As the tin of Baxters – other manufacturers are available – Carrot and Coriander soup careered towards the laptop no amount of leaping across the kitchen was going to stop the inevitable. Whilst time seemed to stand still, the weighty tin smashed into the keyboard dispersing letters left right and centre. The dog got to the H, J and > before I could, wolfing them down as if they were some alphabet themed tasty treat. The scene now represented a road traffic accident between soup and scrabble delivery lorries. Perhaps I am over dramatising the event? The short of it is that my laptop suffered extensive accidental damage. Much of my extra curricular activities rely on being able to use my laptop and as such I was aghast at the situation that had unthinkably unfolded in front of me.
I have worked now in insurance for over five years and am constantly assessing the needs of others and talking about how exciting a given new insurance product is. I’d use words like innovative and market leading as if I were describing a physical product, a car, a vacuum cleaner or similar. I suppose that it is difficult to see what you are buying as a physical product, as something tangible which protects your business, home or car. You pay your money and get a certificate or schedule in return. The truth is that insurance products should be seen as a physical product, something tangible that isn’t there ‘just in case’ but forms part of your disaster recovery plan . Whether we are providing cover for your business or your home or, indeed, any other insurable risk it is important to recognise that what you have bought is always there to support the continuity of your business or the lifestyle to which you are accustomed. It is our job then to assist you in understanding how this is achieved.
This is where the added value comes in. There were times when dealing with the insurers over the injured laptop that I relied on my experience as a broker and was able to use my ‘product’ knowledge to secure a quick and satisfactory settlement (although I had to replace the soup out of my own pocket). I am confident that had I not had the understanding of the policy I would have found this a difficult and challenging process.
As part of adding value I want to make insurance matters accessible and present interesting and relevant thoughts, news and issues as part of this blog. If there is a subject you would like me to comment on or if you have any queries regarding anything raised in any of the posts then please get in touch.
Alistair
