The following article is written by Ken Specter, Managing Director at Lawshield UK, in advance of his attendance at the BIBA Conference 2019.

On 10th April 2019 the Financial Conduct Authority published a report criticising insurance firms in their approach to the manufacturing, sales and distribution of some insurance products, which is ultimately leading to poor outcomes for consumers.

They argued that the failure of insurance firms to adequately consider the value of the products and services they are providing was leaving consumers with products that were not appropriate for their needs, excessively priced and resulting in a poor customer service. They highlighted the role of multiple parties being involved in the chain as a contributing factor to these poor outcomes.

How can insurance companies and those working with them ensure their processes avoid these outcomes? How can we ensure that consumers, who ultimately keep us in business, are getting exactly what they need from us?

We asked ourselves these questions because at Lawshield UK we work predominantly with insurers, MGAs and brokers nationally, so we strongly felt that it was imperative we take a root and branch review of our processes and lead by example in meeting the standards set by the FCA. During our review, we defined a number of stages that our capacity providers, our insurer clients and ourselves need to go through in order to satisfy the compliance requirements that have been set.

These stages are:

1. Scheme Set Up & Training
2. Demonstration Of Value
3. Distribution
4. Sales Process & Support
5. Pricing
6. Audit & Control

Getting It Right: Scheme Set Up & Training

• Our products are supported by A-rated security
• We have a limit of 3 capacity providers, enabling simple & straightforward administration processes
• Policy wordings are carefully reviewed to ensure conditions and IPIDS are clear and unambiguous
• When we set up a new scheme, we take the time to review every aspect of the sales process with our client
• We train both managers and sales staff to ensure they fully understand the product and its limitations; this is vital information for the customer

Demonstrating Value Clearly

• We are able to provide claims MI to our clients to show the claims ratio on the products they have chosen
• We have no interest in providing esoteric products where value is not clear; we are more comfortable with products which lead to claims we receive every day, be that for motor breakdown, a landlord with a tenant who has not paid their rent, a householder who has had a flood and needed to claim under home emergency cover, a victim of cyberbullying or phishing who has had to claim under a Personal Cyber product.

Distribution: Providing Multiple Reliable Solutions

• Digital Sales Platform

In recent years, large brokers have acquired many small brokers with legacy software systems, often provided by the same three or four software companies such as Acturis, CDL and Open GI. As an insurance firm, you may have a commercial incentive to sell ancillary insurance products, but this often brings with it a need for digital investment and infrastructure; this can in some instances prove to be a barrier to distribution and sales. At Lawshield we recognise this and as the sale of ancillary products is a core activity for us it is in our interests to enable you to overcome this issue. We do this by offering brokers unconditional use of our own Digital Sales Platform (DSP). This is accessible 24/7 and is fully maintained by our in-house team of software engineers and digital support staff. There is no bordereau requirement because we invoice at the end of each month to confirm sales, and we include bespoke MI to enable you to continuously review overall performance.

From the point of reaching a decision to access this platform, it takes no more than 14 days to be fully set up on DSP and in a position to commence sales, and use of our DSP is free of charge.

• A Branded Website

With a highly skilled in-house software and digital marketing team, we can also offer branded websites as an alternative to using DSP. This can be bespoke and we are able to provide case studies of Quote & Buy websites we have built for existing clients.

• Product Integration With Existing Software

Another alternative is for us to align one of more of the products with the software you currently use, however this would require significant volume.

• Traditional Bordereau

Finally, you may wish to distribute our products at POS and account to us via a manual bordereau. We can set up this system for you.

Continuous Sales Support

• We provide extensive sales training at the outset and our sales support teams are available to continue that support on the phone or in the offices of our clients
• We supply seminars to further enhance sales training
• If we build your branded website or if you use DSP we will offer 24/7 support 365 days a year, with our digital team on call, free of charge

Fair Pricing

• We net rate our products, ensure they are A-rated security protected and do not charge for digital support
• For large volumes we are always open to discussing rates
• At Lawshield we provide claims services to many thousands of customers and understand that our reputation depends on getting this right

Audit & Control

All of us who are involved in the sales chain must understand and comply with our regulatory requirements. At Lawshield we embrace compliance, because we know that it is in our best interests to do so. We always expect an audit process to be thorough, and welcome the helpful suggestions and issue resolution that auditors offer.

We want to work with businesses that support this approach to encourage growth and increase sales in a wholly compliant way.

