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VSURANCE INC., (OTCBB: VSUR)
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Dear Reader,
Any animal lover who has gone through the emotional and financial tumult that is the veterinary treatment your animal will eventually need should empathize with today’s featured company, Vsurance, Inc. (OTCBB:VSUR).
The cost of veterinary care is literally insult to injury, not to say that the veterinarians are unfairly compensated. It’s just that few among us realize the necessity in protecting our furry family members until the moment they need care, thus creating a stark reality of expense to pay for the animal’s necessary care.
But today’s featured company offers a solution to this inevitability, offering pet owners peace of mind and ensuring that at the moment of need, dollars don’t drive your decision.
Pet lover or not, take a look at today’s featured company and see why this story makes sense in so many ways.
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About Vsurance |
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Vsurance™, Inc. ("VSUR") is a leading provider of pet health insurance and other pet health related services. U.S. programs include, its Get HIP Pet Health Insurance for Pets program, a comprehensive full coverage pet health insurance plan, as well as pet and horse resource centers through the Internet including: VetpetMD, Spot the Pet, and Purrfect Pet Club. Pet insurance services include life and health insurance for pets, horses, and other animals. |
Vsurance, Inc. ("VSUR") provides an array of pet insurance products and numerous web-based companion animal resource sites for pet owners. All of the Company’s sales, marketing and insurance claims processing are Internet-based. VSUR offers a unique online reference library of pet health resources, a pet ID and lost and found service, and a variety of insurance policies for pets.
Through its information sites, the Company also markets pet-related merchandise as an online affiliate of a leading pet products retailer, lost and found registration services (Pet ID tags), global positioning technologies for locating lost pets and liability, life, and health insurance policies for dogs, cats, horses and other pets.
Acquisition of Animal ID adds to revenue potential
The Company’s recently acquired Animal–ID business provides livestock producers, feedlot owners, and others with an easy-to-use inventory control, tracking and management tool. Using RFID and GPS technology, Animal-ID can identify specific animals – cows, horses, and pigs — in the US, and track their movement over a lifetime. In addition, the Company has recently acquired Animal-ID, which provides livestock producers, feedlot owners, and others with easy-to-use inventory control, tracking and management tools.
Pet insurance-a benefit with "big feet"
CNBC recently reported that pet insurance has risen to be the third most -requested sponsored benefit in America.Acquisitions: In April, 2006, the Company acquired Animal-ID, an Arkansas company that provides livestock producers, feedlot owners, and others with easy-to-use inventory control, tracking and management tools. Using RFID technology, Animal-ID offers a system for identifying specific animals – cows, horses, and pigs — and recording their movement over their lifetime. VSUR acquired Animal-ID for $415,000.
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VetPetMD™ is an original, unique web-based resource center that will focus on delivering objective and credible animal healthcare information
Purrfect Pet™ Insurance, provides companion animal owners who are members of the Purrfect Pet™ Club with life and health insurance products for their pets. Liability insurance coverage through a risk sharing group will be available to pet owners who purchase a health insurance policy.
Purrfect Pet Club™, an on-line association provides lost and found registration service, shopping, and life, health and liability insurance. This will be the first such organization to provide such a broad array of services.
Spot the Pet™ lost and found registration service includes a Home-Away Care Policy that provides coverage for veterinary fees if the pet requires lifesaving treatment while lost. |
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Other Companies in the Insurance Marketplace Include:
Insure.com, Inc (NASDAQ: NSUR), Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU), Onebeacon Insurance Group (NYSE: OB)
Ebix, Inc. (NASDAQ:EBIX), InsWeb Corp. (NasdaqCM:INSW), Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ)
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Marketing and Industry Trends |
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Ten years ago, there were two companies selling pet health insurance; today there are more than nine companies.
In 2002, less than 0.5% of pet-owning households carried insurance; in 2006, about 2% of households have insured their animals, which is more than double the number of insured pets from 2002. Currently, 3% of dogs and 1% of cats have health insurance. APPMA reported pet insurance industry revenues at $80 million in 2002 and projects revenues will increase to $500 million by 2010.
This increase reflects an expanding US pet population;
there are more than 135 million dog and cat owners in the US.
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Premiums for pet medical (health) insurance in the United Kingdom exceeded GBP300 million in 2006. In the US, premiums were more than $100 million. While the US has the largest pet population in the world, it is estimated that only about 2% of dog and cat owners in the US are currently insuring their companions, compared with 19% of pet owners in the United Kingdom and more than 48% of pet owners in Sweden. Clearly, the US pet insurance market is largely untapped.
