The problem of policy wording

I read with interest the interview with David Howden in September's issue of Professional Broking, in particular his comments about his firm's preference for using their own exclusive policy wordings.

While obviously underwriting, (dependent on the class and complexity of business) is, to an extent, tailored to a client's specific requirements, the industry is generally moving towards streamlining processes, with major IT initiatives such as Kinnect and imarket for commercial classes heralding more standardised policy wordings, where appropriate, to facilitate volume transactions.

And this is a trend on which many insureres, brokers and software houses are collaborating in earnest to achieve.

While it may be appropriate for Mr Howden and his international operation to browbeat underwriters into writing risks they would not normally write, to refer to those making a healthy living serving UK businesses and placing less complex risks 'postmen' I thought was a little harsh.

Anonymous.

To air your views and comments, please write to the editor, Richard Adams, at: Professional Broking, Haymarket House, 28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX or email: richard.adams@incisivemedia.com.