This will ultimately ensure that the customer at the end of the chain has a product and service that is not only right for them, but that they will stay loyal to and will recommend to others.

If you would like to learn more about how we can support your business come and see us at BIBA 2019. Alternatively, you can call us on 01925 444 847 or email us at business@connexus.co.uk.

The strong foundations at Lawshield's umbrella business Connexus Group have been made stronger recently, with the launch of the highly-anticipated, brand new website last month.

The website aims to provide new and existing clients with a clear understanding of what it is the Connexus Group offer and how the various, interconnected businesses can work together to resolve a problem or challenge.

The Connexus Group offers a complete, seamless service which is customised to the client’s individual needs and wants, reinforced throughout the website with examples and testimonials provided by highly-respected organisations and industry leaders.

The Connexus Group service client’s predominantly within the insurance industry (involving Lawshield) and automotive industries, offering:

• Insurance products and support
• TPA services
• Claims Services
• Repair management, recovery and mobility solutions
• Customised digital solutions
• Legal services and support

It’s an exciting time for the organisation and staff members, who have both witnessed and been involved in the steady, consistent growth of the company since its inception in 1996.

However, the growth of any organisation doesn’t come without challenges and The Connexus Group’s situation is no different.

Managing Director of The Connexus Group Ken Specter attributes the success of the company with organic, steady growth.

“I’ve always believed a business must grow naturally from the needs of the client… What challenges are they facing? How can you assist to resolve them?

“By working closely with the client to provide a solution, you are able to grow organically without jeopardising the company’s core principles and values that make you unique and competitive,” Ken said.

If you would like to learn more or enquire about the services offered by The Connexus Group, submit a contact form here or phone the team at 0333 043 3797.

Danny Buxton is our resident Business Development Manager here at LawShield UK. With a focus on building genuine relationships with like-minded businesses, Danny is the go-to person to discuss potential partnerships and business opportunities.

We invite you to learn more about Danny in our Q&A and maybe even give him an add on Linkedin... start up a conversation! 

How did you find yourself in your current position as Business Development Manager at LawShield? 

I have spent more than 10 years working within the industry and would regularly speak with Insurance Brokers who utilised Lawshield for their Motor Claims and Legal Expenses over many years. All of these brokers have spoken very highly of Lawshield. This consistent level of high service and quality legal products was my first thought when I applied for the role of Business Development Manager. I have now been with the company for 8 months and can see exactly why the business has so many long-established business partners. I’m proud to be part of the team.

What is your main focus in the role?

To be a key point of contact for brokers, provide regular staff training and increase awareness of our other products and services. I ensure that brokers are aware of any legal or regulatory changes, such as the Civil Liability Bill relating to Personal Injury claims, are explained clearly and the potential impacts are understood.

What is your favourite aspect?

I enjoy a good audience! I get a real sense of pride when I have a room full of engaging attendees to my training visits as I’m genuinely passionate about our products. I especially love speaking with pro-active brokers who seek to enhance the suite of services and additional scheme available to their customers.

Tell us a bit about yourself! How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my daughters, aged 10, 7 and 3 months as well as going to the gym and playing 5-a-side football.

What Football team do you follow? 

I’m a lifelong Stoke City fan and enjoyed watching them go from the old Division 2 to the Premier League as well as a brief taste of European football. I’m hopeful of a Premier League return in the near future.

What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?

Workwise, I feel the knowledge and expertise I have acquired over the years is my biggest achievement. I understand the legal polices that we offer and the claims processes that back them. This allows me explain complex cover in a simple way, backed up by real claims examples.

What exciting new initiatives is LawShield planning in 2019?

With the launch of our Personal Cyber Cover, we will be hosting a live webinar in the coming months to go through Today’s Digital Landscape, Cyber Crime, our Heads of Cover as well as some unbelieved facts and figures relating to the Cyber Risks that pose a threat to all of us. We will also give some real-life claims examples of why and when this cover will be needed.

The Connexus Group MD, Ken Specter, attended the Lloyds delegated authority conference in London on November 26, where several fundamental initiatives were introduced.

The function, which was co-sponsored by Lloyds and the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA), highlighted was very well attended with Lloyds Brokers , Lloyds Coverhoders, and attendees keen to hear about new pilots and initiatives being undertaken by Lloyds.

