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DKV increases policyholders’ share in profits

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:52:00 +0200

Press release 13 May 2013

Today, health insurer DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung presented its results for the 2012 financial year. DKV increased its gross earnings, and raised its policyholders’ share in the profits. Furthermore, DKV introduced numerous services in order to increase transparency towards its customers. The company also guaranteed fixed premiums for a number of tariffs until 31 March 2015. DKV expects a stable development in the current financial year.

Last year DKV recorded a rise in premium income, up by 0.5 percent from 4.90 billion euros to 4.93 billion euros. Premiums were raised only moderately at the beginning of 2012.

There was a slight drop in claims expenditure which stood at 3.4 billion euros (2011: 3.5 billion euros). The technical result was up by 128 million euros to 807 million euros, and gross surplus after tax climbed to 860 million euros (2011: 779 million euros). The vast majority of this amount (760 million euros) benefits customers directly, for example by mitigating future rises in premiums. The surplus appropriation ratio was 88.4 percent after standing at 85.5 percent in 2011. As a result of this increased surplus appropriation benefiting policyholders, the net profit for the year came to 100 million euros (2011: 113 million euros). At 2.4 percent, the administration expense ratio remained on par with the previous year and the acquisition cost ratio fell to 5.9 percent (2011: 6.5 percent).

In 2012, 4.4 million people were insured with DKV, which represents a 0.5 percent rise on the previous year. Of these, 882,000 (2011: 900,000) were comprehensive health insurance policyholders and 3.53 million (2011: 3.49 million) had taken out supplementary cover.

DKV introduced numerous new tariffs and services in the 2012 financial year. Some of these were mandatory as a result of new legislative measures, first and foremost of which was the introduction of unisex tariffs on 21 December 2012. Other changes were launched by DKV in self-adopted measures. “Providing more transparency for the customer was our major topic this year”, stated Clemens Muth, DKV Chairman of the Board. This includes for example new possibilities for settling accounts online or via a smartphone, price comparison on medicines, paperless claims for glasses and the launch of the DKV tariff check. This enables customers with comprehensive health cover to check online which tariffs they can switch to, whether or not a health check is required and how much the new tariff will cost them. “The right to switch policies is an important aspect for every privately insured individual. It allows the customer to adjust their health insurance cover over time and keep it up-to-date. And we’re helping our customers to do this. To date, this service provided by DKV is unique on the German market”, added Muth.

Last year DKV continued its strategic realignment of comprehensive health insurance. “We are focussing on top-quality private health cover in unisex products too”, explained Muth. DKV had already withdrawn introductory tariffs with reduced benefits from its product range back in 2011. In terms of supplementary health insurance policies, DKV launched innovative cover concepts in corporate health insurance and introduced state-subsidised supplementary long-term nursing care insurance cover in 2013.

DKV expects business to continue to thrive in supplementary long-term nursing care cover in the coming year. “People are beginning to realise that they need to take out private long-term nursing care cover. And the state has taken a step in the right direction by subsidising this supplementary cover”, Muth added. He also expects a positive market trend in corporate health insurance. DKV will extend its range of services for companies over the course of the coming months. By contrast, new business in comprehensive health cover will slow down in the current year. This is due to risen prices following the lowering of the technical interest rate in the current unisex premiums as well as reigning political uncertainty.

DKV is able to guarantee fixed premiums until 31 March 2015 for a number of comprehensive health cover tariffs after the presence of so-called triggering factors. The guarantees include, on the one hand, all DKV unisex tariffs for adults with comprehensive health cover. Premiums have also been fixed for existing customers on the entire range of Bestmed tariffs.

In face of political demands to abolish comprehensive health insurance cover, Muth remained convinced that people will turn to private health insurance. “Private health insurance has shown its capability to reform and is thus reinforcing the dual path of the German health care system. As a result of its innovative strength and level of performance, it is helping towards everyone having access to high-quality medical care in Germany. At the same time, it is relieving the pressure on future generations. The private healthcare system will remain an essential pillar in the German health care system.”

More Information

DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung Annual report 2012 (German version)

Key figures for DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG in the financial year 2012 (German Commercial Code – HGB)

		2012	2011	Change. Prev. year (%)
Gross premiums written	€ million	4,933	4,906	+ 0.5

Claims expenditure	€ million	3,422	3,478	- 1.6
Technical reserves (gross)	€ million	32,075	30,217	+ 6.1
Provision for future policy benefits (ageing provisions)	€ million	29,718	28,147	+ 5.6

Investments	€ million	32,388	30,574	+ 5.9
Investment result	€ million	1,206	1,233	- 2.2
Net return	percent	3.8	4.2

Net result	€ million	100	113	- 11.7

Equity	€ million	507	508	- 0.2

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Sybille Schneider

Tel +49 211 477-5187
Fax +49 211 477-1511
sybille.schneider@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About DKV
For over 80 years, the DKV has been a pioneer in the industry with needs-orientated and innovative products. The health specialist provides comprehensive health and nursing care insurance coverage, as well as health care services to customers in private and state health insurance, and organises high-quality medical care. In 2012, the company recorded a premium income of 4.9 billion euros.
DKV is the health insurance specialist of the ERGO Insurance Group and thus part of Munich Re, one of the world's leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.dkv.com

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung. 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.

DKV: online premium check for policyholders looking to change their comprehensive health insurance tariff

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Press release 13 May 2013

Health insurer DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung has greatly improved its services related to switching tariffs. Customers with comprehensive insurance can now search for the best tariffs online.

Policyholders are now able to see which tariffs they could switch to in just a few clicks. Information such as whether they would need a health check and how much the new policy would cost is also provided. Individual risk surcharges or premium discounts are automatically taken into account. The tariff check is available to all comprehensive health insurance policyholders, both employed and self-employed.

“The right to switch policies is an important aspect for every privately insured individual. It allows the customer to adapt their health insurance cover over time and keep it up-to-date. We want to support our customers in this”, stated Clemens Muth, Chairman of the DKV Board of Management.

It is also possible to view the tariff conditions. Direct comparisons between tariffs will be possible from mid-June. These will list all benefits in a table in order to show advantages and disadvantages at a glance. Customers will only need to register at the free online customer portal (“ERGO – Meine Versicherungen”, only available in German).

