Join the club

Hiscox is saying thanks to its top brokers by offering them exclusive service privileges

A group of Hiscox’s top-performing brokers has been invited to join Hiscox Preferred, a new club that offers members preferential treatment and service benefits at every stage of the underwriting process.

Preferred brokers are able to take advantage of a next-day service on new business and renewals, as well as a maximum five-day turnaround on all other correspondence. This, of course, allows brokers to get back to their clients faster and convert more business.

Each broker is given a dedicated contact at Hiscox’s underwriting centre, meaning that they will always speak to someone who knows their business inside out. Hiscox also offers services such as free marketing consultation, business-planning assistance and direct access to decision makers.

“We are already recognised as providing a high standard of service, regardless of how much business an individual broker gives us,” says Ross Dingwall, UK and Ireland Sales Director at Hiscox. “But if you’re in the Preferred Club, you’ll be in an even better place. It’s a strategic partnership to achieve mutual growth.”

Be a part of it
Ross points out that the plan is not about reducing what is offered to brokers, but rather enhancing the service that some receive. “What we want to do is create a positive image for the club, so that more people want to join,” he says. “We shouldn’t hide it away – we want people to aspire to be a part of it.”

It’s certainly Ross’s intention for the number of Preferred brokers to grow. “If more brokers reach the level required to join, it means that we’re doing more business and things are working,” he says. “Some smaller brokers will never get to the level of business required for membership – and that’s fine – but we want to encourage the ones that can to do that little bit more business with us.”

Hiscox launched the Preferred Club at a summit in February at the Grove Hotel, a luxury venue outside Watford. Top brokers had the opportunity to network and listen to inspiring business speakers.

The lead speaker was former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, who advised brokers on how to prepare for success, set achievable goals and turn events beyond your control to your advantage.

Other speakers included James Crotty (formerly of Amex), who discussed embedding great service into a business, and David Conway of Nunwood, who spoke to the summit about service in the insurance industry. “The launch event was received very well and all the Preferred brokers attended,” Ross says. “It promoted superb service in general and gave the brokers insights that they could take away.”