Lloyds COO John Neal stressed the importance of Lloyds as one of the strongest insurance brands in the World, with access to the largest amount of capital, a superb accredited mediation service and unique expertise.

One of the pilots being promoted was an initiative described as “Workbench” which was intended to facilitate insurance businesses, and entrepreneurs having fast access to Lloyds underwriters.

This was met with some dismay by a Lloyds Broker asking if they were being cut out; it was stressed this was just a Pilot and merely gave businesses the opportunity to see if an idea would float.

Another Event focus was   DA SATS (Submission, Access and Transformation Solution), which provides a central service via Microsoft Azure.

Mr Specter commented:-.

“The new system is designed to enable the standardisation, collection, validation, processing and supply of delegated authority data across the market.

“Considering some 60% of Managing Agents at Lloyds have signed up, this initiative is proving incredibly popular,” he said.

There were also questions over Brexit, with Cover holders concerned about the placement of risks in Europe and risks from Europe.

“In our view, whilst contingency arrangements must be considered (and many organisations are now hurrying to arrange branches in Dublin, Brussels or other areas of Europe), transition or postponement arrangements will be forthcoming unless all parties want business to grind to a halt.”

Lawshield, a member of The Connexus Group, are cover holders in their own right and act for MGA’s and large brokers for full policy administration as well as full claims management.

“Our end-to-end services are geared to reduce complexity and provide simple transactional management to assist you in focusing on key areas such as client support and sales,” Mr Specter explained.

“Our digital expertise and data migration facilities ensure a smooth transition of business and are designed to assist our clients in reducing costs via automation whist maintaining an emphasis on client care in key areas.”

For a no obligation analysis of your needs and a quote, call us today on 01925 444 847 or email salessupport@connexus.co.uk.

Research indicates email spam is still the most popular tactic for cyber criminals, a fact that has stood the test of time for 40 years.

With new technologies used across other channels being relatively effective, cyber criminals tend to opt for spam emails containing malicious links and attachments to scam websites.

The research, conducted by F-Secure, indicates there has actually been an increase in malicious emails which are remarkably genuine in appearance.

“Of the spam samples we’ve seen; 46% are dating scams, 23% are emails with malicious attachments and 31% contain links to malicious websites,” says Päivi Tynninen, Threat Intelligence Researcher at F-Secure,

Emails linking to scam websites or redirecting users to malicious websites are designed in a way that is so genuine, even the most savvy tech users have been fooled time and time again.

Online criminals are known for using a variety of techniques designed to increase click-through rates.

For example, emails are 12% more likely to be opened if they’re from a known individual or business, and 4.5% more likely if the subject line is free from errors. Link clicks also increase when there’s a sense of urgency, such as limited-time discount offers.

While the assumption seems to be that a younger demographic is savvier and more careful when it comes to online scams, research conducted by Get Safe Online indicates quite the opposite.

"Evidence from the report revealed just 40% of under 25s say they ‘carefully read and re-read all emails’, in contrast with two thirds (69%) of 55+ year olds who scrupulously check all online communication.

"Worryingly, half of under 25s (51%) even admit to regularly ‘replying to or clicking links in unsolicited or spam emails’ – despite it being a common technique used by phishers. However, older Brits are more cautious, with only a quarter ever replying to or clicking on links in suspect emails,' said Get Safe Online.

It seems the younger audience, who spend more time online and are more accustomed to sharing personal information, is a more fruitful investment target to online fraudsters.

Considering these recent findings, it would be wise to remind clients of the dangers present online, particularly in relation to email spam.

Share the Key Warning Signs with Your Clients…

• You receive an email, text of call requiring you to ‘validate’ your personal details by clicking a link/attachment.
• Unexpected pop-ups on your computer or mobile device asking you to run software.
• You receive a friend request from someone you don’t know.
• You’re unable to access your email or social media account, or can see this has been accessed from an unusual location.
• Money has been taken out of your account unexpectedly.
• Credit card has been declined.
• You have been sent bills, invoices or receipts from unknown businesses.

With National Customer Service week falling in October, I wanted to take a step back from my usual duties to think about what Lawshield are doing in respect of delivering a good customer service. It has often been said that if we experience a good customer service we will relay this to roughly three people we know; however, if the service is poor we will tell up to 10 others. Sounds high, doesn’t it? Word of mouth recommendations and referrals play a very important part in gaining new business partners; for us: Brokers and Insurers. How we handle customer claims is highly important.

