Simon Cooter joins as non-exec chairman

Property claims specialist Qlaims has appointed insurance veteran Simon Cooter as non-executive chairman.

Cooter will support the Qlaims board in the strategic development of its claims service businesses comprising technology provider QlaimsTech, which supplies video streaming and drone technology to insurers, loss adjusters and brokers, and MGA Qlaims Insurance, which delivers a professional claims preparation and negotiation service for valid commercial property claims of more than £5,000.

Commenting on his appointment, Cooter said: “Qlaims is a business I have had my eye on since its inception and I am really excited to be joining their journey. I love that Qlaims’ proposition is squarely focused on the customer, combining the use of 21st Century technology with the concept of claims advocacy to provide the best of both worlds – improved customer service and reduced claims costs.

“I am convinced that claims is an area ripe for digital transformation, and Qlaims is right at the forefront of that change. Qlaims’ use of video streaming and drone deployment, for example, not only help the customer take control of their claim but significantly reduce costs within the chain.” 

Qlaims founder and chief executive Malcolm Harvey said: “We are delighted to have Simon on board. He is a highly respected figure in the commercial insurance market and his vast depth of knowledge in building businesses across underwriting, claims and distribution will be a real asset for Qlaims as we look to expand and develop our business.”

Cooter has more than 30 years’ experience in the UK general insurance market, having most recently worked as commercial lines and high net worth director at Covéa Insurance. Prior to that, he was director, market management and regional operations at Brit Insurance and small business director at RSA, where he worked for 19 years.

He added that the current Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the rate of change in insurance, and that he believes Qlaims is at the forefront of this change.

“If there is one positive to have emerged in recent weeks it is that the insurance industry has responded impressively to embrace digital change in the wake of the coronavirus crisis,” he said. “It’s likely that this move to digital will accelerate in the months ahead as we all adapt to a new ‘normal’.

“Not only is Qlaims at the cutting edge, it is channel agnostic and its technology can be used by all of those in the claims chain keen to put the customer at the heart of their business. And whilst Qlaims Insurance is helping brokers underline their role in supporting customers through their claim, QlaimsTech is enabling brokers, loss adjusters, insurers and MGAs improve their customer’s claims journeys and reduce their claims costs.”