COMMENT & CONTENTS
Comment
What’s your take on outsourcing?
Outsourcing is now a well established part of the insurance landscape. For years, insurers have led the
field and the market is now used to huge deals worth millions with long term arrangements, typically
spanning five years or more. QBE, RSA and Aviva have all announced major deals this year - but now it
seems more brokers are taking a slice of the outsourcing action.
As with insurers, the key areas to outsource tend to be IT, claims and back office work including policy
administration. Commercial brokers may also want to outsource their complete personal lines books,
allowing them to redeploy staff to more profitable areas. It would appear that the tough economic
environment is prompting more brokers to find out about the type of services on offer - all those who
contributed pieces to our Outsourcing Special in this issue said they had noted a steep rise in inquiries.
Editor John Sadler
We’d be interested to know if it is something you’d consider.
No small contribution
It crossed my mind recently when reading the interview in this issue with AXA’s Roy Watkinson about the
inclusive nature of our industry. He says, “Insurance enables businesses to set up, invest and grow and
helps individuals buy their homes, protect their families and take risks that they would otherwise need to
shy away from.”
And brokers play a vital part in ensuring that customers who choose to use their services in finding the
cover that is most appropriate for their needs as well as providing support in the event of a claim. In the
midst of an industry where there is too much emphasis on price and commodisation is becoming more
common, it is easy to lose sight of the wider meanings of what insurance is about.
John Sadler, Editor
Contents November 2009 Volume 59 No.11
2 Brokertalk 22 Regulation
Filling in knowledge gaps with Terence Clark
8 Interview
Meet Roy Watkinson, AXA UK’s underwriting director
24 Legal
Andrew Welch explains the new road traffic claims process
12 Outsourcing Special
26 Financial
Claims, personal lines and the back office are under the spotlight
Revenue recognition and disclosure are covered by Jessica Wills
16 Business continuity planning 28 Training
Tony Gimple explains why this is a key area for brokers
Well trained staff will reap benefits for brokers says Dave Sweeney
18 Technology
30 Employers’ liability
Brokers have a key role to play in assisting clients, reports Stewart Gardiner
RDT’s Mark Bates on effective upgrades
31 What’s New?
20 Systems Scene
Business briefing from SSP 35 Comings and goings
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Insurance Brokers’ Monthly 1
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