With our Motor Legal Expenses being the best-selling insurance product, it seemed natural to begin to look at the motor claims area and accident management.  I spoke to Dave Berry, Claims Manager, to ask what he considered was good customer service. Previously having worked at Aviva, Dave is very knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with claims; he has only worked with us for 3 months, a relative ‘newbie’, so he was very open and wanted to share past experiences.

”Good customer service, when claims-handling is being, honest, knowing the product and having a willingness to deal with the customer in a non-scripted, individual and personal manner.”

Delivering more than what the customer expects will have a positive effect and providing a ‘feel-good factor’ is beneficial as they will remember you and tell others, thus strengthening your brand. Furthermore, the customer is more likely to renew the insurance product if they are more than satisfied with how you handled the claim; if the unfortunate happens again, they know they’re in safe hands.

Also consider: promoting the customer service message and views internally, rewarding staff, having an easy claims process for the customer, providing regular updates, customer service training and PDP's for staff and, ultimately, focusing on the customer; all of which will have a positive impact. Ask yourself, ‘Have you listened to, and exceeded the customer’s expectations?’

Technology also plays an important part in the customer experience; having a swift claims journey is key, offering a choice of how the customer can access advice, support and information that they need when and wherever they want, with a proactive approach to communication.

At Lawshield, we are heavily focused on delivering good customer service and our dedicated personal claims handlers are passionate in what they do. We work in partnership with Insurers, MGA’s and Brokers to provide an outsourced claims management facility, provision of ancillary products and  we are proud to have received so many commendations for our good service:-

“I really appreciate the time and effort you have afforded this case. Thanks for updating me and well done on a great example of considered claims handling” 

“Just wanted to send you an email, to thank you for your help, over the bank holiday, especially every business was closed.  I was originally told I would get a call back after the holidays and be stuck at my destination till Tuesday, however, you called me back within 15 mins, so very professional. Thank you so much for your help and support in this horrible situation I was in. You are a great credit to your company”

“Thank you for your hassle free, efficient and friendly service”.

If you would like to take advantage of our excellent claims service provision and outsource your claims handling then please get in touch today by calling 01925 444 847.

From the 1^st April 2016 the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules for add-ons have changed and this will affect how you operate as a business.

The recent study in September 2015 conducted by the FCA found that the value of general insurance products is not always clear and that selling a product as an add-on often leads customers to purchase a product when they might not actually need it.

The FCA has introduced new rules and guidance whereby you can no longer automatically include add-on products within the policy as a ‘package' and opt-out sales are banned unless they are provided free to the customer and provision of product information is paramount. The FCA has advised that providers have until September 2016 to fully comply, allowing sufficient time to implement the changes. 

What is an add-on?

The FCA defined an add-on product as:

‘Any type of good, service or right obtained in connection with, or alongside, a primary product – whether it is financial in nature or not.’

An example of an add-on would be a motor legal expenses policy or a motor breakdown policy purchased in connection with the main insurance policy. This does not include additional optional extras (AOE’s) that can be purchased alongside the main insurance product (such as accidental damage cover on a home insurance policy), which are also not policies in their own right.

So how do the new rules affect your business?

The whole sales process for each add-on product will require some analysis and you as a business will need to evaluate and assess.

How do you introduce the product to the customer? By letter, email, text or verbally, you will need to ensure that you are providing enough product information, including: features, benefits and cover exclusions, in order that an informed decision can be made. Consideration to the content of marketing material, websites, quotation, new business and renewal letters and other sales processes should be priority.

The FCA has clarified the existing rule on add-ons as:

“A firm must take reasonable steps to ensure a customer is given appropriate information about a policy in good time and in a comprehensible form so that the customer can make an informed decision about the arrangements proposed.”

The previous ‘traditional’ way of including the product within the new business or renewal price and ‘opt-out’ terms are banned. The majority of insurance providers, we suspect, have already changed from this method. By allowing the customer to choose if they want the cover or not, opt-in provides the customer the time to decide if they need the policy and also the chance to shop around. Although, some customers may not look elsewhere and will always remain loyal to the insurance provider through trust and previous experience.

