Zurich: exclusive insurer of the smart city-car

Zurich, September 22, 1998 - With the launch of "smartstart" insurance, Zurich has become the exclusive partner throughout Europe of Micro Compact Car AG (MCC), the manufacturer of the new smart city-car. "Smartstart" insurance is a unique automobile insurance boasting an innovative range of coverage to mirror the distinctive features of the smart car.

"Smartstart" insurance was developed in close cooperation with MCC and will be offered in all nine European smart sales markets. The product includes, for example, a new liability cover which offers customers protection for accidents when driving a car owned by another party. Some of its customer-friendly features include the rapid round-the-clock electronic claims handling and direct settlement of claims payments by the smart Center. Local Zurich companies will adapt "smartstart" insurance to particular country specifications within their local legal framework. The insurance package far surpasses market standards and is available at very attractive rates.

Günther Gose, member of the Group Executive Board of Zurich Financial Services and responsible for the "smartstart" insurance, says: "Zurich gladly took on the challenge of offering one of the first insurance products in the personal lines business across Europe. This solution-oriented product underscores Zurich’s strong customer-orientation and will provide the company with valuable experience in novel distribution channels."

Hans Jürg Schär, marketing and sales manager of MCC, noted on the cooperation: "The smart car is a really new and different automobile with its own inimitable personality. To ensure optimal implementation reflecting our philosophy in all additional services, we selected Zurich with its customized "smartstart" insurance solution over other major competitors as our insurance partner throughout Europe.

"Smartstart" insurance is integrated not only in the point of sales systems in the smart Centers but also on the Internet. Smart customers can put together an insurance package to suit their own needs. In the near future - technology and legal regulations permitting - MCC’s sales systems will be linked with Zurich’s insurance systems for electronic data exchange to ensure a quick and convenient process for purchasing insurance protection.