QUEBEC CITY, June 11 2009 – Once again, La Capitale General Insurance is putting the environment first. Since the beginning of the year, La Capitale has been sending clients individual insurance contracts via its CAP Direct client access website in an initiative to save paper and trees.
Significant savings in paper
Home and auto insurance policies can be up to 16 pages in length. For legal reasons, some pages, such as the invoice, the insurance certificate (pink sheet) and certain declarations, must continue to be sent via regular mail. These documents are usually 4 or 5 pages in length, which means some 10 sheets of paper are saved each time an insurance contract is sent via the Internet. Clients can request a Web contract through La Capitale’s CAP Direct client access portal. Clients simply create a password enabling them to consult their file online in a secure environment.
It’s all about being eco-aware!
“Over the next three years, we would like the majority of our clients with Internet access to sign up for the green contract. Public support for this initiative is essential. Just like recycling, individuals need to jump on the bandwagon and adopt this new habit for the sake of the environment,” said John Strome, President and Chief Operating Officer of La Capitale. “This new format is right in line with the Web 2.0 trend that is sweeping across North America, whereby the majority of individuals now comparison shop and make purchases online. As such, La Capitale is also putting customer service first by giving clients online access to their file, in addition to the online quotation service which has now been available for over five years,” added Mr. Strome.
Other green initiatives
La Capitale is an industry leader renowned for its environmental enterprise. In 2005, La Capitale was the first insurer to offer a 15% discount on hybrid vehicles and in 2007, the first to offer a 15% discount on home insurance premiums for buildings constructed in compliance with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards. Moreover, La Capitale Financial Group is constructing its new buildings, including the Delta 3 in Sainte Foy and its future head office on Parliament Hill in Quebec City, with the aim of obtaining LEED certification.
About La Capitale General Insurance
An integral part of La Capitale Financial Group Inc., La Capitale General Insurance is experiencing impressive growth and now ranks among the five largest property and casualty insurers in Quebec. The company also owns other insurance companies, including L’Unique General Insurance and York Fire and Casualty Insurance Company. La Capitale General Insurance employs over 1,000 individuals and generates some $544 million in written premiums, making the company a major player in the Canadian property and casualty insurance market.