In order to change their tariff, or to receive more detailed information, customers need only fill in the online contact form or call us. The DKV experts will give advice on the advantages and disadvantages of switching, but a direct tariff switch online is not possible. This is because customers should take advantage of our advice service in order to fully weigh up the difference in benefits or the consequences of an increased excess.

Last year, 37,000 DKV customers switched their tariff. “We have greatly increased our level of transparency towards our customers with this online tariff check, and are the first in the German private health insurance sector to offer this service. This is an important step forward and proves once again that private health insurance is capable to reform”, explained Muth.

DKV started work on the tariff check last year, along with several other online services such as uploading invoices submitted for reimbursement and their stage control, price comparison on medicines and paperless claims for glasses.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Sybille Schneider

Tel +49 211 477-5187
Fax +49 211 477-1511
sybille.schneider@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

D.A.S. Legal Protection with new legal services as from 2012

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:55:00 +0200

Press release 8. May 2013

Following the publication of its latest annual report, D.A.S. Rechtsschutz-Versicherungs-AG is able to look back on a successful 2012 financial year. Despite a marginally lower gross premium income, D.A.S improved its combined ratio and overall result. D.A.S. continued to expand its legal protection services during the course of last year.

Gross premium income fell to 521 (2011: 528) million euros in 2012. The decline is largely the result of lower reinsurance premiums from international subsidiaries and a decline in new German business. During the year under review, D.A.S. terminated virtually all reinsurance policies with D.A.S. international companies, as risk protection was no longer considered absolutely necessary in international markets and as a result of the increasing simplification of processes within the Group. Direct business in Germany fell to 419.3 (421.1) million euros.

D.A.S. improved the combined ratio (net) to 94.4 (95.3) percent. At 58.6 (58.8) percent, the net claims ratio was down on the previous year. Positive economic trends triggered a drop in notified claims regarding private employment law cover. The net expense ratio fell to 35.9 (36.5) percent, as lower administrative expenses and a decline in sales costs reduced overall expenditure. “The level we have achieved again at 94.4 percent means that our combined ratio is well below the market average”, Rainer Tögel, Board Spokesman at D.A.S. said.

D.A.S.’s post-tax result rose to 31.3 (29.0) million euros in 2012, despite the high costs of restructuring of sales within the company. Provisions put aside for restructuring the German sales organisations put a strain on the post-tax result, reducing it by 19 million euros.

New legal protection services
During the past financial year, D.A.S. successfully continued to promote its role as a legal services provider, offering its customers legal protection in addition to financial support. With its new generation of products in 2012, D.A.S. continued to develop and upgrade its products on a number of important points. New legal services were added to the range of products: “We introduced the document check to the premium product line. This allows our customers to have contracts checked at an early stage by experienced lawyers to safeguard against legal pitfalls and snares, and legal disputes can largely be avoided”, Tögel explained.

Focusing on mediation
After the law promoting mediation and other means of settling out of court was passed in Germany on 26 July 2012, mediation found itself the subject of renewed focus: “Mediation will continue to gain in importance”, Tögel said confidently. Every year D.A.S. initiates more than 10,000 mediations – primarily concerned with real estate, contract and employment law. This makes D.A.S. the largest provider of private mediation services in Germany. “Our success rate speaks for itself: of all the mediations carried out, 78 percent are successful. It is clear that a decision reached by both parties is much more stable than one that falls into the hand of an external judge”, Tögel continued. Mediation has been offered as part of D.A.S.’ services since 2005, and the company has been training own mediators since 2007.

To insure is to understand
In 2012, the structure of all legal protection terms and conditions were simplified, the wording revised and the content noticeably reduced. By omitting legal jargon and introducing a new layout, the regulations are now much easier to understand. Through its Clear-Language Initiative, ERGO, and therefore also D.A.S., is seeking to make communication with its customers easier to understand. As the first German insurer to subject their understandability to scrutiny, ERGO received a seal of approval from TÜV, an independent inspection agency based in Germany.

International business
D.A.S. is a specialised legal protection insurer and provider of legal services, operating in 17 countries outside of Germany. The international subsidiaries and affiliated companies, which operate as specialised legal protection insurers in their respective markets, increased their premium income by 7.1 percent to 698.3 (652.2) million euros. The net combined ratio stood at 95.1 (94.3) percent. Challenging economic circumstances across a large section of Europe have meant that the companies in Great Britain and Belgium have emerged again as main growth drivers. “2012 was a very successful year for us. The international market remains an important source of growth, in which we can expand our range of products and branch out into new areas of business”, Rainer Huber, member of the Board of Management at D.A.S. and responsible for the international legal protection business at ERGO explained. D.A.S. can claim a leading market position within its European home market. It is market leader in nine countries and occupies top positions in the remaining countries.

The D.A.S. Rechtsschutz-Versicherungs-AG Annual Report is available in German from 8 May 2013 at www.das.de/Geschaeftsberichte (only available in German).

More Information

D.A.S. Rechtsschutz-Versicherungs-AG Annual Report 2012 (German version)

Key figures for D.A.S. Rechtsschutz-Versicherungs-AG in the 2012 financial year

		2012	2011	Change Previous year (%)
Gross premiums written	€ million	520.7	528.4	-1.5
Direct business	€ million	419.3	421.1	-0.4

Claims expenditure	€ million	311.1	310.0	0.4

Claims ratio (net)	%	58.6	58.8
Expense ratio (net)	%	35.9	36.5
Combined ratio	%	94.4	95.3

Investment portfolio	€ million	1,198	1,275	-6.0
Investment result	€ million	40.6	37.0	9.7

Net result	€ million	31.3	29.0	7.9

Equity	€ million	256.0	256.9	-0.3

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. In 2012, D.A.S recorded a premium income of 1.2 billion euros in Germany and abroad.
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.com

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of D.A.S. 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.

ERGO lays cards on the table as second Customer Report is published - Press release 29 April 2013

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Press release 29 April 2013

What makes a good customer advisory service? How seriously does ERGO take transparency? Who actually decides the outcome of a health insurance application? Answers to these and many other questions are revealed in the second ERGO Customer Report, which has now been published.

Last year saw the release of the first ERGO Customer Report, which was based on the concept ‘designed by customers, for the customers’. The same idea applies to the second issue, which is almost 70 pages in length and focuses on the advice that is given to customers.