You will need to ensure that:

• You advise your customers that ‘add-ons’ are optional and for any that had purchased the product before April 2016 where it was automatically included will need to be contacted and advised  that they can now be removed.
• Any existing customer journeys can not automatically include the add-on product as being pre-selected.
• If you are offering the product free of charge, any plans to begin to charge for the product will require specific consent from the customer confirming that you can do this and the customer should be informed that they can opt-out.
• Any unbreakable bundles which can not be sold separately can still be sold as a package but on an opt-in basis.

Add-ons should also be introduced at the appropriate time during the sales process otherwise this could be seen as a mis-sale. For example if you provide a quotation for home insurance, then possibly introduce home emergency cover or family legal expenses insurance. Both will add value to the main policy, providing extra cover which is not included within this.

Dealing with renewals

• If the customer was previously sold an add-on product on an opt-out basis, they will need to be contacted to advise that they previously had been sold the product and that the add-on can be removed if they do not require it.  
• Renewal invitation documentation will need to detail the product, cover, cost and inform the customer that it is optional and they have the decision as to whether they renew along with the primary insurance policy.
• This can also be discussed in person or by a call and will only be required once and not after every renewal.

How Lawshield can help

Ancillary products are not to be disregarded as they are a valued product and will benefit the customer by providing additional cover to the primary insurance policy. Lawshield can provide  competitive net rates for:

• Motor Legal Expenses
• Motor Legal Expenses with replacement vehicle
• Taxi Legal Expenses
• Taxi Legal Expenses with replacement taxi or cash benefit
• Family Legal Expenses
• Motor Breakdown
• Keycare
• Home Emergency
• Return to Invoice GAP
• Excess Insurance
• Landlord Legal Expenses, Landlord Rent Guarantee, Landlord Home Emergency

View Net Rates

We understand that product knowledge and understanding is key to the salesperson confidently introducing and selling the product. Explaining with examples of when the product can be utilised also helps the customer to understand and make the decision to whether they want to purchase.  

To assist with staff training and development, Lawshield provide product presentations, content for marketing material and training.

Contact

If you require further information on any of our ancillary products, please contact ourselves on:

Tel: 01925 444 847   Email: Salessupport@connexus.co.uk 

Further details can also be found on the FCA website http://www.fca.org.uk/

It would be valuable for ourselves as a provider of add-on products to receive any feedback on the following changes and how this has affected you as a Broker and as a business.

Ken Specter, Managing Director at Lawshield UK, sat down with Sian Barton, Commissioning Editor of Insurance Age at BrokerExpo 15 to discuss Legal Expenses, Ancillary Products, Support Services and the new Digital Sales Platform.

Check out the video on our YouTube channel below:

Landlords – Are you aware of the change in legislation?

The Government announced yesterday that from 1 February 2016 private landlords in England will have to check whether prospective tenants have the right to live in the UK before renting out property.

So what is the Right to Rent?

The Right to Rent checks were brought in under the Immigration act 2014 as part of the Governments stricter reforms on immigration. New rules introduced mean that landlords will face penalties of up to £3,000 if they do not check the right of new tenants to be living in the country.

Immigration minister James Brokenshire said:

“Right to rent checks are quick and simple, and many responsible landlords already do them as a matter of routine. We are providing landlords in England with all the advice and support they need before the checks go live on 1 February 2016.

The new rules are part of the Immigration Act 2014 which introduced measures to reform the immigration system. Right to rent is about deterring those who are illegally resident from remaining in the UK. Those with a legitimate right to be here will be able to prove this easily and will not be adversely affected.”

But despite their assurances, the move has caused widespread controversy and criticism, with many claiming the Government are using landlords as border control. Speaking in the Independent on Sunday, Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham warned:

“On this evidence, Right to Rent in its current form could lead to widespread discrimination. Of course, we have come a long way as a society since landlords displayed unwelcoming notices in their windows. But the new document checks could become the modern equivalent of the ‘no dogs, no blacks, no Irish’ signs and, by being more insidious, such casual discrimination will be far harder to challenge.”

Gov.UK states: “Under right to rent, landlords should check identity documents for all new tenants and take copies. If a potential tenant has an outstanding immigration application or appeal with the Home Office, landlords can conduct a check on that person’s ‘right to rent’ via the Landlords Checking Service.”

At Lawshield, we provide Landlord Legal Expenses, covering legal costs and expenses incurred when the tenant fails to perform their obligations set out in the terms of Tenancy Agreement such as court and bailiff fees. We provide expert legal advise via specialist solicitors the process is hassle free.