Pet market opportunity
According to APPMA, pet ownership in the US reached record levels in 2007, with 63% of all US households (approximately 71 million households) owning a pet. The US has the largest pet population in the world, yet only about 2% of US pet owners insure their animals. In contrast, 19% of pet owners in the United Kingdom and more than 48% of pet owners in Sweden insure their pets.
Pet industry trends
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), pet ownership is currently at its highest level, with 63% of all US households owning a pet, or more than 71 million households. That's up from 64 million in 2002 and 51 million in 1988 when APPMA first began tracking pet ownership. US pet industry expenditures are forecast to grow 6% annually over the next several years. By the end of 2007, total pet industry spending is expected to approach $41 billion. The steady increase in spending on pets and pet ownership confirms that many Americans consider their pet a treasured member of their family.
APPMA forecasts pet insurance industry revenues will rise from $80 million in 2002 to $500 million in 2010. Pet insurance 2006 premiums exceeded GBP300 million in the UK and $100 million in the US. Veterinary Care remains the single largest pet expenditure, reaching $18 billion last year.
According to APPMA, people are treating their pets like family members
That means hotels instead of kennels, braces to fix crooked teeth, and designer label pet clothing. Pet owners are becoming increasingly demanding consumers who won't tolerate shoddy products or services, fueling robust growth for the entire pet care industry.
VSUR’s business model uses the Internet to market pet health insurance. The number of pet owners using the Internet to research animal healthcare issues is continually increasing, paving the way for profitable Internet-based pet supplies and services businesses.
Rising veterinary care costs increase demand for pet insurance
The rising cost of veterinary care is causing more pet owners to consider the purchase of pet health insurance plans for their animals. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the family dog makes an average of 2.7 visits to the vet each year and the family cat makes 1.8 visits. On average, dog owners spend $261 annually on veterinary care while cat owners spend $157. The percentage of households with veterinary expenditures of $1,000 or more has doubled in recent years. Rising costs for vet care are increasing demand for pet health insurance and rapidly creating a receptive audience for VSUR’s products and services.
Purrfect Pet Insurance works a lot like health insurance for humans.
It enables you to provide the best of care without worrying about the cost.
Designed by pet people for pet people, Purrfect Pet™ Insurance offers a combination of benefits you won't find anywhere else.
"Forever Young"™ Promise - Your premiums will always be calculated based on your pet's age the day you sign up.
If you sign up your puppy today, he'll always be a puppy to us.
"Protection for Life"™ Guarantee-We'll cover your pet as long as you keep your premiums current.
We won't cancel when your pet is facing long-term conditions like diabetes or heart disease
Life insurance that covers your pet if it dies from illness or accident
"Freedom of Choice" -We offer preventive care, holistic treatment and dental care options that can help your pet lead a longer, happier life.
VSUR processes claims in-house, ensuring quick settlement
Lost and found registration and coverage for lifesaving treatment if your pet is lost are two more ways we ensure your peace of mind.
The Vsurance Advertising Campaign
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Advertising will reach 55 million households
In May, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to air television ads in selected markets that will reach approximately 55 million households. This advertising campaign follows on the heels of a feature story in the April 22, 2007, edition of Parade Magazine titled 'Should You Get Pet Insurance?” which discussed pet insurance programs and the costs of vet care. Parade Magazine reaches 32 million homes and has 74 million readers.
VSUR is launching a National advertising campaign, in conjunction with Ashe Advertising, beginning early October, 2007. This National advertising campaign consists of print, billboard, television, radio, and multiple online initiatives. The Company expects to increase its consumer and financial awareness dramatically over the coming months.
Few competitors in a large, untapped pet insurance market
Only nine insurance providers compete in the US pet insurance market, consequently leaving this market largely untapped. Only about 2% of pet owners insured their animals in 2006. Of the nine insurance providers, VSUR has the best online exposure. This is an advantage that positions VSUR with comparatively low policy acquisition costs. One of the main challenges faced by pet insurance companies is the significant costs associated with marketing their services, resulting in high policy acquisition expenses.
... internet access ...
 
First Aid for pets
My pet ate roach bait! What should I do?
