NU opens up self service policy system to 'committed' brokers

Norwich Union (NU) is cementing broker relationships with the launch of its Partner Access Self Service (PASS) system.

NU intermediary business director Ken Wallace said PASS gave brokers direct access to the insurer's personal lines products. It allows real time quotes and brokers can issue policies online.

"We have a very sophisticated rating engine and this is an opportunity to offer more detailed and better underwriting and pricing," said Wallace. "It can cut expense and be entirely self-service and streamlined."

Wallace said PASS was piloted with 70 brokers and had the capacity for 1,700.

He said PASS would be available to brokers with a "two way relationship" with NU. "PASS will not be available to anyone with no commitment to NU," he said.

Wallace said PASS gave access to NU's household products, "where brokers wanted a good quality product and immediate cover". Wallace confirmed that PASS extended to motor products. He said NU offered full cycle EDI on motor as it was in a particularly price competitive marketplace.

"This shows our commitment to investing in technology purely for our partners. Brokers want good quality cover and is accessed quickly for brokers to issue policies."

FHI Advisors started using PASS in September 2002.

Director Andy Reed said: "The system is easy to use. We will continue to use it in the future."