Regional centres to open as insurer aims to stand out from rivals

Zurich is to roll out its new SME model in the second quarter of 2006.

The insurer said the move would see it create "SME centres" of regional underwriting teams, offering a variety of packaged products.

Zurich Commercial and Municipal managing director Guy Munnoch told Insurance Times that the model would build on the insurer's existing small business proposition.

He said the proposition, targeting firms with between 10 and 50 staff, would be "transactional", with access to underwriters "as required".

Some back office processes will be located offshore in India, he added.

The insurer said the aim of the move was to distinguish itself in the SME market where "insurers are striving to compete with very little differentiation."

A Zurich spokeswoman said the model would "provide brokers with access to expert underwriters who will be supported by new products and a revised pricing structure".

It is expected that the model will be rolled out to brokers in around May.

Zurich charity business now open to brokers
Brokers will now be able to place charities business with Zurich, following the insurer's decision to sell the products through its commercial division.

Following the decision to bring its Commercial and Municipal divisions under a single management team, the insurer has decided to distribute charity cover through its intermediary channel.

Guy Munnoch, managing director of Zurich Commercial and Municipal said: "We have the perfect opportunity to provide a single charities market, offering both direct and intermediated routes."

Topics