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The network of online portals that comprise VSUR’s Beneficial Resource Center Network provide a wealth of information that enables animal owners to proactively manage their pet’s health. The information and content address the needs of pet owners, veterinarians, pet service agents and insurance agents by providing them with comprehensive information on pet diseases, symptoms, treatment options, access to clinical reference sources, pet insurance plans, and communication with peers and avid pet lovers.
Growing traffic on VSUR’s online portals
The Company commenced operations last year on a modest scale due to the fact that its public portals were still under development and testing. Since that time, online traffic on its sites has grown significantly. During the first six months of 2007, the number of visitors to the Company’s VetpetMD portal exceeded all of the traffic in 2006, while traffic on other VSUR sites grew at double-digit rates on a quarter-over-quarter basis.
From this initial traffic, the Company attracted 1,036 policyholders. In addition, VSUR’s network of associations, employer groups, and insurance brokerage partnerships continues to significantly grow, expanding its customer base and revenue potential.
www.vsurance.com
www.vetpetmd.com
www.purrfectpetclub.com
www.spotthepet.com
www.purrfectpetinsurance.com
www.purrfecthorseinsurance.com
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The Company’s Home Page
The flagship pet owner portal features Dr. Carol and the pet clinic where more than 1,000 illnesses are cataloged as a reference source. This site offers daily news articles that are written by animal/veterinary journalists and reviewed by professional staff/partners. The company wants to expand this website in 2007 by adding an online pet pharmacy.
This living- with- pets portal provides humorous content and online shopping for more than 10,000 products.
The pet locater portal provides ID tag registration for pets. Going forward, VSUR plans to begin offering a GPS pet collar in late 2007.
The life and health insurance site for pet owners who want to insure against loss and veterinary expense. The Company’s pet insurance policies are the first plans to provide a “coverage for life” guarantee. Liability coverage will likely become available in 2007. By adding liability to every plan, VSUR will become the first pet insurance provider in the US to offer this depth of coverage.
A health insurance site for owners of non-racing horses, i.e. the family horse. VSUR expects to make this coverage available in late 2007 or early 2008.a
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Insurance Services |
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-* Information available through VSUR’s online portals helps pet owners better manage their animal’s care and health. The online animal healthcare information, decision-support applications, communications services, and insurance applications supported by VSUR:
-* Enable pet owners to obtain detailed information on a particular disease or condition, analyze symptoms, locate veterinarians, store their pet’s healthcare information, receive periodic e-newsletters and participate in online communities with other pet owners and veterinarians;
-* Make it easier for veterinarians, technicians, and pet service professionals to access clinical reference sources, stay current with the latest advances, learn about treatment options, and communicate with peers; and
-* Allow pet owners, veterinarians, insurance agents, employer and employer/group organizations to provide their employees and members with access to pet life and health insurance plans so they can make better treatment choices.
Insurance Services
VSUR anticipates that its Insurance Services segment will be its principle revenue driver once the rollout of its pet insurance product line is complete. VSUR plans to use its online exposure to educate customers about its pet insurance plans. With the cost of veterinary care rising rapidly, more pet owners are becoming interested in purchasing insurance plans that can provide reimbursement of veterinary expenses incurred treating a pet’s illness or injury. Some of VSUR’s policies also offer routine/preventive care treatment coverage such as vaccinations.
The Company insurance product-specific website provides policyholders with complete access and account management capabilities, such as changing coverage, policy cancellations, and claims processing.
VSUR is authorized to underwrite a pet replacement (life) insurance plan for dogs and cats with death benefit limits ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Liability coverage added to existing pet insurance plans.
In June, 2007, VSUR announced it was adding liability coverage to its existing pet life and health insurance plans. VSUR becomes the only US pet insurance provider to offer this depth of coverage. The Company intends to duplicate the success already achieved in the UK where liability coverage is an important part of every UK pet insurance plan and where more than 1.85 million pets are insured each year. A report on the UK pet insurance market published by Defaqto Ltd. noted this type of coverage was imperative, especially for dog owners.
How do I sign up? What's covered? How are claims handled? How much does it cost?
it's easy to apply on line. You'll be asked for your pet's species, breed, age, sex, and health history and whether it is a companion or show animal.GO! We offer four plans so you can choose the cost and coverage that's right for you. Plans can include everything from coverage for injuries and accidents to annual wellness profiles for older pets.GO! It couldn't be easier. You just log on to our website and fill in a simple form, then provide a copy of your veterinarian's bill via e-mail, fax or traditional mail. Or you can download the form and send it via fax or mail. Your coverage is reviewed automatically, and we'll let you know what your reimbursement will be.GO! The cost of insurance for your treasured pet starts at about 25 cents a day and is usually available for less than a dollar a day, depending on the plan you choose.GO!
