[ Focus: Insurance ]
We often hear that it’s the claims process when the value of cover really comes to the fore – tell us more about ECIC’s standards in this area I think it’s important to emphasise that our claims department is unlike many insurer claims operations, as our underwriting team works hand- in-hand with the claims team to create an intimate understanding of the claims issues that arise in the construction sector, and this is reflected in the contract terms set out as part of the cover. The fact that we score 4.5 out of 5 for claims service really demonstrates the quality and speed of service we provide.
We know you’ve expanded your healthcare cover for ECA members; why have you decided to do this now? Through ECIS, we can now provide a flexible and cost-effective range of health insurance covers. We realised that awareness of the private medical insurance (PMI) cover we provide to ECA members is very low across the regions, so we wanted to tackle this with a big push to communicate the benefits. We have also bargained hard with Bupa to achieve
very competitive rates so that ECA members can provide cover to their staff at a lower cost than if they had obtained the cover themselves. Another catalyst for the increased focus on PMI was a survey we conducted amongst ECS cardholders, which found that while more than 85 per cent view PMI cover as important, almost 75 per cent have no cover in place. The provision of PMI cover has benefits on a number of levels, for both employer and employee. It not only helps to attract and retain quality staff as competition for good people increases, but it also ensures that if, and when, consultations and treatment are needed, this is done swiftly – so that staff can get back to work without unnecessary delay. Of course, for the employee, knowing that they will have their condition treated quickly, professionally and in the comfort of private facilities provides valuable peace of mind.
What are your plans for 2014 and beyond? We will continue to focus on delivering flexible and cost-effective products to meet the needs and budgets of contractors. We already have a number of innovative new developments in the pipeline, such as a dental plan and cash plan as an alternative or addition to PMI cover. But, fundamentally, we want to make ourselves more accessible to businesses of all sizes and types within the ECA. So, whether you’re a one-man band needing a small business policy at competitive rates, or a large firm needing a bespoke insurance package, we will have the right proposition for you and a clear route to purchase that cover.
What do you think the big issues are for ECA members going into 2014? As work volumes start to increase, it’s vital firms review their insurance covers to ensure they meet the growing needs of their business. They need to look,
December 2013 ECA Today 61
As work volumes start to increase, it’s vital firms review their insurance covers to ensure they meet the growing needs of their business
for example, at whether sums insured are adequate, wage roll limits are up to date and that as contracts are taken on, cover is adjusted to reflect this. It’s also worth bearing in mind that as work
increases, competition for good people will increase, and this will heighten the need to find ways to retain staff through enhanced employment packages. We could also see an increased reliance on
sub-contractors. It is essential to ensure that any sub-contractors employed carry adequate insurance cover for the various liabilities they may face. For example, unlike bona fide sub-contractors, labour- only sub-contractors (LOSCs) work under the supervision of the contractor and are considered to be employees and, as such, need to be included in the employer’s liability cover. Failure down the line of sub-contractors will be deemed to be the responsibility of the main contractor, who has the direct contractual relationship with the client. From a wider perspective, ECA members will
undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the Green Deal and the ECO scheme, given the implications and opportunities for the electrical contracting sector.
n For more information visit
www.ecic.co.uk or email
ecic@eca.co.uk
SHUTTERSTOCK / LLISA F. YOUNG
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