Proof is in the pudding

The common plea from businesses is for insurers to recognise the risk management measures they are employing and to reward them with premium discounts. This is favoured by insurance companies but they say they need more proof, as Phil Grace reports

Large firms are generally assessed on the basis of their claims experience. The firm, its broker and the underwriter will engage in negotiation that will take into account trade and size, past claims experience, risk management activity (including future plans) and health and safety budget. In contrast, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have limited claims experience and are therefore assessed collectively by trade and size, and little else. It is difficult for insurers to assess how