03 NOVEMBER 2004:  Westfield Insurance customers can now renew auto license plates online   |  While many motorists make their yearly trip to a Secretary of State branch office to get license plates renewed, Westfield Insurance policyholders can now "skip the trip" by renewing online. This convenient service option is now available because of Westfield’s voluntary participation in the state’s electronic insurance verification program. Less than half of Michigan’s auto insurance companies offer this convenience to their customers.

Westfield Insurance electronically notifies the Secretary of State that your vehicle is insured. No personal information or coverage limits are shared, only notification that your vehicle is covered by Westfield. A temporary personal identification number (PIN) is assigned to the renewal forms you receive through the mail. The PIN gives you the added options of renewing by Internet, or touch-tone telephone.

The PIN is specific to each registration and can only be used for the current renewal year. PINs are also valid only until the expiration date of your license plate, usually your birthday. If your license plate has expired, the online and touch-tone phone renewal options are not available.

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land encourages all eligible motorists to take advantage of this convenient option.

"I commend Westfield Insurance for their commitment to customer service," Land said. "Internet renewal is our fastest-growing service option, and our Secretary of State Web site, www.michigan.gov/sos offers many other online services as well. Remember Westfield customers, you can 'skip the trip' to a branch office. Save time, renew online."

In business for more than 156 years, Westfield Insurance, a member of Westfield Group, provides commercial and personal insurance and surety services to customers in 26 states. Westfield markets its products through more than 1,200 leading independent insurance agencies. Westfield Group provides banking through Westfield BankSM and agency support through Westfield Services, Inc. Learn more about Westfield Insurance at www.westfieldgrp.com.