We also offer Rent Guarantee to ensure arrears are covered, as well as Landlord Home Emergency.  For further details on all of our features visit www.Lawshield.co.uk.

Unfortunately, it is a fact that as the temperature drops, vehicle breakdowns are on the up. Weather conditions in winter present many more problems for drivers than usual, and driving without adequate breakdown cover could leave you standing out in the cold.

According to a 2015 survey conducted by Auto Express, a quarter of breakdowns are caused by a flat battery. Cold temperatures and increased pressure on the battery (by using heaters, windscreen wipers and lights more frequently) increase the risk of a flat battery. Another common cause of breakdown in the winter months is getting a puncture, due to a drop in tyre pressure from lower temperatures outside and/or kerb impact.

The chance of you needing someone to recover your vehicle because you’ve run out of fuel also rises considerably at this time of year. Even if you consider yourself to be meticulous on filling up your tank, bad weather causing stop/start conditions could catch you out. Without breakdown cover, any of these issues will leave you hundreds of pounds out of pocket and stranded out in freezing conditions for hours.

For many customers, price is the main selling point of breakdown cover (Auto Express 2015).

Lawshield can provide UK breakdown recovery from as little as £38.72* and £46.94* for UK and EU cover. Covering vehicle types ranging from standard, commercial, taxi and couriers.

Why not offer your customers peace of mind with cover for; doorstep or roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, emergency accommodation costs and onward transportation, all included as standard.

*Net rate excludes Broker commission and IPT

For more information refer to the Motor Section of our website or contact:

Sharon Gallimore
Tel: 01925 403 426
Email: s.gallimore@connexus.co.uk

We're having a bake off for this Friday with all proceeds going towards MacMillan Cancer Support!

Our team are showing off their culinary skills and baking up some delicious treats to put Mary Berry to shame! All donations welcome for this worthy cause!

Visit the following link - Connexus Bake Off for MacMillan Support - to donate.

Changes to Insurance Premium Tax

The Chancellor announced in his budget of July 8th that the standard rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) would, from 1st November 2015, increase to 9.5%. This only applies to the standard IPT rate. Other rates, such as those affecting travel products, will remain unaffected by this change. 

We have included guidelines to help you interpret how the changes should be implemented below

Policies incepted or renewed on or after 1st November 2015

Will attract the new IPT rate of 9.5% regardless of when the quote was provided or any rate guarantees that may apply.

Will attract the new IPT rate of 9.5% for any mid-term change which results in payment of an additional premium. 

Policies incepted or renewed prior to 1st November 2015

Will attract the “old” rate of IPT of 6%.

Where a mid-term change takes place after 01/11/2015 which results in an additional premium, the new IPT rate of 9.5% should apply to the additional premium.

Regardless of the date of change, where one or more MTA takes place and different rates of IPT have been applied (i.e. 6% on inception premium but 9.5% for an MTA) or cancellation takes place that results in a refund of premium being due, ideally IPT will be apportioned. However HMRC accept that systems may be unable to do so in which case the overriding consideration is that the rebated IPT must not exceed the rate at which IPT was originally paid. Therefore if the system is unable to apportion IPT the rebate of IPT on the refund of premium will be at the 6% rate. 
 

Lawshield’s very own A-Team are competing in this years Tough Mudder challenge for Help For Heroes!

Remember to offer GAP Insurance to your customers who are purchasing the new 65 plate vehicles. Lawshield can provide cover from as little as £23.51 net (excludes broker commission and IPT) for a vehicle valued up to £15,000 for a 12 month term, or £89.69 net over a 48 month term.

Motor dealers are likely to charge more for this cover and will be applying a tax rate of 20% compared to 6% when purchased through the Broker. Also, motor dealers will now have to advise the consumer that they can look elsewhere to purchase the cover before finalising any GAP sale.

Brokers - Don't miss out! 

Increase your revenue, highlight the substantial savings for your customers and offer GAP insurance.

For further information please refer to the Motor section of our site, or contact Sharon Gallimore - s.gallimore@connexus.co.uk.

Lawshield UK and Performance Car Hire hosted a weekend of golf for Chubb Insurance and supporting brokers.

The event took place in early may, with the golf being played at three championship courses in and around beautiful St Andrews, including the prestigious Kingsbarns Golf Links.

The weather thankfully played ball, the only hindrance on the game being the amount of food and whiskey consumed on the evenings prior to tee-off.

