for the nearest insurance agent using the “ERGO Agency TV” channel either from a laptop, home computer or from any mobile device, including an iPad, iPhone and all tablet PCs as well as smart phones. A built-in map-aided and geo-coded search function is used to make the searches once the user has confirmed his location.

“For the first time, mobile internet users are now able to locate their nearest ERGO insurance agent using YouTube,” explained Dirk Schallhorn, Head of E-Marketing at ERGO. All agents will be shown who are in the immediate vicinity of the user. “Many agents have uploaded a video profile of themselves, enabling the user to get a first impression of the agency. ERGO is thus setting a benchmark for the European insurance industry,” Schallhorn said.

YouTube studies show that internet users often conduct online research first of all in order to obtain a personal impression before they actually get into contact with the person in question.

ERGO has also launched a major online portal with profiles of the ERGO sales force organisations. “Featuring a convenient search function, individual websites and video profiles, ERGO is well and truly on trend,” emphasised Schallhorn. “After all, digital and traditional sales are becoming increasingly intertwined. By consistently marketing ourselves on a variety of different platforms, customers and prospective clients are able to reach ERGO using all major digital points of contact.”

For “ERGO Agency TV”, please go to:
www.youtube.com/ergoagenturtv

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Petra Wahedi

Tel +49 211 477-3174
Fax +49 211 477-1511
petra.wahedi@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

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Storm damage – a case for insurance

Presse release 4 January 2012

“Ulli” is the latest storm to hit north and west Germany, with fire rescue teams being kept busy through Tuesday night as toppled trees blocked roads and railway lines in many areas, tiles tumbled from roofs, parts of house fronts fell off and forests had to be closed off. Another heavy storm “Andrea” is expected on Thursday. Gale-force winds and heavy rain can cause extensive damage to buildings, goods and vehicles. Which insurance covers the damage?

Over 70% of all storm damage concerns residential buildings insurance. Damage includes roof tiles that have been blown off and damage to chimneys, satellite TV dishes or awnings. “Residential buildings insurance covers storm damage to your home. A storm is classed as winds of at least eight on the wind scale, i.e. wind speeds of over 63 km/h. The important thing is that the word ‘storm’ is included explicitly in the policy”, explained Christian Diedrich, Chairman of the Board of Management of property-casualty insurer ERGO Versicherung.

Home contents insurance replaces damage to furniture and furnishings
If a tree damages the roof during a storm and the subsequent rain causes damage to furniture and furnishings, home contents insurance covers the costs of replacing those items – and at replacement value. Costs for damage to awnings and satellite TV dishes are also covered.

Damaged car – own damage motor insurance covers repair costs
Falling roof tiles, branches or hailstones can cause damage to parked vehicles. The ensuing costs are covered by the car owner’s comprehensive own damage motor insurance. The policyholder only has to pay the excess amount agreed in the partially comprehensive motor insurance. Partially comprehensive motor insurance is included in fully comprehensive motor insurance – and the driver’s no-claims bonus is not affected in the event of storm damage.

Damage to neighbour’s property: a case for liability insurance
If a tile from your roof damages your neighbour’s property or other vehicles, or if it injures someone, this may be a case for liability insurance. In the case of owner-occupied detached houses, private liability insurance may help. In the case of flats or multiple dwellings, landlord’s or homeowner’s liability insurance is the type of insurance required.

Flooded cellar – covered only with “other damage related to natural hazards”
Storms often involve exceptionally heavy rainfall, and flooded cellars may be the result. “In such cases, the home contents or residential buildings insurance only applies if the risk ‘other damage related to natural hazards’ is included”, said Christian Diedrich. Otherwise, both types of insurance only usually cover flooding from water mains following a burst pipe.

The “other damage related to natural hazards” clause is of key importance for the cover of privately owned property. What many people don’t know is that heavy rain causes around 50% of all flood damage. This means that buildings situated far away from rivers or lakes are also at risk. Other ‘damage related to natural hazards’ covers earthquakes, landslides and snow damage.

What to do if making a claim
In general, you must keep the damage to a minimum. If your roof is damaged, it must be provisionally sealed against rain. The same goes for damaged windows or car windscreens. In addition, the damage must be reported to your local insurance expert without delay.

The following information is useful when reporting damage:

Policy number, if to hand
What has been damaged, and to what extent?
Give initial estimation of cost of damage
Take photos of damage to show the extent of damage
Give a phone number for any queries

Free SMS storm warning
Prevention is better than cure: this is why ERGO has teamed up with the German Meteorological Service to offer a free SMS storm warning service. Subscribers to the service will receive a text message before heavy rain and severe storms, gale-force winds, extreme snowfall and black ice. This means that they will have time to make the necessary preparations in good time in order to prevent damage – by parking their car in the garage, for instance, closing windows and blinds or packing away garden furniture. If you are living in Germany and are interested in this service, you can register for free on the ERGO website: (German)

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Dr. Claudia Wagner

Tel +49 211 477-2980
Fax +49 211 477-1511
claudia.wagner@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

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