National May 11, 2010

PIA eases agents' workload with web-based aerial photography

GLENMONT, N.Y. – The Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York State have partnered with Pictometry International to offer PIA members discounted access to the web-based aerial-photography tool Pictometry Online.

"The process of gathering information for property submissions and ACORD forms can be time-consuming and costly for agents," said Diane Fowler, executive director of PIACT, PIANH, PIANJ and PIANY. "Pictometry Online streamlines the process, helping research get done quickly and accurately."

Pictometry Online is a web-based technology that provides access to a vast database of high-resolution aerial images, allowing insurance agents to perform detailed site measurements with ease, before even approaching a prospect. As a result, agents can provide accurate quotes from the first client meeting, and remove underwriting uncertainty from the submissions process by supplementing the usual narratives with high-resolution images.

Some key features of Pictometry Online include:

• Up to 20 different property views, with zoom-in capability up to 1,000 percent.
• Accurate measurements of square footage, distances (to water, coastlines, exposures and hazards), height, area, pitch/slope/area of a roof and bearing.
• Ability to add detailed, annotated photos to submissions or reports.

As result, agents can easily collect all external property information necessary for ACORD forms, usually including construction type, obtain information needed to calculate ITV and replacement costs, confirm measurement data to limit errors and omissions exposures and use parcel data to identify the owner of properties for prospecting purposes.

"PIA is dedicated to enhancing the services offered to members on a continuing basis," said Fowler. "Pictometry Online is just one of the many unique benefits that make the work of independent insurance agents easier."

For more information, visit www.pictometry.com or call (888) 444-2575 and reference PIA. 
 
PIANY, PIANJ, PIACT and PIANH is a partnership of four state trade associations representing independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout their respective states.

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