ERGO customers posed their questions directly to those responsible. The answers are easy to understand and can be read in numerous interviews. The first and advanced training of sales agents, the security of investments and the transparency of ERGO Group are some of the topics. Online, customers can view additional photographic and sound material in which customers and representatives describe how they met – in some cases even decades ago - and why this bond of trust lasts until today. Many figures and graphics are also included in the 2013 Customer Report, illustrating the work and processes that go on in an insurance company, such as the development of a new product.

The report also addresses critical issues, including how complaints are handled within the Company. “We attach a great deal of importance to openness, honesty and the ability to accept criticism”, said ERGO Customer Advocate, Ralf Königs. Many of the topics were selected in agreement with the ERGO Customer Advisory Board. This 25-person committee sees itself both as an instigator and discussion partner for the ERGO experts and projects within the Company.

The ERGO Customer Report is published annually. The online version is available in German at www.ergo.de/kundenbericht, where you can also order a printed copy of the report free of charge. A German version compatible with tablet computers will also be made available in May.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Jens Buchkremer

Tel +49 211 477-3012
Fax +49 211 477-1511
jens.buchkremer@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About the ERGO Insurance Group
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, old-age provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. About 48,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2012, ERGO recorded a premium income of more than18 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers of over 17 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world's leading reinsurers and risk carriers
More at www.ergo.com

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.

ERGO: Major topics addressed in 2012

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:12:00 +0100

Press release 27 March 2013

ERGO Insurance Group will be presenting its results for the 2012 financial year at today’s balance sheet press conference. The Group result stood at 289 (349) million euros after taking into account provisions put aside for restructuring the German sales organisations. At 18.6 (20.3) billion euros, total premium income was down by 8.4 per cent on last year. This was mainly due to disposals and fewer single-premium life insurance policies.

Torsten Oletzky, Chairman of the Board at ERGO, commented on the financial year as follows: “2012 wasn’t an easy year for ERGO, but we have made headway with many topics. This is also demonstrated by the pleasing rise in our operating result. We are expecting major stimuli in 2013 as a result of the launch of the new life insurance product as well as from the restructuring of our sales organisations.”

ERGO significantly increased its operating result in the 2012 financial year to 951 (806) million euros. Provisions put aside for restructuring the German sales organisations put a strain on the consolidated result, reducing it by 128 million euros. “We are satisfied with the final result of 289 million euros. After all, we would have achieved our set target of 400 million euros if we hadn’t incurred these one-off expenses”, said Christoph Jurecka, CFO at ERGO. “For 2013, we have set ourselves the target of achieving a net consolidated result of between 350 and 450 million.”

The investment result rose sharply by 27.8 per cent to 5.3 (4.1) billion euros in the 2012 financial year. This improvement was largely due to the lapse of adverse effects from the previous year. This includes write-downs on Greek government bonds and negative figures resulting from unrealised gains and losses in unit-linked life insurance. The majority of our investments, amounting to 125 (117) billion euros, have been made in a broad range of fixed-interest securities and loans.

Business segment development

In the life insurance (Germany) division, premium income dropped by 4.1 per cent to 4.8 (5.0) billion euros. ERGO is very cautious about offering single-premium policies in light of the environment of low interest rates. Consequently, single-premium policies have suffered a decline, down by 11.5 per cent to 939 (1,061) million euros. New business based on regular instalments fell by by 2.0 per cent to 307 (314) million euros. The economic uncertainty and technical interest, which has been cut to 1.75 per cent, have made themselves felt here. Based on APE (annual premium equivalent), new business was down by 4.4 per cent.

In the health division, premium income written had fallen by 17.4 per cent as a result of the sale of the international health insurance companies to Munich Health Holding AG in 2011. The remaining German business recorded a slight rise, up 0.5 per cent to 4.93 (4.91) billion euros. This is reflected by a pleasingly low adjustment of premiums for our customers in 2012. At 176 (225) million euros, new intakes were 21.6 per cent down on the previous year, which was positively influenced in particular by the abolition of the 3-year changeover limitation period.

Gross premium income written in the domestic property-casualty division was up by 1.6 per cent to 3.14 (3.09) billion euros. Commercial/industrial insurance business grew the most at 6.0 per cent. In the area of private property insurance, a 1.9 per cent increase was recorded in premiums and a 0.4 per cent rise in motor insurance. By contrast, legal protection insurance (–0.4 per cent) and accident insurance (–1.6 per cent) suffered a slight downturn in premium income.

The combined ratio for domestic property-casualty insurance stood at 95.8 (94.4) per cent in 2012. Improvements in motor insurance were up against high levels of frost damage from the late cold snap in February and some random major claims in summer. ERGO reorganised its reinsurance relationship with Munich Re for property-casualty insurance and commuted a significant number of contracts. In addition, ERGO took precautionary measures based on actuarial estimates and increased its provisions for outstanding claims in certain segments.

Total premium income in direct insurance was down by 14.8 per cent to 1.2 (1.4) billion euros in the 2012 financial year. This was mainly due to the capitalisation product MaxiZins: reduced interest rates resulted in premiums being down by 242 million euros compared with the previous year.

Gross premium income recorded for travel insurance was 5.2 per cent down on the previous year, amounting to 460 (485) million euros, because the company did not extend unprofitable contracts. In Germany, there was a decrease of 1.2 per cent, while international business declined by 8.1 per cent.

International business recorded a 6.4 per cent drop in premium income, down to 4.1 (4.3) billion euros. This was due to the disposal of the Portuguese subsidiary and the South Korean company ERGO Daum Direct, as well as fewer single-premium policies and turnaround measures. Total premium income for life insurance was 8.5 per cent down on last year’s figure and property-casualty insurance suffered a 4.8 per cent drop in business. ERGO recorded a considerable improvement in the combined ratio, which stood at 100.5 (105.1) per cent.

Strict focus on the customer

ERGO’s brand promise, "To insure is to understand", puts customers and their needs at the forefront of business. As such, clear communication and a close dialogue with the customer are very important. All customer communication has been subject to certified clarity of communication standards, and staff have been trained accordingly. The consumer standards organisation, TÜV Saarland, has given the company its seal of approval regarding easy-to-understand customer communication. ERGO is the first German insurer to be audited as an entire company on the clarity of its communication by TÜV Saarland.

