Keychoice extends GI deal with Aviva to end of 2014

Keychoice and Aviva have announced the extension of their general insurance distribution agreement until the end of 2014.

The new deal that will also see Aviva join Keychoice’s commercial lines panel for the first time.

The agreement will provide Keychoice members with continued access to Aviva’s range of personal lines products and provide them with access to a range of six SME commercial full cycle products including shop, office, tradesman and property owners.

Aviva’s partnership with Towergate-owned Broker Network collapsed last week with Aviva telling its brokers that it had withdrawn from its special relationship with the network to “simplify” the arrangement with its brokers.

The strategic partnership gives Aviva access to Keychoice’s 800 plus members that control gross written premium of £1.7bn in the commercial market and £800m in the personal lines market.

Significant work has also been undertaken to ensure all of Aviva’s commercial products can be traded electronically via the SSP systems used by Keychoice brokers.

Both Keychoice and Aviva said they were determined to generate efficiency and cost savings for brokers through the commitment to electronic trading in commercial lines.

Keychoice managing director Jonathan Davey said: “Since Aviva joined the personal lines panel our relationship has gone from strength to strength. The extension of our relationship with Aviva is fantastic news and shows just how keen it is to work with our members.

“In turn members will benefit from Aviva’s continued presence on the personal lines panel and they will also now have access to a range of competitive SME commercial lines products. Plus brokers will be able to trade these products on a fully integrated basis directly from their existing system which could save them up to 70% of their operating costs.This is another boost for our members and will help them to win and retain business in what remains a tough market.”

Aviva head of commercial online Robert Ledger said: “This deal builds on the strong relationship we have enjoyed over the last few years with Keychoice. Expanding the relationship to include commercial lines distribution, will give Keychoice members further access to strong propositions based on Aviva’s expertise and knowledge. We are delighted to extend our relationship with Keychoice and look forward to building on our success together.”