6 BROKERTALK
“
Isis wants brokers
”
Talk
out of the cold
Isis Claims Solutions management supplier. “Despite being well-placed
has expressed concern to identify what works best for clients, brokers
over some insurers’ are invariably told to use panel-only suppliers. I
Making an Impact
claims standards and is arguing that more brokers know of large broker networks, who you could
should have a say in who manages their clients’ argue have some leverage, that are not allowed to
In a bid to reduce the cost and length
claims. Isis Claims Solutions says a recent industry appoint their desired claims supplier.”
of third-party property damage claims
survey has cited brokers as believing insurers are
incurred as a result of the extremely cold
providing ‘non-existent customer care’, ‘chaotic He added FSA regulation had caused many
weather conditions, Isis Claims Solutions has
communication’ as well as ‘no one taking claim brokers to relinquish their delegated authority
responsibility’ being major irritations. responsibilities; but this does not mean they do not
launched Impact – an independent validation
want to be involved in the claim. And worryingly,
and pricing service specifi cally for motor
According to Cris Bellamy, Isis’ commercial even those with in-house claims departments
insurance claims handlers.
director: “While insurers may cry foul at such concede they are unable to infl uence the progress
suggestions, they only need to scrutinise their of their clients’ claims.
Impact offers damage inspection within 24
claims management processes to realise that sadly,
hours of instruction, via a national network
many of the brokers’ gripes are justifi ed. “Claims management is the one area where the
of claims validators who scope, price and
industry can tangibly demonstrate how it excels
validate claims digitally on site using Isis’
“It’s never an insurer’s intention to alienate a broker, when delivering that ‘insurance promise’. Renege
Advanced Claims Environment (ACE) and
but often the supply chain arrangements currently on that promise and the broker’s reputation
iQuote software. This allows insurers to in place, can in many cases, leave the broker out of and future renewal opportunities could be
negotiate settlements and repair the the claims equation. Once a claim is notifi ed, the compromised,” he said.
damage, potentially saving money. relationship is commonly between insurer, supplier
and client.” He concluded that while some suppliers recognise
Mr Bellamy commented: “The launch proved
the importance of the broker/client relationship in
timely as insurers needed to tackle a surge
He continued: “How many suppliers have a process their claims handling, he is convinced more need
in claims presented under motor policies,
which involves checking with brokers to determine to do so. “If we had an industry-wide protocol
where a vehicle has lost control on snow or
their required level of involvement? How can to ensure all stakeholders were included in the
ice, damaging third-party property such as
suppliers understand brokers’ needs and wants if management of a claim – insurer, broker, supplier
boundary walls, bus shelters, road signs and
the question isn’t asked?” and client – it would safeguard reputations and Toby Flint from Towergate Underwriting
barriers.”
future renewals. And if the business stays with the
Entertainment, has over 10 years
Mr Bellamy said too few insurers were allowing broker, it usually remains with the insurer.”
brokers to appoint their preferred claims
underwriting experience providing
insurance for Events, Entertainment, Film
Production and Media plus a wide range
of trades in the Leisure Industry.
Broking wins over
cabin crew glamour
Expert Underwriting. Supporting Brokers.
A young insurance broker turned down and my Dad urged me to take it. He felt an
Our underwriters have many years experience across a range of products and markets and are
the chance to travel the world as a fl ight insurance career would be more stable than
attendant in order to sell insurance in one fl ying around the world and I had to
empowered to make the decisions brokers need - when they are needed.
Heanor, Derbyshire. admit he was probably right. He is a mortgage
broker and knows a lot about the fi nance
Jade Brown, 23, had job offers from three sector. I took his advice and have never looked
We are dedicated to providing brokers with the right product for their clients, we can deal with
major airlines but instead chose to join an back.” just about anything - so put us to the test and talk to someone who understands your business.
insurance broker, HTC Associates.
She said she recognised that insurance has a
The company said her decision had paid “stuffy image” and when people think of an
Tel: 0844 892 1946 Email: brokersupport@towergate.co.uk
off and this year she helped the fi rm reach insurance broker they usually picture “a middle
a record turnover level of almost £3 million. aged guy in a grey suit but that’s really just a
Ms Brown said: “As a teenager I dreamed stereotype.” She emphasised there are “all
You can also quote and buy many of our products online:
of travelling the world and applied to all the kinds of people working within this industry
major airlines to become a fl ight attendant. I and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
had interviews at East Midlands Airport with
www.towergate.co.uk/quoteandbuy
three airlines and there were job offers on the Since joining HTC in August 2008, Ms Brown
table. has specialised in professional indemnity
insurance.
“But then I was offered a job in insurance
Towergate Underwriting and Towergate Underwriting Entertainment are trading names of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited
Insurance Brokers’ Monthly February 2010
Registered in England No 4043759 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
BrokerTalk 4-9 FEB.indd 3 1/2/10 13:36:49
Untitled-1 1 12/01/2010 16:48:14
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