The ongoing improvement in our products and services with the customer in mind is also part and parcel of our customer focus. When ERGO launched a new accident product in 2012, it was developed according to our customers’ requests and expectations, and included assistance services for different types of products. In summer 2013, ERGO will be launching a new generation of life insurance products. In this respect, the company has conducted extensive studies to gauge customers’ expectations as regards security, flexibility and earnings.

The new customer report will be presented in spring 2013. It focuses on how sales partners are to advise and take care of customers. Customers and their questions are at the heart of the report which describes how the brand promise is to be implemented by sales staff and other business areas.

“As an insurer, we depend on the trust our customers have in us, which has to be earned on a daily basis. That is the reason why we put our customers at the forefront of our actions, and communicate with our customers as equals in a clear, easy-to-understand and transparent manner”, emphasised Torsten Oletzky.

More information

Presentation press conference 27 March 2013 (PDF file)

Annual report ERGO Insurance Group 2012 (PDF file)
(German version, the English version of the annual report 2012 will be disclosed at the beginning of May 2012.)

Pictures ERGO press conference 2013
	Dr. Torsten Oletzky Chairman of the Board of Management of ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG Web - JPG - 72dpi Print - JPG - 300dpi
	Dr. Christoph Jurecka Member of the Board of Management of ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG Chief Financial Officer Web - JPG - 72dpi Print - JPG - 300dpi
	Dr. Torsten Oletzky und Dr. Christoph Jurecka Web - JPG - 72dpi Print - JPG - 300dpi

Key figures (IFRS) for the ERGO Group in the 2012 financial year
		2012	2011	Change previ-ous year (%)
Total premium income	€ million	18,562	20,270	-8.4
Life (Germany)¹⁾	€ million	4,754	4,955	-4.1
Health¹⁾	€ million	4,932	5,975	-17.4
Property-casualty (Germany)¹⁾	€ million	3,138	3,087	1.6
Direct insurance¹⁾	€ million	1,212	1,422	-14.8
Travel insurance¹⁾	€ million	460	485	-5.2
International¹⁾	€ million	4,066	4,346	-6.4
Gross premiums written	€ million	17,091	18,519	-7.7
Expenses for claims and benefits (gross)	€ million	17,556	17,369	1.1
Investment result	€ million	5,262	4,116	27.8
Operating result	€ million	951	806	17.9
Consolidated result	€ million	289	349	-17.2
Investment portfolio	€ million	125,390	117,309	6.9
Technical provisions (net)	€ million	120,859	113,977	6.0
Equity	€ million	4,587	3,827	19.9
Full-time representatives		17,862	19,087	-6.4
Salaried employees		29,768	31,311	-4.9
¹⁾ Fully consolidated Group values

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
External Communication /
Media Relations
Dr. Alexander Becker

Tel +49 211 477-1510
Fax +49 211 477-1511
alexander.becker@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

Get more from insurance – with the ERGO iPad app

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Short news 21 March 2013

Gain a better understanding of insurance with the Apple iPad. ERGO has launched a new app to make the world of insurance easier to understand. The “Understand More” app is now available to download free from the Apple app store.

Fast, simple and up-to-date apps: for people who wish to better acquaint themselves with insurance in a virtual manner, the new ERGO iPad app is an ideal way to discover the world of ERGO insurance. Animations, videos and short explanations are designed to help customers find out which insurance products are best suited to each individual situation.

For detailed information on a specific insurance topic, the app can search for local ERGO representative and help to establish contact with them. The app allows the user to send an email containing a list of preselected topics about which he would like to receive non-binding personal advice.

“With the Understand More app, we are taking an interactive approach to our brand promise, ‘To insure is to understand’,” explained Dirk Schallhorn, Head of E-Marketing at ERGO. "Our insurance products are clearly presented within the app and we also give concrete examples of how they can be used successfully in everyday life”.

The ERGO Understand More app at a glance:

Clear and concise: comprehensible information about ERGO products which are geared towards the user’s individual situation.

Use of images: realistic animations and videos not only explain the insurance products, they also allow the user to experience them in an enjoyable way.

Find a representative: the location search function (enter a postcode or name) enables prospective customers and existing clients to find an ERGO sales partner in their area.

A wealth of topics: the app user can collect and save topics which he finds particularly interesting or relevant. This collection can then be sent from the app via email to a representative or any other selected email address.

The ERGO “Understand More” app in German language is now available to download from the Apple App Store.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Jens Buchkremer

Tel +49 211 477-3012
Fax +49 211 477-1511
jens.buchkremer@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About the ERGO Insurance Group
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

ERGO updates transparency website

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Short news 21 March 2013

The ERGO Insurance Group has updated the chapter "transparency" on its german website. In this chapter, the company publishes information on misconduct on incentive trips and events as well as on allegations concerning the insurance business which had been discussed in the prublic in 2011 mainly.

Following the finalisation of an intensive review of incentive trips over a time period of 10 years, ERGO reports the results and has updated the reported cases of misconduct. In addition, the website contains up-to-date information on the measures concerning the errors in a Riester form in 2005 and corporate pension business.
More information under www.ergo.com/transparenz

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
External Communication /
Media Relations
Dr. Alexander Becker

Tel +49 211 477-1510
Fax +49 211 477-1511
alexander.becker@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About the ERGO Insurance Group
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

ERGO Supervisory Board extends contract of Management Board Chairman Oletzky

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Press release 20 March 2013

The Supervisory Board of ERGO Insurance Group has yesterday extended the appointment of Torsten Oletzky for five years.

Nikolaus von Bomhard, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG and Chairman of the Board of Management of Munich Re, said: „I am pleased that ERGO’s Supervisory Board has unanimously confirmed Torsten Oletzky as Chairman of the Board of Management for another five years.”

The contracts of other Board members that were up for renewal according to schedule were also extended.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Alexandra Bufe

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

About the ERGO Insurance Group
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

Disclaimer

ERGO Direkt helps customers save nearly 1.5 million Euros in dentist bills

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:41:00 +0100

Press release 7 March 2013

Since September 2012 ERGO Direkt‘s dental cost optimizer has been offering a free service that enables consumers to significantly reduce their dentist bills. And it works: Since its launch patients have been able to save nearly 1.5 million Euros. Now the service is even simpler: Anybody interested can download all documents as editable PDFs direct from the Internet.

