Willis' Insurance Noodle Launches All New Online Q

CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insurance Noodle, part of Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings plc (NYSE: WSH ), the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, today announced the launch of its newly redesigned online quoting platform for commercial insurance. The platform, Insurance Noodle Plus (IN+), is powered by a new technology partner, and delivers cutting edge connectivity to the insurance marketplace for its insurance agent and broker members.

Insurance Noodle is the distribution vehicle for the Willis Commercial Network North America, which provides products and services to small insurance agents and brokers nationwide.

IN+ gives agents access to the admitted commercial lines marketplace, for BOP, commercial auto, workers compensation, umbrella, and professional liability. The platform links agents to real-time quotes from seven insurance carriers (additional insurance carriers are being added in coming months) via a single online entry point and provides many enhanced features such as the option to obtain a quick rate indication or a fully-bindable quote. Insurance Noodle member agents can access the non-admitted commercial lines marketplace through its wholesale partner when standard markets cannot provide terms. The sleek user interface also offers an easier binding process and includes more user assistance throughout the application.

"Insurance Noodle Plus delivers total solutions for the small agency from a single resource, saving significant time and effort while expanding their ability to write more business," said Ralph Blust, Managing Partner of Willis Commercial Network. "The platform provides more solutions from new carriers – particularly in workers compensation. And, the improved user experience is what our clients have been asking for – they can easily check carriers' appetite, utilize the streamlined classification process, and get user help tips at every turn," Blust added.

IN+ complements Insurance Noodle's suite of offerings including access to home and auto insurance solutions through its online personal lines quoting hub. Along with carrier access and fast quotes, the Insurance Noodle platform provides agents with an efficient means of accessing their Insurance Noodle book of business. All client records, quotes and policies from all carriers are stored in the member's profile on the Insurance Noodle website. Agents can quickly quote, bind, service, and renew business, all online. Agencies interested in signing up for Insurance Noodle Membership can visit www.insurancenoodle.com , call 888-466-8868 or email membership@insurancenoodle.com .

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 17,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website, www.willis.com , our leadership journal, Resilience , or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire . Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.

Media: Colleen McCarthy +1 212-915-8307 Investors: Peter Poillon +1 212-915-8084