Insurance Agencies Use the Internet to Track Nebraska Drivers

P> Nebraska insurance agencies no longer must wade through reams of paperwork or sit on hold to verify driving records of potential clients. Now they turn to the nearest computer with an Internet connection, link to Nebrask@ Online and let their mouse do the walking.

A $3 search fee and a $50 annual subscription charge allow insurance agencies and investigators to search driver's license records by name, date of birth or license number. All the money collected is split between Nebrask@ Online and the state.

Federal and state laws limit access to this information to people who need it for business purposes, so Nebrask@ Online screens users. However, there are other services that anyone can use - provided they pay the fees. For example, subscribers pay 75 cents to search public records filed by corporations, including trademark information.

Nebrask@ Online also acts as an Internet service provider for rural areas of the state. By paying the $50 annual fee and a 12-cent-per-minute connection charge, users have unlimited access to the Web and e-mail. They also can use software that allows users to read and write e-mail off-line to avoid connect-time fees.

Nebrask@ Online can be reached at http://www.nol.org/