Not only patients’ teeth can hurt; dental bills can also be painful. “Extensive repair work can easily cost a couple of thousand Euros”, according to Peter M. Endres, Chairman of the Board of Management of ERGO Direkt. “Usually, however, price comparisons are impossible.” Rather, patients are led to believe that dentists’ prices are somehow non-negotiable. To create more transparency ERGO Direkt started the dental cost optimizer half a year ago. Through the direct insurer anybody is able to obtain alternative quotations for necessary dental treatment, anonymously and free of charge. In this way thousands of Euros can be saved on extensive treatments. “So far, the patients have had the chance to save a total of nearly 1.5 million Euros,” Endres is happy to say.

All the patients need to do is send a copy of their treatment and cost plan to ERGO Direkt. After anonymising the data the direct insurer then collects alternative quotations from registered dentists in the vicinity of the patient through its partner “2te-Zahnarztmeinung.de” (second dentist's opinion). Meanwhile, participating has become even easier. “Anybody interested can simply download all documents as editable PDFs direct from our website on the Internet”, Endres reports. Since the beginning of March this innovative service has also been advertised on nationwide TV.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Direkt Versicherungen
Corporate Communications
Frank Roth

Tel +49 911 148-1873
Fax +49 800 701-1111
frank.roth@ergodirekt.de
presseservice@ergodirekt.de

About the ERGO Direct Insurance
With over 4.4 million customers ERGO Direkt is Germany‘s most popular direct insurer. The company specializes in simple, easy-to-understand products belonging to the standard requirements of private households. Important products in this context are supplementary dental insurance, longterm care daily benefits, term life insurance and funeral expenses cover. Lean processes and fast processing enable it to offer attractive premiums. Since its foundation the company has been enjoying steady and above-average growth. Today, around 1,900 employees work at the facility in Nuremberg/Fuerth. ERGO Direkt is part of the ERGO Insurance group and thus of Munich Re, one of the leading reinsurers and risk carriers worldwide.
More at www.ergodirekt.de

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of ERGO Direct Insurance. 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.

“Clear Language Initiative” put to test: ERGO awarded TÜV seal

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Press release 6 March 2013

ERGO Insurance Group has achieved an important milestone on its path to increased comprehensibility: The German regional inspection agency TÜV Saarland has certified the Company with its seal exceptionally clear communication with customers. ERGO is the first insurer in Germany to be certified as an entire company in terms of clarity and comprehensibility by TÜV Saarland.

The certification was preceded by a lengthy investigative process which took almost a year to complete. TÜV Saarland analysed processes and procedures with which ERGO intends to permanently incorporate and promote the use of clear language within the Company. Contextual analyses also formed part of this process. The inspectors evaluated how easy policies, product information, letters to customers and other ERGO documents were to understand. To this end, the external inspectors, among them communication experts, examined an extensive sample of texts ranging from insurance terms to benefit settlements. In addition, they listened to conversations with customers to determine whether or not all points were explained in a comprehensible manner for the customers. In connection with the TÜV seal for “Understandable communication”, ERGO received the grade “good” (2.07).

“We have reached a milestone with this seal, whilst at the same time it is also good motivation for us to improve further”, said Dr. Torsten Oletzky, Chairman of the Board of Management at ERGO Insurance Group. “This award does not mean that everything at ERGO is already perfect in terms of clarity and comprehensibility. The feedback from TÜV Saarland showed us where there is still room for improvement.” Not all documents and printed matter fulfil the clear text requirements yet, for example.

For TÜV Saarland, certifying ERGO was a pilot project: it is the first time that the inspection agency has examined and evaluated the comprehensibility of an entire company and all its products. Karsten Düh, Sales Manager at TÜV Saarland, explained: “Not only did we evaluate certain documents, we observed the entire process which aims at leading to understandable customer communication and permanently increased clarity within the company.”

Professor Frank Brettschneider, Professor of Communication Science at the University of Hohenheim, is convinced that there is no alternative but to increase clarity within communication: “Many insurers and banks are still squandering opportunities for active, transparent and clear communication with their customers. Indeed, how easy something is to understand has become an important factor of competition. ERGO has taken the right path in this respect.”

ERGO has committed itself to the claim “To insure is to understand” and launched a major change process within the Company. One of these projects is the Clear Language Initiative which started at the beginning of 2011. It requires ERGO to communicate clearly and in an understandable manner across the entire Company – be it through simpler insurance terms and product information, or by adhering to compulsory guidelines for correspondence. More than 90 percent of all standard letters have already been revised accordingly by the Company, amounting to a total of nearly 29 million documents. Every staff member at ERGO in Germany now has access to special software which helps them to check how understandable a text is. “The ERGO Customer Advocate will be centrally responsible for clarity and comprehensibility. Together with his team, the ERGO Customer Advocate will ensure that the rules are adhered to, and will develop and implement additional initiatives. The goal is to become even clearer”, Torsten Oletzky announced.

TÜV Saarland will continue to regularly assess the results and successes. The seal is valid for two years, during which time TÜV Saarland will check if and how ERGO is progressing.

Photographs from the award will be available for download in the online-version of this press release within short time.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Jens Buchkremer

Tel +49 211 477-3012
Fax +49 211 477-1511
jens.buchkremer@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About the ERGO Insurance Group
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

ERGO wins “Deutscher Servicepreis 2013” for consulting services

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Short news 6 February 2013

ERGO Insurance Group is among the winners of the German Service Award 2013, awarded for the third time by DISQ, the German Institute for Quality in Services, in collaboration with the German television network n-tv.

Nearly 50 studies of various industries, as well as the results of over 500 companies in 2012, were analysed by the institute in order to establish the companies with the highest quality of service broken down into eleven categories.

Within the category ‘Insurance’, ERGO won second place for its personal consultations, thanks to its high level of competence in delivering customer solutions.

“This award demonstrates that we are on the right path towards realising our brand promise ‘to insure means to understand’, said Dr Rolf Wiswesser, member of the Board of Management responsible for sales in Germany. “It serves to confirm the daily work of our sales partners in Germany. A good consultation should be tailored to the customers’ needs in any situation. We place this understanding at the forefront of our work.”

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
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

Standard & Poor’s rating: A+ (stable) for German legal protection insurer D.A.S.

