High volume quotes architecture

PolicyCenter can support high volume quote requests in the following way:

1. Incoming quote requests from comparative raters and quote aggregators are translated into a set of PolicyCenter policy objects in a special quote-only instance of PolicyCenter. This instance handles only quote requests. Each request has a set of inputs that affect rating. Before sending the request, the comparative raters can make external calls to validate vehicle or address information.
2. The quote-only instance validates these objects. This validation may be customized for the comparative rater or can be the same as for other channels, such as call centers or portals.
3. To enhance the quote data, the quote-only instance can make external service calls, such as credit checks.
4. The quote-only instance rates the policy. Either Guidewire Rating Management or another rating engine can perform the rating. The rating engine returns pricing data.
5. Because the quote-only instance must return the quote quickly, this PolicyCenter does not perform post-quote tasks. These tasks include generating the forms for the quote, checking reinsurance, and underwriting issues.
6. The quote-only instance stores the completed quote and associated request information in an external quoting database, for example, in a Quote table. This quoting database has its own schema, which does not need to follow the PolicyCenter object model, allowing a different database storage strategy from the SOR database. The Quote table stores high-level quote details for identification and verification. The SOR can search this external quoting database without necessarily retrieving the full quote.
7. The quote-only instance sends the completed response back to the comparative rater.
8. The quote information is immediately available for sending to a data warehouse for analytical purposes. If the quote results in a bound policy, the reference number can be used for auditing.

The comparative rater’s or aggregator’s customer may not immediately decide to purchase a policy. Later, the customer can return to the comparative rater’s or aggregator’s web site and view the quote again. The comparative rater or aggregator retrieves the Quote from the external quoting database. Typically, the quote is available only for a limited time period. After this period, the quote expires and the quote-only instance must mark the Quote as obsolete or remove it from the external quoting database. If the Quote is no longer valid for the customer to view, the quote-only instance must generate a new quote.

When the comparative rater’s or aggregator’s customer is ready to purchase a policy, the quote moves into the PolicyCenter system of record.