Its policies are a godsend to some brokers, but there are still questions surrounding Quinn Direct
Quinn Direct. It's the company on everyone's lips. To many brokers it is a godsend, covering difficult-to-place risks like construction and heavy manufacturing.
And it is the thorn in the side of many rival insurance companies. One underwriter recently told me that his premium of £300,000 for a fleet risk had been quoted at less than £100,000 by Quinn.
It is no surprise that a whispering campaign has started. Are Quinn's policies, which were developed in the Republic of Ireland, compliant with UK employer's liability requirements? Are Quinn's policyholders covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme? And has the company got any claims infrastructure in the UK?
These are just some of the questions being asked. Some of Britain's most reputable independent brokers, with their professional indemnities at stake, reckon that their policyholders are in safe hands with Quinn policies.
Sure, the company doesn't have an S&P rating, but it has applied for one. And sure, its employers' liability polcies don't look like the ones produced by the usual suspects, but they appear sound.
Thankfully, it looks like the whispering is about to stop. The Department of Work and Pensions has been notified of the situation. And with a bit of luck, brokers will get answers to the whispers shortly.