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Press release 31 January 2013

The rating agency Standard & Poor’s has given D.A.S. Rechtsschutz-Versicherungs-AG an A+ rating with a “stable” outlook for the fourth time in succession. The strategic importance of D.A.S. for Munich Re is highlighted by Standard & Poor’s as the most significant factor in its justification for the rating. D.A.S. Austria has also been given an A (“stable”) rating.

Further factors positively influencing the rating are the strong competitive position of D.A.S. as market leader, both in Germany and throughout Europe, as well as its strong equity position and profitability. Although the German market is saturated and highly competitive, thus offering only limited growth prospects, D.A.S. has nevertheless positioned itself with the expansion of its additional products as both a provider of legal services and a legal protection insurer, giving it an edge over its competitors. Standard & Poor’s also positively stressed the company’s provision of legal consultancy services, mediation and debt collection services for commercial customers. “As a result of our long-standing legal expertise, we are able to offer our customers innovative services and products. Mediation is increasingly becoming a valid alternative to legal representation when faced with adversary proceedings. The satisfaction of our customers demonstrates that a quick, comprehensive and sustainable resolution to conflict through a consensual approach is, in many cases, much more successful in the long term than adversary, legal proceedings”, explained Rainer Tögel, Board Spokesperson for D.A.S.

As far as international business is concerned, D.A.S. has demonstrated strong growth with stable profitability for years according to the rating report. D.A.S. also benefits from marketing and cross-selling opportunities within the ERGO Insurance Group.

Thanks to a strong equity position and a high level of profitability, D.A.S. Austria has been able to claim second place in a very competitive market, recording a market share of 14%.

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. In 2011, D.A.S. recorded a premium income of € 1 billion in Germany and abroad.
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.com

Adequate cover for valuables in safe deposit boxes and safes

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Press release 23 January 2013

Since the beginning of the financial crisis, demand for safe deposit boxes and safes has increased significantly. In times of insecurity, people place their trust mainly in tangible assets such as jewellery, gold and valuable documents. They need to be deposited safely and adequately insured.

Safe deposit boxes
Nowhere is 100 percent safe – even bank vaults can fall victim to thieves or fire. Many customers store important papers, jewellery, gold and cash in banks, yet the content of a safe deposit box is not automatically insured by the rental fee. Depending on the bank, the insurance cover of a safe deposit box is limited to figures between 5,000 and 20,000 euros. When renting a safe deposit box, customers need to pay attention to the amount for which valuables can be replaced and whether or not the depositing of cash is permissible.

Household contents insurance covers the value of a bank safe deposit box up to 15,000 euros, whilst those with a special customer deposit box insurance can insure the contents to a value of 500,000 euros. This additional insurance only extends to the amount not covered by the bank's liability. “With regard to household contents and deposit box insurance, the contents of a safe deposit box are always insured, including any cash that is stored inside. Damage caused by fire, break-ins or theft is also covered”, Frank Sievers, Board member responsible for private customers at property-casualty insurer ERGO Versicherung explained. It is down to the customer to prove the contents of the safe deposit box. “Customers should keep a record of their deposit box, documenting the valuables stored inside. With regard to jewellery, for example, this can be done through photographs, bills and professional reports”, said Sievers.

Safes
With a total of 132,595 property break-ins recorded in Germany in 2011, crime statistics were up 9.3 percent compared with the previous year. Those who wish to keep their valuables at home should first seek advice from their insurer. Should the value of the household contents significantly increase, then the amount insured needs to be adjusted to prevent the customer from possessing inadequate cover. For items of greater value, such as cash, jewellery, coins or important documents, it can be worth acquiring a safe. With ERGO, valuables are covered up to 25 percent of the sum insured. Should cash be kept outside of a safe, however, then only amounts totalling no more than 1,500 euros are insured.

Please note: a safe should be built into the brickwork or floor to prevent it from being easily transported. Choosing the right safe depends on the value of the insured items. Experts in the insurance sector assist customers in selecting the correct safe, based on the items that are to be stored inside. “A safe alone, however, is not enough. The homeowner should always ensure doors and windows are protected against break-ins and think about installing an alarm system”, Sievers continued. “Ultimately, it is not only important to ensure the contents of the safe are protected, but it is arguably much more important to prevent thieves from entering the property in the first place.”

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 the ERGO Versicherung
With premium income of 2.7 billion euros in 2011, ERGO Versicherung ranks among the leading property-casualty insurers on the German market. The company offers a broad range of products and services for private, commercial and industrial customers. Its certified claims management ensures rapid handling of loss reports. ERGO Versicherung which formerly operated under the name Victoria is the largest property-casualty insurer of the ERGO Insurance Group with over 150 years of experience.
As a company of the ERGO Insurance Group, ERGO Versicherung is also a part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.de

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of ERGO Versicherung. 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.

Top marks again for occupational disability insurance from ERGO

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Press release 23 January 2013

For the sixth time, German life insurer ERGO Lebensversicherung has proven its expertise and reliability with its occupational disability cover. The independent insurance analysis agency Franke und Bornberg has given the occupational disability insurance from ERGO Lebensversicherung its top FFF (“outstanding”) rating.

Occupational disability cover is a complex business segment, where customer orientation, experience and stability all have an especially important role to play. Just how a provider overcomes these challenges is shown in the annual occupational disability rating carried out by Franke und Bornberg. Figures alone will not get an insurer very far in this demanding process since experts also check business processes on-site at the company’s premises. Only a few insurers are ready to face the strict requirements of the occupational disability rating.

Reliable partner
In 2013, ERGO was awarded the highest mark of FFF (“outstanding”) in the aforementioned rating, where for the sixth time, ERGO has demonstrated its high level of expertise when it comes to occupational disability cover. “We are very proud of this string of success”, said Dr. Daniel von Borries, Chairman of the Board of Management at ERGO Lebensversicherung. “It shows that our customers have found a reliable partner in ERGO who can always be depended upon.”

Exceptional performance
Three areas are tested as part of the occupational disability rating procedure: customer orientation in settling benefits, customer orientation in the offer and application stage and the stability of occupational disability business. Franke und Bornberg were impressed by ERGO’s benefit settlement: the evaluation of one hundred randomly selected occupational disability insured events demonstrated the high quality of processing, customer support and benefit-related decisions.

