London council may not renew cover with Zurich

Insurancetimes.co.uk is continuing its look at the latest insurance tenders for contracts to public and private organisations.

Today, we focus on Wandsworth Borough Council's call for the provision of insurance services. A council spokesman told Insurance Times.co.uk that it plans to offer the contracts to other insurers if its renewal offer with current insurer Zurich Municipal is "as high as last year".

The value of the current deal with Zurich is estimated to generate total annual premium of £1.9m.

The council is set to invite offers for non-life insurance services relating to contracts for legal expenses, motor, fire, property, financial loss and general liability.

Council officer Richard Mason told Insurance Times.co.uk that if the Zurich policies are not renewed they plan to offer the contracts to an insurer from a panel including; The St Paul Companies, Royal & Sun Alliance, Zurich Municipal, Norwich Union, AXA and Ecclesiastical.

He said: "After September 11 Zurich drove up our premiums, so we've decided to go tender this year because we are concerned they may force premiums up again this year."

Mason added that the council would only accept submissions from other insurers who can fulfil
certain eligibility criteria.

Interested parties should contact Richard Mason by Feb 7, 2003 at: