Cadogan Keelan Westall able to settle claims in house for amounts up to £5000 - August 2011
 

In a key move aimed at further strengthening competitive edge and increasing market share, Cadogan Keelan Westall and Keelan Westall have successfully renegotiated its delegated authority agreement with insurer Zurich. This exciting new arrangement allows the in-house claims team to process and settle claims up to £5000 net of policy excess, with immediate effect.

Commercial property insurance broker Cadogan Keelan Westall and residential & commercial property insurance wholesale broker Keelan Westall, both part of the Property & Commercial Division of Barbon Insurance Group Limited, also have a similar agreement with Aviva, but for claims up to £2500.

Sue Regan, Claims Manager for both businesses comments: "We are delighted that Zurich has agreed to increase the claims handling limit by a further £2500. It is a real show of faith in the abilities of our in-house claims team. Being able to manage claims under £5000 from start to finish will lead to even faster settlement going forward, and it is a further demonstration of our commitment to delivering a more efficient and streamlined claims service to brokers and property owner clients."

As part of the agreement, Cadogan Keelan Westall and Keelan Westall will continue to use the services of Merlin Claims Ltd who will validate claims, assess the work required and provide estimates through their network of building contractors, as well as arranging for repairs to be carried out.

Average settlement times are now down to nine weeks (the fastest turnaround was just nine days!), compared with 25 weeks with certain insurers.

Cadogan Keelan Westall and Keelan Westall’s clients are allocated a dedicated Claims Handler who provides consistency and is passionate about taking case ownership. They deal with everything from initial quotation right through to claims settlement.

In addition, the claims department has recently introduced a specialist repudiation service. All repudiations are handed to the Claims Manager to audit and decide whether the repudiation is justified. If the declinature is in doubt, discussions are then held with the client/contractor/loss adjuster/insurer to clarify all circumstances surrounding the claim and to consider policy cover.

Since September 2010, 17% of repudiated claims have been turned around by the team.

 Cadogan Keelan Westall co-founder returns to prompt further year-on-year growth - August 2011
 

Alan Westall to mentor staff, re-engage with property owner clients and encourage entrepreneurial spirit plus help develop completely new products

Leading European commercial property broker Cadogan Keelan Westall's co-founder Alan Westall has returned to the business on a consultancy basis. In this pivotal new role, he will help generate further growth by mentoring staff, re-engaging with property owner clients, and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit.

He will also be actively involved in the development of innovative new products to reflect current changes in the property sector.

Alan established Hampshire-based Cadogan Keelan Westall in 1976 and sold it in 2006. Since that time, he has been running a flourishing real estate concern in Florida, doing various charitable work, and providing mentoring to other business owners. Cadogan Keelan Westall's Head of Business Brett Sainty enthuses: "Cadogan Keelan Westall has a great client retention rate, but we are not attracting the levels of new business required to meet our ambitious growth objectives. When Alan owned Cadogan Keelan Westall it grew every year between 1976 and 2006. Our primary aim is to get it back to that level of growth."

"Alan's considerable entrepreneurial flair and business creativity will prove invaluable to Cadogan Keelan Westall in the coming months. He was extremely well respected by his employees, many of whom are still with the company, and his return has already been a major boost to morale as a result."

Talking about his return, Alan says: "I am thrilled to be back at Cadogan Keelan Westall. Although I have other business interests, I have been searching for an opportunity to return to the insurance industry for some time, but it had to be the right role and on the right terms. This is just perfect and I am looking forward to working with the team to deliver results and get it back into regular profit."

Cadogan Keelan Westall has offices located in Hampshire and London. The company offers a wide range of commercial property insurance and risk management solutions to property owners both in the UK and overseas.

Binding authority agreements with major blue chip insurers enables Cadogan Keelan Westall to provide cover for a broad range of risks, as well as offer a truly competitive service, the best possible premiums, and wider fair market analysis.

 Cadogan Keelan Westall warns against potential dangers of using composite panels in commercial properties - May 2011
 

Leading European commercial property insurance broker Cadogan Keelan Westall, part of the Property & Commercial Division of Barbon Insurance Group Limited, is warning of the potential hazards of using composite panels in commercial properties.

Brett Sainty, Cadogan Keelan Westall's Head of Business says: "Many insurers now take a hard line approach for those risks where there is evidence of substantial use of composite panels in the construction of buildings. They may withdraw from the risk altogether or impose large premium increases, high deductibles and low loss limits or require costly risk improvements."

Composite panels comprise an insulating layer of rigid polymer foam sandwiched between two layers of structural board. They are often used as cladding for exterior walls and roofs and for internal walls and ceilings and have proved to perform poorly under fire conditions due to damaged panel surfaces and surface fatigue.

Research indicates that the main risks are associated with internal free-standing composite panel insulated enclosures.

Comments Brett: "Where combustible composite panels are identified within a building, a high standard of risk management is essential, combined with a written policy for panel management. This commits the property manager or owner to ensuring the fire resistance of panels, safe storage of combustibles and appropriate use of battery chargers in the vicinity of such panels."

