Additional Services


DCS act for each client under a delegated authority, which is tailored to the clients’ specific requirements and is formalised by contractual arrangement. The contract confirms the scope of the agreement and gives the assurance that all information held by us on behalf of the clients will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The diversity of our client base does, however, give us greater information regarding any claims trends that may develop, enabling us to warn underwriters at an early stage of any areas of concern within a specific class or profession without divulging any specific client sensitive information.


Our main objective is to administer claims ‘in-house’ as far as possible thereby minimising the use and cost of external representatives. We recognise however that by its nature, liability business can be litigious and we have therefore established a panel of tried and trusted solicitors and adjusters to assist in our investigations where appropriate.


To ensure quality of service is maintained, we require all panel firms to annually re-sign our Service Standards Agreement, a copy of which is included within this brochure.


In addition to general claims administration, DCS is able to offer a number of bespoke services either in-house, or by involving other practices within the DCS Group.


▪ Audits ▪


Whether it is required by Lloyd’s, the FSA or merely as good business practice, the need for an independent specialist to review the operation of Delegated Authorities or undertake audits of Third Party Administrators is essential.


With the increased regulation in the insurance sector comes an increased requirement for insurers who delegate their authority for underwriting, claims administration or both, to ensure the Coverholder acts responsibly and within the terms of the defined authority. In line with both FSA and Lloyd’s requirements, DCS have specialised audit products that address the key requirements of both bodies. To cater for these requirements, DCS has a specialist audit team providing 3 different audit services:


Regulatory Currently, the FSA do not have specific guidelines on the auditing requirements of a third party other than to place the onus of responsibility on the insurer to ensure the Coverholder or TPA does not act in breach of their regulations.


Specifically for Lloyd’s syndicates, we give consideration to the operation of a Binding Authority under the terms of the Lloyd’s Coverholders Handbook and Lloyd’s Franchise Standards.


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