Clear statements
During the offer and application stage, the analysts were particularly impressed with the customer-focused and clearly laid-out insurance application and declaration of health. The material is presented in clear language and puts the ERGO claim “To insure is to understand” into practice.

Long-term stability
Franke und Bornberg are in no doubt of the stability of occupational disability business: the analysts attest to the efficient controlling of ERGO with which possible risks can be identified quickly. They also judged conditions to stably manage portfolios and tariffs over a long period of time to be very good.

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

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

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of ERGO Lebensversicherung. 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.

Is it better to die than live with Alzheimer’s?

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Press release 17 January 2013

The majority of German citizens (53 per cent) would prefer to die earlier than live with Alzheimer’s. These were the findings of a representative survey carried out on behalf of the German health insurer DKV on 2,000 people under 66 years of age.

The results showed that fear of contracting the disease increases as people get older. Whilst 47 per cent of those under 30 stated they would not wish to continue living with Alzheimer’s, this figure rose to 59 per cent amongst people over 45 years of age. A quarter of those interviewed contradicted the above statement, declaring they would still prefer to live longer, even with Alzheimer’s.

“The media tends to report horror stories about people with Alzheimer’s who have lost their personality and memory”, said Professor Bernd Reuschenbach, gerontologist and healthcare researcher at the Katholische Stiftungsfachschule München [University of Applied Sciences, Munich]. “These stories are true, but they remain only a part of the truth.” Reuschenbach is calling for a change in attitude towards the disease. “People suffering from Alzheimer’s who receive a high standard of care from relatives or nursing staff can still lead a happy and fulfilling life.”

Studies have shown that a visit from a close family member can still have a positive effect on Alzheimer’s patients, even if they no longer recognise their own relatives. If carers and relatives accept and understand the inner world of those affected, communication between one another can still be possible then, Reuschenbach explained. Of most importance, however, is a good care situation to which carers and the patient’s relatives can devote themselves.

“Instead of being afraid of Alzheimer’s, we should strive towards giving these people the best possible quality of life and ensuring family members and carers are given the right support”, Reuschenbach said. According to the German Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently 1.2 million people suffering from the disease in Germany. By 2050, this number could rise to 2.6 million as a result of increasing life expectancy.

As part of the DKV report “How healthy is Germany?”, the DKV initiated a survey on the topic of health care in 2012. The figures are based on the answers of 2,184 people under the age of 66 who were surveyed in March and April 2012 and are representative of the German population.

For further information, please contact:

ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG
Media Relations
Sybille Schneider

Tel +49 211 477-5187
Fax +49 211 477-1511
sybille.schneider@ergo.de
media-relations@ergo.de

About DKV
For over 80 years, DKV has been a pioneer in the industry with needs-oriented and innovative products. The health specialist provides comprehensive health and nursing care insurance coverage as well as healthcare services to customers in private and state health insurance, and organises high quality medical care. In 2011, the company recorded a premium income of 4.9 billion euros.
DKV is the health insurance specialist of the ERGO Insurance Group and thus part of Munich Re, one of the world's leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.dkv.com

Weather-related claims in Germany in 2012: sharp increase in frost-related damages

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:53:00 +0100

Press release 15 January 2013

2012 was a relatively quiet year in Germany: the most severe damages resulted from the harsh frost at the beginning of last year. On the whole, however, weather-related damages stabilised to a normal level. A trend experienced in previous years was therefore not continued in 2012, namely the increase of regional storms and the shifting of weather phenomena across individual seasons.

Looking back, 2012 was a relatively uneventful year in Germany in terms of severe storms and damage caused by natural hazards. The worst damage was caused by the storm Andrea, which raged across Germany between 4 and 6 January. Compared with the preceding year, 2012 was the calm after the storm with 2011 recorded as the stormiest year in over 40 years based on the number of incidents.

2012 was noteworthy primarily because of the level of claims expenditure resulting from frost-related damage. This can be traced back to the icy temperatures of February, which regularly saw prolonged spells of –20 °C. During minus temperatures, pipes and radiators can burst as the volume of water increases by nearly ten percent when frozen. Pipes are often unable to withstand this amount of pressure. “Once the water starts to melt, it leaks through walls and rooms which can cause enormous damage. Residential property insurance covers water damage resulting from frost”, explained Christian Diedrich, Chairman of the Board of Management at German property-casualty insurer ERGO Versicherung AG.

Forecasters researching climate change predict regional storms to increase in frequency and shift across the seasons, although this trend did not continue in 2012. “There used to be a clear north-south divide: storms occurred predominantly in winter in the north of the country, whilst hail generally hit the south and south-west from May until August. In 2011, however, there were still heavy hailstorms in mid-September, whereas heavy thunderstorms used to be a wholly summertime phenomenon. In the future, it will become almost impossible to narrow down the regions and periods”, said Diedrich.

Number of natural catastrophes in Germany triples
In Germany the number of claims arising from weather-related natural catastrophes has more than tripled since 1970. The extent of economic damage as well as insured damage has risen even further. “A fundamental reason for the increase in the amount of losses is that nowadays there are many more buildings in the affected areas, and cellars are put to different uses than they were in the past. Cellars were primarily used for storing fuel and provisions, whilst today they often house central heating units or are used as living space. This leads to much greater damages as a result of heavy rain or flooding”, Diedrich explained. The frequency of claims has significantly changed too, however. “This is where climate change comes into play”, said Professor Peter Höppe, Head of Geo Risks Research at Munich Re. “As shown by recent scientific studies, we have to expect heavy rain, heat waves and more aggressive winter storms in Germany in the future. There is also evidence to suggest that despite rising global temperatures, Europe faces more cold waves over the coming winters.” The total damage caused by natural catastrophes in Germany amounted to 87 billion euros over the past 40 years, of which 35.5 billion were insured.

Cover against natural hazards
To safeguard themselves financially against extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, high tides, flooding and snow, homeowners require insurance against damage by natural forces. This can be added on to residential property insurance. Across Germany, an average of only 30 percent of households has this type of supplementary insurance for their property, something which is also relevant for those who rent property. Only approximately 25 percent of tenants take out insurance against natural occurrences. Unless the policy includes “other natural hazards”, residential property and home contents insurance only cover losses from fire, damage from mains water and storms, with contents insurance also covering burglaries. “Nowadays, however, heavy rain with local torrents causes around 50 percent of all flood damage in Germany, which also affects buildings not located near rivers or other waters. 98.6 percent of all residential properties in Germany can be easily insured against such risks. The remaining 1.4 percent must be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the risk being assessed individually. In these cases, it is possible to reduce the risk by introducing building measures, agreeing on excess amounts or by calculating a special premium”, said Diedrich.

