Let brokers make use of local knowledge

So brokers aren't happy with the loss mitigation and disaster services provided by their insurers (PM, 4 March, p6). Does this indicate that the procurement model used by insurers for loss mitigation services is not delivering on the ground?

At the time of crisis the property owner has a right to expect service, and they do have a choice. They can either use the insurer's potentially overstretched supplier, or use their own local regional company, offering a service standard and cost/quality ratio they are familiar with.

Insurers discourage brokers from using any other than their own suppliers. Perhaps insurers could improve the average quality of service their customers experience by cutting some slack and allowing the broker to use local companies they trust.

Steven Richford, Richfords Fire and Flood

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