Boston Software Help Desk

Browse the Tech Support FAQs section at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, call us at 781-449-8585.

Browse Tech Support FAQs

The quote from WinRater does not match the DEC page. What do I do?

We work extremely hard to make sure every quote generated in WinRater is accurate. However, we make mistakes (not frequently!) ...and sometimes agents and carriers make mistakes, too.

When such a discrepancy arises, you should fax us a copy of the WinRater quote and the policy DEC pages. Our fax number is (781) 449-8522.

We will compare all the coverages, endorsements, premiums, etc. to determine why there is a difference. In some cases we will need to discuss the issue with the carrier. (Occasionally, the cause of the discrepancy stems from carriers providing us with incorrect or ambiguous data.)

As quickly as we can, we will call you back with an explanation of why the mistake occurred. In addition, we will either correct the mistake in WinRater and issue an update to you OR we’ll explain how you or your staff made a mistake when entering the data in WinRater. The obvious goal is to prevent the mistake from happening again.

Although agents may not want to hear this, the vast majority of the mistakes come from agents incorrectly entering data (e.g. forgetting to add an endorsement) in WinRater. The good news is that once the mistake is pointed out to the agent, he/she never makes it again!

What do the double asterisks next to the carrier premium mean?

The ** next to the carrier name in the “Plans and Premiums” list is just an on-screen indicator that the current quote qualifies for your carrier’s Superior or Preferred Home program and that WinRater is rating it as such.

If you double click on the plan to view the Summary, a message at the top of the screen indicates the plan has been rated as Superior/Preferred Home.

Note: You can rate a home as Standard even though it qualifies as a Preferred home. To do so, just click on the “Actions” button above the “Plans and Premiums” list and select “Exclude Superior/Preferred Home.” Now the carrier plan will be rated with Standard rates. To return back to Preferred rates just click on the “Actions” button above the “Plans and Premiums” list and select “Include Superior/Preferred Home.”

Can I download my update from the Web?

Absolutely. We encourage all our users to receive their updates via our Web Updating System, known as SoftSync. This is the fastest, easiest, most efficient way to update your WinRater.

Whenever an update is available, we will send you an email with a hyperlink. Just click on this hyperlink and the update will begin downloading immediately. It couldn’t be easier — the whole process takes just a few minutes.

If you wish to sign up for SoftSync, call us at (781) 449-8585.

Why do rate changes only become available a few days before the effective date?

Based on experience as well as input from carriers and agents, we send all updates one week before their Effective Date. This assures that agents continue to quote with the effective rates during the period leading up to the rate change AND get the new rates before the effective date, making a smooth transition that follows the calendar. This eliminates as much confusion as possible.

If we were to send them earlier, we would frustrate agents who need to continue rating with the current rates. Moreover, carriers have asked us not to send the new rates early to prevent confusion and problems on their end, too.

We understand that some agents want the new rates as early as possible (usually for extenuating circumstances such as rolling over a book of business). We strive to accommodate the needs of our individual customers whenever possible, so please call us if you are facing unusual circumstances and would like to discuss special arrangements.

Why do I get a message saying my software will time out in 21 days?

The license to use WinRater is an annual License. If you are receiving this message, it simply means that we have yet to receive your payment to renew the license for another year.

We mail invoices out to you at least 1 month before the License begins to expire. Thus, most customers never even see this message. We give you an extra 21 days just in case you forgot to send payment.

If after the 21 days you still haven’t sent in your payment, you will not be able to launch WinRater or access the software in any way.

Why does the Premium for some of my carrier plans show N/A?

Occasionally when rating a policy, the premium will appear as $N/A. This does not necessarily mean that you cannot write a policy with this company. When the premium is $N/A, it is an indication that an endorsement or limit needs your attention. To learn how to override Minimums and Maximums in WinRater, click here.

How do I integrate WinRater with my other automation systems?

The setup for each agency management system or carrier system is unique. In general, you will need to download and install the appropriate Integration Bridge for your system. Then you will need to set up the path between the two systems so WinRater knows where to push or pull the data.

Go to the Integration Bridge page for instructions on downloading and integrating the bridges you need.

We would be happy to walk you through the entire setup and explain the integration workflow for each system. Just call or email us to arrange a time.

Can WinRater integrate with the RMV’s new Virtual Private Network?

Yes. We were the first rating vendor to successfully integrate with the RMV’s VPN. Many, many agents are currently using it and it is running great!

The bridge manages and automates the entire retrieval process for you. Just enter the request for information (i.e. SDIP/driver/vehicle/policy information) and WinRater automatically launches the VPN, connects to the ALARS system, retrieves the information, and prints a copy of the report on your printer.

There is no additional cost for the WinRater — VPN bridge, however, the RMV charges a series of fees on their end (too cumbersome to list here) for the terminal emulator software, digital certificate, etc. You are also advised to have a high-speed Internet connection.

You should contact the RMV Help Desk at (617) 351-9596 if you have questions or need an application for the VPN. Donna McKenna at MAIA (800) 742-6363 is also available to help. And of course we are always happy to answer any questions or discuss the issue with you — just give us a call.