Broker sets up insurer panel to quote for non-standard risks

Hastings Insurance Services has set up a non-standard motor panel with seven insurers to write cover for "almost anyone who can legally drive".

The scheme will write screen-based products and use delegated authority to cover the higher risk sector of the market.

Hastings Insurance Services chairman and chief executive David Gundlach said: "Panel members have been keen to embrace the broking unit and many see it as an opportunity to grow their accounts through specialist schemes that they already know can deliver profitable business."

Panel members include Groupama, Norwich Union, Legal & General, Corinthian, Link, NIG and Sabre. Hastings is thought to be in talks with a number of other insurers about joining the panel.

Gundlach said: "Several insurers have already spent time with the team leading to several bespoke products currently being tested for imminent launch. Our business development team is keen to talk to other insurers about adding their non-standard products to the panel."

The panel will supply quotes to leads coming into existing Hastings call centres. The company confirmed it was not looking to specifically attract non-standard business.

A spokeswoman said: "The team has been created to maximise opportunities to convert as many leads as possible from current calls.

"The unit's main role is to provide quotes for high performance cars, classic cars, imports, motor homes and other risks with non-standard/adverse features."

Hastings Insurance Services has also set up a commercial vehicle panel consisting of Chaucer, Premier, Zenith and Allianz Cornhill.