Did You Know?
Our plans cover the cost of spaying and/or neutering
Our plans cover immunizations and checkups
You choose the level of coverage and cost that is best for your budget
Frequently asked questions about Purrfect Pet™ Insurance
Q. Who is the underwriter and how it is being sold?
A. The coverage provided by Vsurance Insurance Agency, Inc., in Arkansas, and through its licensed agent W.R. Smith Michigan SL#234624 is underwritten by Novus Centuriae, Inc. These plans are available to Purrfect Pet Club members only.The insurance contract, with Novus Centuriae, is with an insurer not licensed to transact insurance in this state and is issued and delivered as a surplus line coverage pursuant to the Michigan insurance statutes. The State Board of Insurance does not audit the finances or review the solvency of the surplus lines insurer providing this coverage, and this insurer is not a member of the state's Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association.
Q. How do I get a pet insurance quote?
A. You may obtain a quote by visiting www.purrfectpetinsurance.com or if you are a member of a group with an ID number, visit www.groupvsurance.com where you will find special rates for your group and a quick calculator to determine your monthly premium.
Q. What is the Purrfect Pet™ Club?
A. Purrfect pet insurance plans are available only to residents of the U.S. who are also members of the Purrfect Pet Club, a Michigan domiciled association.
As members, pet owners are eligible for member services offered by the club. Pet owning members electing to insure theirs pets will receive a certificate of coverage on the master group policy which has been issued to the association. To view member services and future services to be offered by the club, visit www.purrfectpetclub.com.
Q. What are the membership dues and how will they be collected?
A. The membership dues are $24.00 annually and are included in your monthly policy premium at a rate of $2.00 per month.
Q. Are all pets insurable?
A. A healthy pet's policy may begin at 8 weeks of age and before its 14th birthday for cats and 12th birthday for dogs. Some pets that have an existing chronic or terminal condition may not be insurable. If an application is submitted with a pre existing condition, the policy will be underwritten to determine if coverage is available.
Q. What if my pet has a protracted illness or condition that needs on-going treatment?
A. Our "Protection for Life" Guarantee promises that we'll cover your pet as long as you keep your premiums current. We won't cancel when you're facing long-term conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Q. Can I choose a policy to specifically meet my needs?
A. Yes. There are several policies available with coverage ranging from accident only to those that include death from illness, preventive care, dental and holistic care. You choose the coverage options and limits to suit your needs.
Q. Can I use any veterinarian?
A. Yes. You may use any duly licensed veterinarian in the United States and Canada.
The Company’s online portals generate revenues through the sale of advertising and sponsorship products.
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Recent News for VSUR |
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Press Release Source: Vsurance, Inc.
Friday September 28, 8:55 am ET
Vsurance Announces Pet Insurance Thrives in the United Kingdom;
''Lifetime Coverage'' Reported as Key Selling Point for Providers
With Nearly 2 Million Current Policies in Place,
Health Insurance for Pets is Booming in the United Kingdom
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vsurance, Inc. (OTCBB:VSUR - News), a leading provider of pet health insurance, announced today that health insurance for pets in the U.K. is experiencing unprecedented growth with the introduction of "lifetime coverage".
Vsurance Inc.'s unique Get HIP (Health Insurance for Pets) Insurance program is currently the only program in the United States to offer lifetime health insurance coverage for pets.
Mintel, a leading analyst firm, whose U.K. research spans over three decades discovered that annual pet health insurance in the U.K. exceeds GBP 245 million, or $495 million US. There are over 1.85 million pet health insurance policies and approximately 50 pet health insurance providers in the UK.
U.K. pet health insurance providers include: TESCO, a major online grocery store, Blue Cross, an international leader in healthcare insurance services, Pedigree, Pet Plan (an Allianz company whose gross premium income exceeds GBP 1,634 million, The Kennel Club, Equine & Livestock and AXA Insurance, with more than 50 million customers, and more than GBP 1,091 billion in assets).
A key selling point in the UK is "lifetime coverage", which the U.K.'s most successful pet health insurance providers offer.
