All Party Parliamentary Insurance Group Meeting - Report
18 October, 2007 - Industry flooding response
On the 18th October Harry Roberts and I attended at the House of Commons for a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Insurance and Financial Services. The meeting was set up to review the insurance industry’s response to the summer flooding in the UK. Also in attendance was the ABI led by the Director General, Stephen Haddrill. The general brief was to concentrate on the ground issues such as resources, response times and the like.
The format was rather imposing in that one representative each from the CILA and the ABI sat in front of the members of the All Party Group, led by the chairman, John Greenway MP, to address them and answer questions. Needless to say I was quick to nominate Harry as the CILA spokesman!
Stephen Haddrill gave an overview of the insurer’s view. In total some 130,000 claims have been received by insurers, this including motor claims as well as property. Whilst insurers have noted a recent flurry of claims coming in, they are mainly small ones that are non urgent where policyholders are only now getting around to formally submitting the claim. Around 25% of the domestic claims and 15% of business claims have been settled.
Harry Roberts spoke eloquently on behalf of the adjusting profession. He referred to the CILA/ABI protocol which included surge plans for adjusters, and that this was a prime example of such plans in action. There has been close liaison between CILA and the ABI from the outset, and members will be aware that Harry and Malcolm Edwards spent some time visiting the affected areas, meeting local MPs and discussing the issues arising.
Harry ensured that the point was made to the Group that the adjusters’ response had been magnificent, and that a large number of CILA members had been working seven days a week since the flooding occurred, and were likely to continue working at this level of commitment until at least Christmas, if not beyond. He also explained the position regarding the necessity to ensure properties have dried out correctly before repairs can be undertaken, and that this is a major reason why a lot of repairs remain outstanding. This point was taken on board by the Group.
Following this meeting, Harry and I were invited to attend an ABI round table working lunch for MPs at which the MPs could raise issues and concerns that they had in relation to the floods and their constituents who had suffered. Also in attendance were senior representatives from a number of insurers. It was interesting that during the sometimes lively discussion at this round table, Stephen Haddrill frequently sought Harry's input on claims points.
The encouraging point to come out of our attendance at both meetings is the fact that the profile of CILA has increased considerably. We are seen as a vital body in the insurance profession by the ABI, and the quality and dedication of the work undertaken by loss adjusters is becoming more appreciated. Similarly this is becoming the case in relation to MPs generally, and the All Party Group in particular. I would especially like to thank Harry for the superb way he presented the adjuster’s case, and answered all queries and questions.
