Innovation Group, a global provider of enterprise software and business process outsourcing solutions to the property and casualty insurance industry, is pleased to extend its congratulations to Esurance on being named a 2009 Top INNovator by Insurance Networking News magazine. The INNovator Award is a distinctive designation intended to advance the spread of business and technology acumen in the insurance industry.

Nominees for the third annual INNovators Awards included insurance carriers, agencies and brokerages. The 2009 winners were determined to have led, or contributed to, a business application or project in the insurance industry supply chain that uses innovation to successfully drive business impact and technical impact of innovation itself.

Esurance received second-place recognition among the Top 10 INNovators for its Online Self-Service Claims project which utilizes Innovation Group’s First Notice of Loss (FNOL) technology. The Innovation Group solution is embedded in Esurance’s Web site design, enabling them to maintain a 100% consistent user experience throughout their entire site.

“I would like to congratulate Esurance on behalf of the entire Innovation Group team,” said Greg Powers, Chief Marketing Officer/Senior Vice President of Sales of Innovation Group North America. “The Esurance team is well deserving of this recognition for its vision and success. They’ve become an industry leader by combining best-in-class Web-enabled technology to handle every aspect of insurance from quote to claims, providing a seamless experience for the customer. And, we are especially proud that Esurance is using Innovation Group’s FNOL offering to help accomplish that vision.”

Insurance Networking News Editor-in-Chief, Pat Speer, commented, “We are pleased to include Esurance among this year’s Top INNovators. From an editorial perspective, the range, depth and focus of nominations received this year reflect the industry’s evolution to innovation as an ongoing strategy, rather than as an end unto itself. It’s impressive to see carriers of all sizes and lines of business so intent on giving life to innovation as a corporate-wide philosophy.”

A panel of judges, including Matthew Josefowicz from New York-based Novarica, Mark Gorman from Mark B Gorman & Assoc., Minneapolis, INN staff editors, as well as INN’s prestigious editorial advisory board members, determined this year’s winners. INN would like to thank advisory board members Eric Bulis, SVP & CIO, SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Co., Ursuline Foley, SVP and CIO, XL Capital/ XL Global Services/XL Reinsurance; Dennis Mehmen, CIO, VP, Business Information Services, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Co.; Mike Murray, VP, Finance, OneBeacon Insurance Co.; Michael Romano, SVP, Risk & Administrative Services, Highmark Inc.; and Anthony Sisti, Information Systems Director, Travelers Insurance; for bringing a superior peer-based review to the process.

About Esurance®

Esurance, a subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM), provides personal auto insurance direct-to-consumers online and through select agents, including sister company Answer Financial. Through hassle-free coverage, 24/7 customer service, and competitive prices, Esurance is dedicated to constantly improving the way people shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance. By combining the best of technology with industry know-how, Esurance is able to offer hassle-free coverage with 24/7 customer service and claims handling at competitive prices.

Through Esurance’s Web site, www.esurance.com, customers can get instant quotes, view comparison quotes, buy an Esurance policy, and print their insurance cards in just minutes. Esurance also offers policyholders the ability to make policy changes and file claims instantly online, demonstrating its commitment to improving the entire insurance process from quote to claim.

About Innovation Group

Innovation Group plc (LSE: TIG.L) is the leading provider of enterprise software and Auto and Property network management solutions to the global property and casualty insurance industry. Our contact centers, managed repair networks, technology and hosting solutions reduce risk, control costs, and improve both business performance and customer satisfaction.

Innovation Group serves more than 1,000 insurance carriers and risk managers including Aviva, CNA, Encompass, Esurance, Hertz, Main Street America Group, RSA, The Ford Motor Company, Toyota and Zurich. With 2,400 associates in 29 offices around the world, we process more than four million claims per year to achieve a 25% direct claims cost savings for customers. Our technology and hosting solutions are deployed worldwide and help our customers streamline business processes to gain greater market agility. www.us.innovation-group.com