Former Policy Shop boss joins Got You Covered as managing director

Personal lines broker Got you Covered has appointed ex-Policy Shop chief executive Sean Byrne as its new managing director, with immediate effect.

With his appointment announced today (18 November 2022), Byrne will be responsible for building on the niche motor and personal lines broker’s strengths to drive further growth and will work closely with the firm’s panel of insurers to further develop solutions that support clients’ insurance needs.

Byrne will report to founder and chief executive Rob Leigh.

Leigh said: “I am delighted that Bryne has agreed to join the business, he has a wealth of experience in personal lines and retail broking with a particular emphasis on niche areas and product development.”

Got You Covered is a non-standard provider in personal lines for home and car insurance.

It provides difficult to find, access or afford insurance for lines such as unoccupied property, homes with unusual construction properties, drivers considered a high risk, those with previous drink driving convictions and dangerous driving bans.

Dynamic expansion

Previously Byrne was chief executive of the Policy Shop, which he founded in 1993 in Coventry.

He grew the business to £20m in gross written premium and an employee base of 70.

However, Byrnes left Policy Shop after selling it to Markerstudy in 2016. 

He then joined Premium Choice and helped the business enter the household insurance market and target non-standard risks.

Since then, Byrne has undertaken several consulting and advisory roles, setting up Vernacular Business Consulting in 2020.

Byrne said: “This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal time for the business, as we move into a dynamic expansion period on all fronts.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with Leigh and his talented senior team.”

Got You Covered won a bronze for Personal Lines Broker of the Year in the Insurance Times Awards 2021.