BER Berkley W R Cp

Berkley Net Underwriters, LLC (BerkleyNet), a subsidiary of W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:BER), announced today the launch of its online portal at www.berkleynet.com. BerkleyNet specializes in underwriting workers� compensation insurance delivered through the internet. The portal serves as the hub for its web-based initiatives. BerkleyNet�s target market is small to mid-sized businesses that prefer a high level of customer service and online access to manage their insurance needs. Working with select insurance agents and brokers, BerkleyNet leverages technology, underwriting and claims expertise to deliver real-time workers� compensation solutions for small business. �We�re pleased to establish our web presence and begin expanding the BerkleyNet brand within our marketplace,� said John Goldwater, President & CEO of BerkleyNet. �BerkleyNet�s seamless applications provide agents with a complete set of business production and servicing tools. We worked closely with our agency force throughout development of the portal to be sure our applications fit their needs,� Goldwater added. �Our commitment is to develop and utilize leading edge technology to help our agents improve their margins for small business transactions.� Agents accessing the site can quote and bind over 375 eligible workers� compensation class codes across a broad range of industry groups including construction, manufacturing, technical and service industries. In addition, BerkleyNet�s technology permits most agents to upload real-time data from their agency management system directly into the online quote application, effectively reducing transaction time to less than three minutes. Agents can also access powerful customer service tools including electronic policy delivery, online interactive support and consultation, endorsement processing, archived policy document retrieval and detailed billing information. In addition, policyholders have secure portal access, with features designed to assist in the management of their workers� compensation policy. Policyholders can use the site to report a claim, search for doctors near their businesses or worksites, view policy documents and invoices and make payments online. BerkleyNet will expand its presence over the next year to underwrite in more than 30 states on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation�s insurance company subsidiaries. For further information about BerkleyNet�s products and services, please visit www.berkleynet.com.