Post magazine - 18 July 2013

By the end of the year, Aviva hopes to expand its Bonus team from 186 to 230, providing support to more than 240 broker locations across the country, however, despite the fact the Bonus scheme will become available in more than 50 new locations following the Aviva office closures, some brokers told Post they were unsure if they would benefit.

In other news, telematics providers are urging insurers to remove nighttime driving restrictions from their products, after a coroner cited a curfew as a factor in a fatal crash involving two teenagers; Axa's recommendation to introduce MRI scans and X-rays to curb spurious whiplash claims have been dismissed as offering "no diagnostic value" by a medical rehabilitation expert; and independent midwives have been given the green light to set their own adequacy for a captive insurance solution, ahead of mandatory legislation meaning they must have professional indemnity cover to practice.

Elsewhere, Covea Insurance personal lines director Colin Batabyal explains why now, after all the protracted pandemonium for motor insurers, discipline is needed in the first of two View from the Tops, while, staying with the motor theme, Thompsons partner Tom Jones talks about why he won't be shedding tears for the motor insurers making multi-million pound profits.

Concerned that the wider industry is dangerous out of touch when it comes to technology, servicing customers and advertising, Hiscox managing director Steve Langan tells Post's Leigh Jackson how his firm is keeping up with the times.

In this issue you'll also find the second part of our Claims In Series. Sam Barrett looks at if, in a price-sensitive environment, claims service with an emphasis on communication can play a role in retaining customers; while Sara Costantini, CRIF Decision Solutions director explains why firms that go the extra mile to ensure customers feel valued at all points of interaction, will reap the benefits when it comes to renewal.

With telematics a hot topic at the moment, David Waring looks at why insurers should be wary of rushing into telematics market alone - pricing, legacy technology and cost mean collaborating may be a wiser strategy; Ian Stutz explains how insurers and brokers should embrace their traditional roles to be successful in these tough times; and despite the Vision 2020 report fading from memory, Samantha Downes recounts why the insurance industry is still on track when it comes to achieving Vision 2020's key aim of progress in the industry.

Enjoy the read!