Together with Germany’s National Meteorological Service, ERGO offers a free text messaging service warning against bad weather. Subscribers to the service receive a text message before heavy rain and severe thunderstorms, gale-force winds, extreme snowfall and black ice. Those interested can visit www.ergo.de/unwetterwarnservice to register free of charge (only available for Germany).

	Charts Number of events with trend, the regional distribution and the 10 costliest natural catastrophes Natural catastrophes in Germany 1970-2012 - PDF file
	Christian Diedrich Member of the Board of Management of ERGO Versicherungsgruppe AG Responsible for the Composite Segment Chairman of the Board of Management of ERGO Versicherung AG Download picture Web - JPG - 72dpi Print - JPG - 300dpi
	Prof. Peter Höppe Head of Munich Re’s Geo Risks Research Department/Corporate Climate Centre Download Foto Web - JPG - 72dpi Print - JPG - 300dpi

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 the ERGO Insurance Group
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

Mediation by D.A.S. most consumer friendly according to consumer protection magazine Finanztest

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Short news 9 January 2013

Mediation provided by D.A.S was awarded first place in consumer friendliness in the latest edition of the German consumer protection magazine Finanztest. D.A.S.' Premium legal expenses tariff received a rating of 1.8.

The six best offers of legal protection insurance in the Finanztest of 01/2012 were placed under the microscope. The magazine has now tested these six insurers on their mediation.

Mediation is a neutral settlement of a dispute out of court. This often leads to more amicable and stable outcomes than those of protracted and expensive lawsuits. The new mediation law in Germany, which came into effect in July 2012, has attached even more significance to this service.

Rainer Tögel, Board Spokesman for D.A.S. Legal Protection Insurance, is pleased with this assessment: "I am very pleased we have been recognised as being the most consumer-friendly provider in the legal protection insurance market. We already have many years' experience in mediation and began showing our customers the many benefits of it early on. We will continue to tailor our range of benefits to our customers' needs in the future and add further topics to our mediation repertoire.”

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

ERGO new official partner of the German Basketball Federation

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Press release 8 January 2013

ERGO Insurance Group is the new official partner of the German Basketball Federation “Deutscher Basketball Bund” (DBB). The sponsorship agreement focuses on a newly created fan project among other things and came into effect on 1 January 2013, running until 31 December 2014. This news was released today by ERGO and the DBB at a joint press conference in Düsseldorf.

“I am very pleased that the ERGO Insurance Group is our new partner in moving together into a successful future. ERGO's commitment to basketball is a significant step forward for our sport, and I look forward to taking part in the exciting projects we will enter into together in the future”, stated DBB President Ingo Weiss.

The partnership includes rights to advertising boards and the floors of the courts. Dr. Rolf Wiswesser, ERGO Board member responsible for Sales, explained how it will work. Fan projects will be at the centre of the collaboration, since “fans are the sixth player on the court in every match. We want to provide the fans with a home in our fan community.”

ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services.

In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros. ERGO is part of Munich Re Group, one of the world's leading reinsurers and risk carriers.

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
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. Worldwide, the Group is represented in over 30 countries and concentrates on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers a comprehensive spectrum of insurance, provision and services. In its home market of Germany, ERGO ranks among the leading providers across all segments. 50,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed sales representatives. In 2011, ERGO recorded a premium income of 20 billion euros and paid out benefits to customers amounting to 17.5 billion euros.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
More at www.ergo.com

New ERGO home contents insurance: cover in every situation

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 09:08:00 +0100

Press release 2 January 2013

ERGO Insurance now offers a modern policy geared towards an individual lifestyle to cover the much-loved possessions in your home. Besides many new features, this insurance focuses on the customer's particular requirements. Our modular system means that the policy can be adapted to meet individual needs. One of the benefits included in the policy is the insurance of individual belongings, i.e. comprehensive cover for your favourite item.

ERGO has been offering this new home contents insurance since 1 January 2013. Besides the extensive basic cover, there are various optional benefits customers can choose to include through our modular system.

A unique product on the market
A special feature of the new policy is comprehensive cover for children who are no longer living at home. Cover in case a bicycle is stolen or assumption of removal costs after a burglary at home are also new to the market:

Special cover for children
Children's household contents are included in the policy even if they do not live with their parents. Children are only excluded from this cover when they marry or start work. As an extra precaution, even then the cover lasts until the end of the insurance year in which they married or started work. Children's household contents are covered for up to 30 percent of the sum insured by their parents.
Provision for the theft of bicycles
A new bicycle is covered for up to 500 euros against ordinary theft in the insurance year in which it was bought. There is no additional premium for this cover.
Moving expenses after burglary or robbery
Victims of burglaries or robberies in their own homes often do not want to stay in the same house or flat. ERGO will cover the expenses of moving house up to 1,500 euros.

Fully comprehensive insurance cover for your favourite item as an optional module
Our new feature – individual items insurance – provides worldwide cover for specific product categories (e.g. televisions, computers, sports equipment). It protects you from the financial backlash if items you value highly are damaged, destroyed or stolen.

A broad range of benefits
ERGO's new home contents insurance also includes the following benefits:

Unauthorised use of bank account data
Costs of damages caused through the unauthorised use of bank account data (e.g. online banking, phishing) are covered up to 1,500 euros.
Worldwide external insurance
Your home contents are covered for up to 30 percent of the insured sum for up to six months outside of your home.
Sports equipment
Even sports equipment, which is always stored outside of your home, is covered for up to 30 percent of the insured sum with ERGO.
Gross negligence
In the case of gross negligence, ERGO will forego its right to objection against damages for up to 10,000 euros.

Cover against natural hazards
In order to cover possible damage to your home contents by natural hazards, e.g. flooding, backwater, earthquake or snow load, we recommend you include the natural hazards package in your policy. If you do not take out the "other natural hazards" package, the basic home contents insurance only covers damage caused by fire, burglary, burst pipes and storms.

More information on the new ERGO home contents insurance is available in German at www.ergo.de.

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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