"Providers in the United Kingdom understand the importance of programs that provide "lifetime coverage" and other important benefits," stated Russell Smith, CEO of Vsurance, Inc. "At Vsurance, we understand this need as well, which is why our Get HIP Pet Health Insurance program is the only program in the U.S. to offer "lifetime coverage" along with other benefits desired by pet owners. As the market grows for pet health insurance in the U.S., we believe that our Get HIP Health Insurance for Pets program will set the standard for excellence in the industry." more
Press Release Source: Vsurance, Inc.
Thursday September 27, 4:50 pm ET
Vsurance, Inc. Reports Demographic Trends in the Pet Health Care Industry
Vsurance, Inc. Focuses on Growing, Untapped Market
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vsurance, Inc. (OTCBB:VSUR - News), a leading provider of pet health insurance through its Health Insurance for Pets program, (Get HIP) announced today the latest market trends in the growing pet health care industry:
- The U.S. has the largest population of companion animals in the world with more than 141 million owned pets including 61.6 million dogs and 68.9 million cats.
- Less than 4% are currently covered by pet health insurance.
- More than 62% of U.S. households own at least one pet, of which, 81% of pet owners consider the pets family members.
- Dogs make an average of 2.7 visits to the vet each year.
- Cats make an average of 1.8 visits.
- The average dog owner spends $261.30 per year on veterinary care. For cats, the number is $156.90.
- Households with veterinary expenditures of $1,000 or more doubled between 1996 and 2001.
- Expenditures on veterinary care exceed $18 billion per year.
- 62% of households with incomes over $54,999 own pets.
- Between 1996 and 2001, veterinary expenditures increased more than 10% per year.
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Management at Vsurance |
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VSUR’sCEO, W. Russell Smith, developed the concept of insuring household pets (dogs and cats) and has been active in the pet insurance business for the last 12 years. From June, 1995 through April, 2000, Mr. Smith served as the President of Pets Health Insurance Agency, Inc. Since April, 2000, Mr. Smith has served as the President of Pets Marketing Insurance.com Moreover, Mr. Smith founded a significant pet related reinsurance company, which under his leadership became an important player within the pet insurance market with over 30,000 written policies per year.
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Financial Highlights For VSUR |
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Vsurance commenced operations in June, 2006 on a small scale as our public portals were under initial development.
The VetpetMD portal as reported in the March 31, 2007 10-QSB had: 298,243 site hits; 54,935 page views; and established 7,165 visits of which 3,553 were unique visitors. In the second quarter of 2007 this website has exceeded the first quarter numbers by having 546,030 site hits; 118,862 page views; and established 8,091 visits of which 4,576 were unique visitors.
The pet insurance site reported in the 10-QSB as having: 304,291 site hits; 41,862 page views; and established 5,385 visits of which 3,206 were unique visitors. In the second quarter of 2007 this website has exceeded the first quarter numbers by having 608,093 site hits; 78,129 page views; and established 9,681 visits of which 6,129 were unique visitors.
Our main home page delivered similar results with the first quarter website traffic reaching 70% of last years total numbers: VSUR established an impressive quarter-over-quarter growth this year. The home page had 226,585 site hits 03/31/07 compared with 381,051 site hits 06/30/07; 140,630 page views 03/31/07 compared with 271,924 page views 06/30/07; and established 9,756 visits 03/31/07 of which 6,197 were unique visitors compared with 16,631 visits 06/30/07 of which 10,334 were unique visitors.
Vsurance is a fully reporting company, click on the link to view the companies SEC filings.
- VSUR has a unique business model for marketing pet insurance via the Internet.
- VSUR’s business model will position the Company as a leading provider of pet health insurance.
- By drawing traffic to its Internet sites, the Company is able to cost-effectively market pet insurance products.
- VSUR generates revenues from: the sale of pet insurance plans; and the sale of advertising and sponsorship.
Trading Symbol: OTCBB: VSUR
Sector: Services - Industry: Business Services
Recent Trade: $1.12 09-28-07
52wk High 4.00 - 52wk Low 0.08
Avg Vol (3m): 1,130 - Market Cap: 1.83M
Fiscal Year Ends: 31-Dec - Most Recent Quarter (mrq): 30-Jun-07
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TO CONTACT VSURANCE |
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Vsurance Inc.
220 West 6th Street, Suite D, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-372-4443
Web Site: http://www.vsurance.com
Investor Relations
Russell Smith, 877-372-4443 - ir@vsurance.com
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