A great time was had by all involved, with Lee Rhodes of Quantum coming top of the shop with a very creditable score.

A huge thank you to all of the guests for supporting the group and event, we hope to see everyone again soon.

Full list of attendees:

• David Allori – James Hallam
• John Silcock – Borland
• Simon Mobey – Chubb
• Jamie Keaney – Chubb
• Alister Muir – Chubb
• Sam Cowen – 360
• Lee Rhodes – Quantum
• Chris Pooler – A Plan
• Neil Birchenough – KLS
• Ken Specter – Connexus
• Will Osbaldiston – LawShield
• Chris Lewis – Chubb
• Steven Greene – Performance Car Hire

thisismoney.co.uk recently posted an article regarding a “Landlord’s guide to avoiding home emergency”. The guide helps pinpoint the key types of home emergencies and the steps you can take to control property issues, as well as how to avoid minor inconveniences becoming full-blown emergency situations.

In the event of an emergency, LawShield UK can provide situation cover for rapid, expert help using a national network of contractors to assist and stabilise the problem.

We offer Landlord Home Emergency cover for as little as £44.00 net to brokers on an opt in basis, and Standard Home Emergency for £37.20 net to brokers; this is considerably lower than many competitors in the market.

Our national network of contractors includes nearly 2,000 tradespeople including plumbers, drainage experts, glaziers, locksmiths, electricians, gas fitters, roofers, general builders and pest controllers.

Our Home Emergency Cover will make your home safe in the following situations:

• Burst pipes or sudden leakage
• Break-in or vandalism reported to the police
• Failure of your domestic water mains, gas and electricity
• Total failure of your central heating
• Leakage caused by a smashed toilet bowl or cistern
• Pest infestation
• Leakage caused by a damaged roof

Home Emergency Cover will also provide you with the following benefits:

• 24/7/365 days emergency helpline
• Advice and support on how to protect yourself and your home
• Organise and arrange for emergency repairs up to £1,000
• Arrange and contribute towards the cost of alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable
• If you have a blocked bath, toilet or problems with external drainage, you are covered even if you have another working toilet or bathing facility

LawShield UK have been an established trader since 1997 and are recognised as a market leader in the provision of innovative products, with service, quality and excellence our top priorities.

Don’t be left out of pocket. Choose peace of mind. Choose Lawshield UK.

For more information contact:

Sharon Gallimore
Tel: 01925 403 426
Email: s.gallimore@connexus.co.uk

It surveyed fleet professionals within 100 businesses on their approach to, and experience of, accidents involving their fleet and found that:

• Only 14% of fleets had not had any vehicle incidents in their fleet in the past 12 months.
• Every fleet had suffered on-road incidents that were caused by their driver, i.e. an ‘at fault’ incident.
• Nearly half of all fleets said the average cost of repair per vehicle was more than £1,000.
• Only 33% of fleets said at-fault drivers faced some sort of punitive measure, i.e. fine, excess payments, etc.
• Over half said they didn’t offer any post-incident driver training as a means of reducing the risk of repeat incidents.

The report on the findings An analysis of bent metal amongst company fleets stated: “The research shows that many companies are not addressing correctly this significant and avoidable overhead by putting in place sufficient measures to reduce the risk of incidents happening, or more worryingly, happening again to the same drivers.

“Few provide any driver training as a way of reducing the chance of the driver having another incident. Is this a good situation for company, fleet, vehicle or driver?”

In 2014 IAM Drive & Survive conducted a survey which revealed 72% of people who drove for business reasons had been offered no training by their employer at all – even though 44% of them said they would welcome the opportunity.

According to Government figures, between 2008 and 2013, 3,493 people were killed in accidents involving a driver/rider driving for work, including 515 in 2013.

And Driving for Better Business says up to one in three road crashes involves a vehicle being driven for work and every week, around 200 road deaths and serious injuries involve someone at work.

IAM Drive & Survive also discovered that drivers of company vehicles are 25% more likely than company drivers using their own vehicles to have a minor accident.

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said: “Accidents involving company car drivers represent a sizeable proportion of accidents on UK roads – and it’s a problem which needs tackling in a meaningful way.

“Fleet operators have a duty to their businesses, employees and other road users to ensure those individuals’ driving conduct is of the highest order. Often companies have full processes and procedures for Health and Safety, HR and Environmental best practice; but often none in place when the employees get behind the wheel of a car or van?”