Guest post from a newbie to insurance and LMI

I thought I would share my observations as someone who has just joined the insurance industry, and LMI in particular.

Since COVID-19 hit Australia it has been like working through war time with so many things happening, questions rolling into the LMI team from all quarters: brokers, insurers, and of course insureds. This has ranged from technical questions and operational issues to emotional support.

Through all of this, like every business in the industry, the team have done their best to respond to all of the questions and handle the business, such as usual claims, policy comparisons, risk surveys, policy drafting projects, etc. While at the same time, activated the company’s business continuity management plan, ensuring that the organisation survives and that all of the staff retain their jobs.

The leadership team has made sure that all the employees have a safe place of work. None more so than the claims and surveying teams, that need to still to attend site where they cannot do the work from home.

Those that cannot work from home, have their own area at work, including different bathrooms and kitchen facilities, with their respective hand sanitizers.

In my case, I was travelling to work as it was not possible for me to work from home in the early days but, concerned for my safety, one of the directors loaned me a car so I did not have to catch public transport. This is just one small example of the thought for the team and others welfare that is being shown here. I am now able to work from home so the risk has reduced even further.

I have been overwhelmed by the number of emails, comments and text messages that the team are receiving from the insurance community, acknowledging the contribution we are making to their professional lives during this difficult time. I share just a few with you:

Hi Sharron,

Just wanted to say hi and make myself known to you. Also, to thank you for your presentation last week…well done.  I would think, under trying circumstances….wow, a lot has happened recently!!

PolicyComparison is an excellent facility and very important tool for a professional insurance broker (and I am happy for you to quote me on that)!

I have used LMI services often and have the utmost respect and admiration for Allan’s knowledge and achievements.  Also have had some very helpful service from Murray Rowley and Shirley Shi [Claims Gold Coast office] in a past role, so a special hello to all of them from me, if you are in contact with them.

Kind regards, Patrick

Good morning Allan,

Thank you as always for your, and the LMI teams, ongoing support and assistance to [withheld].

You have provided an exceptional summary and interpretation of the policy and conditions below, which will assist us in advising the [withheld] Executive and responding to our fiscal and governance responsibilities.

I look forward to speaking with you, Brian Peele [LMI Policy Services] and the LMI team again in the near future, to organise another review of our insurance program, as previously mentioned.

Kind regards and stay safe,

Rob

My dear friend, your post today on cancelling or altering insurance policies is outstanding.

These posts are so very helpful at this time & I thank you sincerely for taking the time to share these with us.

Dale

Finally, I have also been most impressed with the willingness of so many in the industry to help each other, the insurance industry in general, and the Australian public. This was exemplified by broker Robert Cooper sharing of his work to Allan, to distribute to the entire market.

Well done insurance industry. As the temporary addition to the LMI Logo states: we will get through this working together.

Alex