I Like it When a Plan Comes Together.

I just wanted to share some wording of an email which came into the office last week.

'Many thanks again for your help on this and the PI.  I have been very impressed with the service that you and your firm have provided.'

I don't want to appear as if I am blowing our trumpet too much here, but just wanted to point out that feedback is very important to us - it allows us to see both what we are doing well and what we could do better.  We pride ourselves on the service that we offer our customers.  As part of this commitment, we are constantly striving to improve our service on every level and your feedback is an invaluable part of this.   

To provide your feedback, please email your regular contact at the appropriate office or alternatively, email webfeedback@fairweatherinsurance.co.uk leaving your thoughts and comments (good or bad) along with some contact details.

The Curse of the Enraged Soap Character!

It might interest you to know that a study has revealed that plot lines in soaps over the last three years have resulted in a fictional insurance bill of at least £1,000,000!  The single most costly incident being the siege, fire and explosion at Weatherfield's knicker factory which would have given rise to an insurance claim costing in the region of £150,000. This kind of wanton destruction is not limited to the North of England, with the inhabitants of Albert Square racking up a criminal damage bill of over £70,000.  On a similar theme, residents of Hollyoaks have been the victims (and, one would assume, also the perpetrators) of 32 thefts and five muggings.

According to bods at esure who undertook this research, Coronation Street represents ten times the claims cost of an average street in Manchester. 

It is probably safe to say that plans to open a Weatherfield branch of Fairweather Insurance are presently on hold.

The Soup, the Laptop and the Dog (adding value).

As the tin of Baxters - other manufacturers are available - Carrot and Coriander soup careered towards the laptop no amount of leaping across the kitchen was going to stop the inevitable. Whilst time seemed to stand still, the weighty tin smashed into the keyboard dispersing letters left right and centre. The dog got to the H, J and > before I could, wolfing them down as if they were some alphabet themed tasty treat. The scene now represented a road traffic accident between soup and scrabble delivery lorries. Perhaps I am over dramatising the event? The short of it is that my laptop suffered extensive accidental damage. Much of my extra curricular activities rely on being able to use my laptop and as such I was aghast at the situation that had unthinkably unfolded in front of me.  

I have worked now in insurance for over five years and am constantly assessing the needs of others and talking about how exciting a given new insurance product is. I'd use words like innovative and market leading as if I were describing a physical product, a car, a vacuum cleaner or similar. I suppose that it is difficult to see what you are buying as a physical product, as something tangible which protects your business, home or car. You pay your money and get a certificate or schedule in return. The truth is that insurance products should be seen as a physical product, something tangible that isn't there 'just in case' but forms part of your disaster recovery plan . Whether we are providing cover for your business or your home or, indeed, any other insurable risk it is important to recognise that what you have bought is always there to support the continuity of your business or the lifestyle to which you are accustomed. It is our job then to assist you in understanding how this is achieved.

This is where the added value comes in. There were times when dealing with the insurers over the injured laptop that I relied on my experience as a broker and was able to use my 'product' knowledge to secure a quick and satisfactory settlement (although I had to replace the soup out of my own pocket). I am confident that had I not had the understanding of the policy I would have found this a difficult and challenging process.

As part of adding value I want to make insurance matters accessible and present interesting and relevant thoughts, news and issues as part of this blog. If there is a subject you would like me to comment on or if you have any queries regarding anything raised in any of the posts then please get in touch.

Alistair