Throwback Thursday: Computer insurance and bounce back plans

7 May 1981: Hogg Robinson launches computer insurance

Insurance brokerage Hogg Robinson launched a new insurance package designed to provide inclusive cover for computer installations.

The package was supposed to identify and appraise the different risks for company computers and expanded on a concept developed by Skandia.

Before putting together a package, Hogg Robinson stated a team would visit the company’s premises and do risk analysis.

General Accident looks beyond recession

General Accident paid for an advertisement in Post to explain how it was looking beyond the recession.

“Although General Accident achieved its highest ever profit in 1980, the year was marked by increasing pressure on premium rates and intense competition for both new and existing business,” the advert stated.

“There was also an exceptional rise in our operating expenses during the period and containing overheads has become an increasing priority. Things are unlikely to get any easier in 1981. But let’s look further ahead.

“There’s a lot been happening during the past year that we believe will enable us to emerge from these difficult times with our strength unimpaired and our market standing enhanced.

“We created a completely new computer-based Information Services Division designed to help decision-making and harness the very latest cost-reducing technology.”

Replace “information services division” with “artificial intelligence” and you could be talking to an insurer in 2026.