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Columns::August 19, 2002
Leaving a lasting legacy: Ecology institute founder Eugene Odum dies at 88
Research funding at UGA hits a record-setting $204 million
UNC-Greensboro administrator is appointed grad school dean
Three new faculty mentors appointed
Diagnostic labs will receive $2 million to take part in homeland defense network
UGA joins partnership to increase productivity
Campus News
‘Benefit Extras’
New Web-based program provides information on insurance products, finanical services
By Larry B. Dendy
ldendy@uga.edu
If you’ve ever thought about getting vision insurance, pet insurance or long-term care insurance, or if you’d like to look for lower homeowner or auto insurance rates, Human Resources has good news for you.
Working with private firms, Human Resources has created a “one-stop-shop” Web-based program that provides information on a wide range of insurance products and other financial services offered at competitive prices by more than 200 leading carriers and financial firms.
The program, called “Benefit Extras,” also includes such services as online banking, mortgage services, credit verification and financial planning, and products such as wireless phones, rental cars, consumer electronics and travel and vacation planning.
And there’s more good news: many of the participating companies are offering their services and products at discounted rates to people affiliated with UGA.
Benefit Extras, which can be accessed at www.busfin.uga.edu/benefits, was created for UGA faculty, staff, dependents, students and retirees. All the discounts and benefits in the program are in addition to existing university insurance plans.
“Comparison shopping is an excellent way to save money, and along with the discounts, this should be very beneficial to a lot of people,” says David Williamson, director of employee benefits.
The site allows users to compare rates and services for many kinds of insurance, including homeowners’, renters’, and home and auto warranty, and for specialized coverage such as vision, pet, trip, pre-paid legal and long-term care insurance. The coverage is offered through such companies as Hartford, Progressive, Travelers, Chubb and AFLAC. Companies offering financial planning and other services at the site include Wachovia, Bank of America, Club Med, RCI Holiday Network, Verizon, Sprint, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Pitney Bowes.
More companies will be added to the site, including some Athens-based firms that may offer special rates for UGA employees, Williamson says.
Users can get rates and costs for insurance coverage within minutes by providing information online to the companies. For example, the owner of a Yorkshire terrier can get rates for insuring the dog against cancer or broken bones. It’s also possible to negotiate loans, rent vacation sites, book motels and buy cookware.
Users can purchase insurance or other services directly from the companies on line. UGA will not be involved in the payment process.
Human Resources created the Extras program primarily in cooperation with Answer Financial. Williamson says that, in addition to the Web site, Answer Financial will provide members with a toll-free customer-service phone line, and 24-hour Web access to multiple vendors. Answer Financial will also store its users’ research, purchase and claims information in a password-protected secure area that can be accessed at any time.
Williamson emphasizes that UGA doesn’t endorse or encourage the use of any particular company, service or product. “We are providing this program to help people make informed decisions through an easy-to-use information center,” he says. “Benefit Extras will help people better understand insurance and financial information and help them find solutions to satisfy their protection needs.”
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