Aviva’s most common garden claim, a Biba inspired run, tackling the Three Peaks Challenge and a new cover for dogs with jobs. What has the insurance industry been up to of late? You heard it here first…
Blooming claims
Following the Chelsea Flower Show last month (21 to 25 May 2024), insurer Aviva has revealed that impact-based claims – such as vehicles crashing into gardens and hedges – accounted for half of all the garden-related claims it receives. One particular incident saw a customer’s fence and garden trampled by a herd of cows.
Its internal claims data from the past five years also found that 35% of plant related claims were due to out of control fires, while 10% could be linked to theft.
As these types of claims and damage become more commonplace, Aviva has increased its direct home insurance upper limit to £10,000, additionally setting a maximum limit of £500 per plant.
Climbing for good causes
A 30-person team from claims management business Gallagher Bassett raised £37,600 for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity after successfully completing the Three Peaks Challenge in Yorkshire in under 12 hours in April 2024.
This event involves climbing mountains Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, which covers 25 miles and 5,249 feet of elevation.
Manan Sagar, chief executive of Gallagher Bassett UK, said: ”Our team was driven by a deep and personal commitment to make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing unimaginable challenges.”
Run Biba Run
Not even rainy Manchester weather could dampen the Biba Insurtech Run Club.
Led by Elliott Green, sales director at Genasys Technologies, a group of insurtech delegates started their 2024 Biba Conference with a group run on 14 May 2024, which was sponsored by Genasys and Percayso Inform.
Participating runners included Green and Richard Tomlinson, managing director of Percayso Inform. The runners sported matching blue ’Run Biba Run’ t-shirts.
Professional paw-licy
Pet insurer Agria has launched a new lifetime insurance policy for service dogs, providing up to £12,500 for vet fees.
Service dogs, such as those that help with the laundry or save victims of natural disasters, are able to claim should they suffer an injury or illness at home or overseas.
One very hard working dog is Basil – the canine chief of staff at insurance consulting business Jackson Consulting. Basil was one of the company’s first staffers when the firm was set up in February 2023 by ex-FloodFlash commercial director Brent Jackson.
Since then, Basil has been helping attract business on his frequent outings to London’s Lime Street.
The Speculator
With a general election pencilled in for 4 July 2024, the insurance industry will be eagle-eyed to see which political party will come out on top.
In this election, former owner and chief executive of broker Erskine Murray Insurance Brokers Tom Bartleet will be running as the Liberal Democrat candidate for South Suffolk.
He hopes to close the gap between the insurance industry and its consumers.
But what will the outcome of the general election be? Will Bartleet be selected by his constituents and how will the overall result of the general election impact on the insurance sector?
Interested in all things insurance technology and insurtech.
Writer of the monthly TechTalk section of the magazine and backchat. When not writing can be found doing yoga, at some kind of dance workshop, singing, globetrotting, or baking – not in any specific order.View full Profile
No comments yet