Insurance is often treated as a transaction. A business provides some information, receives a selection of quotes and chooses a policy.
At Surety Risk Solutions, we believe business insurance should involve more than that.
Every business is different. Two companies operating in the same industry may have different customers, contracts, equipment, employees and ways of working. Those differences can materially affect the risks they face and the insurance they may need.
That is why we start by getting to know the business.
Why we created Surety Risk Solutions
Surety Risk Solutions was created to provide business owners with practical insurance advice supported by genuine relationships.
Our approach is based on a simple belief:
We are in the business of trusted advice.
For us, this means taking the time to understand what a client does, explaining the available options clearly and helping the client make an informed decision.
It also means being available when something changes or a client needs assistance. Insurance should not be discussed only when a policy is first arranged or when the annual renewal arrives.
Experience matters
Insurance policies can be complicated, but business owners should not need to become insurance experts to make a sensible decision.
Our role is to help clients understand the important parts.
This includes looking beyond the name and price of a policy to consider matters such as:
- The activities covered by the policy
- Important exclusions and limitations
- Policy limits and sub-limits
- Applicable excesses
- Contractual requirements
- Changes within the business
- The support available if a claim occurs
Surety Risk Solutions is led by James Wallace, who has more than 20 years of experience in general insurance. That experience helps us identify the questions that need to be asked and the details that can easily be overlooked.
Supporting a wide range of business risks
Depending on the nature of the business, we can assist with insurance such as:
- Business insurance
- Public and products liability
- Professional indemnity
- Management liability
- Commercial motor and fleet
- Plant and equipment
- Corporate travel
- Personal accident and illness
Not every business requires every type of insurance. Our role is to help identify the risks that are relevant and discuss the options available.
Working with professional referral partners
Many business owners already have trusted relationships with accountants, financial planners and other professional advisers.
These advisers often have a detailed understanding of their clients’ businesses and financial objectives. They may also be among the first to become aware when a client buys a business, employs additional staff, signs a major contract or acquires new assets.
Surety Risk Solutions works with professional referral partners to help their clients address their general insurance needs.
The aim is not to replace the relationship between the client and their adviser. It is to support it by providing access to specialist general insurance assistance.
We keep the process clear, respect the existing professional relationship and communicate with the client in plain English.
Using technology without losing the human connection
Technology can make insurance processes faster and more organised. It can help collect information, manage documents and make sure important follow-ups are not missed.
However, technology should not replace conversation.
We use efficient systems so that more time can be spent understanding clients, reviewing risks and providing advice. When something is unclear or important, we believe in making the call and speaking with the client.
What clients can expect
Clients working with Surety Risk Solutions can expect us to:
- Ask questions about how their business operates
- Explain why the information we request is important
- Discuss available options in understandable language
- Identify material conditions, exclusions and limitations
- Communicate throughout the quotation and renewal process
- Help when the business changes
- Assist with claims when support matters most
We cannot promise that every claim will be covered or that the lowest-priced policy will always be the most suitable. What we can promise is a thoughtful process focused on understanding the business and helping the client make an informed decision.
Let’s start with a conversation
Whether you are starting a business, reviewing existing insurance or being referred by a trusted adviser, the first step is a conversation.
Tell us what your business does, how it operates and where you would like it to go. We will help you consider the risks and explore the insurance options available.
General Advice Warning
The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy documentation.