Safety net for clients

Hiscox and the broker stepped in when an event was threatened, preventing a claim. Here's how

Earlier this year, London’s ExCel centre was chosen as the venue for the next G20 summit, which was held in February. When this news reached Hiscox’s team of underwriters, they realised that the increased security would limit access into the building, meaning that other events booked for the same time would have to be cancelled.

One such event was for easyFairs, a company that specialises in organising trade exhibitions – and an events insurance policyholder with Hiscox. Hiscox contacted Operations Manager Lourda Collins via broker Brian Weetman from Heartland Events to see what help they could be given with reorganising the event, therefore avoiding the necessity of a huge claim.

Lourda says that she was surprised to receive the phone call: “You don’t expect this level of care from your insurer and I was impressed by both Hiscox and the broker. As soon as they found out, they took the initiative to contact me to explain everything. They asked the right questions and offered help and legal advice – it definitely put my mind at rest.”

Brian says: “easyFairs was indeed advised by ExCel that it couldn’t hold the event, but it could still have it at a later date. This meant it didn’t end up having to claim for thousands of pounds because of a cancellation. Hiscox acted and offered to find a solution, demonstrating that it does go that bit further for customers.”

The easyFairs INTERIOR FIT-OUT event was quickly rearranged to be held at the ExCel centre just three weeks later – and it was a big success. “I would definitely recommend Hiscox to others,” says Lourda. “It is good to feel that our insurer is looking out for our company and is aware of things that could affect us.”

Hiscox Underwriting Manager Martin Linfield adds: “Hiscox wants to be proactive with its customers. It is not just a case of taking the premium and dealing with the risks in front of our face – we also have to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.”