I can see how that would be effective. The approach is non-threatening and you have enough information from databases to at least "get close" on the rate. (I am assuming you don't pull CLUE or other info to "fine tune" the quote before sending it out).
Nope, just use true public record info... square footage, year built, date recorded, etc. Lots of things are 'guessed at' to arrive at a reasonable quote, but it works well.
Dan