He continues: "The policy should also ensure that composite panels are clearly marked, that electrical examinations should be increased to reflect the proximity of equipment and cabling to unsuitable panels and that a Permit to Work system is implemented with specific comment regarding the panels."

The advice from Cadogan Keelan Westall to all policyholders who have identified composite panels within a property, is to inform their insurer immediately as this is a material fact that may affect any new quotations or existing cover.

Cadogan Keelan Westall offers a wide range of commercial property insurance and risk management solutions to property owners both in the UK and overseas.

Binding authority agreements with major blue chip insurers enables the company to provide cover for a broad range of risks, as well as offer a truly competitive service, the best possible premiums, and wider fair market analysis.

Cadogan Keelan Westall is a finalist in the Broker Claims Team of the Year and Broker Customer Care Initiative of the Year categories at the UK Claims Excellence Awards 2011.

 Cadogan Keelan Westall establishes partnerships with brokers located in 13 European Countries - May 2011
 

Leading commercial property insurance broker now able to provide local brokerage services for clients with overseas portfolios

As part of a drive to establish and maintain a strong European presence, Cadogan Keelan Westall - part of the Property & Commercial Division of Barbon Insurance Group Limited – has established an extensive overseas broker network. The company has formalised agreements with partners located in 13 European countries.

This has enabled the leading commercial property insurance broker, which now has offices in Hampshire and London, to provide tailored and cost effective cover for clients with portfolios in Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany and The Netherlands. Cadogan Keelan Westall is also able to offer access to local brokerage services across all of Scandinavia, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria and Portugal.

Brett Sainty, Cadogan Keelan Westall’s Head of Business says: "Europe is an important market for us and our aim is to triple our overseas book by the end of the year."

He continues: "The City-based team has spent years developing relationships with these brokers, all of which have strong local reputations, and who we are confident will provide the same excellent levels of cover and service that have become synonymous with the Cadogan Keelan Westall name."

Cadogan Keelan Westall Client Director Steve Packer, who has vast International experience, adds: "Each overseas broker partner has been carefully selected by us and fully vetted to ensure they have first class knowledge of the local market. The forward thinking ones were quick to recognise what a fantastic opportunity this is for them to develop and grow their businesses, and to work alongside a well-established brand like Cadogan Keelan Westall."

"So far, it seems to be paying off with several large wins in the pipeline for 2011," he concludes.

Cadogan Keelan Westall offers a wide range of commercial property insurance and risk management solutions to property owners both in the UK and overseas.

Binding authority agreements with major blue chip insurers enables the company to provide cover for a broad range of risks, as well as offer a truly competitive service, the best possible premiums, and wider fair market analysis.

Cadogan Keelan Westall is a finalist in the Broker Claims Team of the Year and Broker Customer Care Initiative of the Year categories at the UK Claims Excellence Awards 2011.

 Cadogan Keelan Westall targets professional services networks - May 2011
 

Leading commercial property insurance broker set to forge relationships with solicitors, accountants and surveyors

Cadogan Keelan Westall – part of the Property & Commercial Division of Barbon Insurance Group Limited – is targeting professional services networks as part of its aggressive growth strategy.

In a bid to boost new business referrals and lead generation, the leading European commercial property insurance broker is aiming to forge relationships with likeminded professionals such as solicitors, accountants and surveyors.

Brett Sainty, Cadogan Keelan Westall’s Head of Business explains: "Joining professional services networks, particularly within the London area, is a key part of our growth plan. It will put Cadogan Keelan Westall at the heart of the financial and professional services market, and give us access to a network of members comprising senior and influential industry players."

He continues: "The benefits will be numerous including exclusive networking opportunities, events and information and research. It will also help establish us as a first point of reference for any commercial property owner needing access to specialist expertise."

Cadogan Keelan Westall offers a wide range of commercial property insurance and risk management solutions to property owners both in the UK and overseas.

Binding authority agreements with major blue chip insurers enables the company to provide cover for a broad range of risks, as well as offer a truly competitive service, the best possible premiums, and wider fair market analysis.

Cadogan Keelan Westall is a finalist in the Broker Claims Team of the Year and Broker Customer Care Initiative of the Year categories at the UK Claims Excellence Awards 2011.

 Cadogan Keelan Westall set to more than double new business growth in 2011 - April 2011
 

Strengthened leadership team, refined product range, increasing focus on overseas activities and new London office will lead to further expansion

Leading UK commercial property insurance broker Cadogan Keelan Westall – part of the Property & Commercial Division of Barbon Insurance Group Limited – is on target to more than double 2010’s new business growth.

With current new business income (this year to date) already at well over half a million pounds, the company is set to smash its target of £785,000 by the end of 2011.

In a bid to achieve further significant growth, Cadogan Keelan Westall has appointed a new senior management team, strengthened existing job functions, refined its product range, ramped up focus on overseas activities, and established a London base to complement its office in Hampshire.

Brett Sainty, Head of Business at Cadogan Keelan Westall comments: "These are exciting times for Cadogan Keelan Westall and I am pleased to confirm that despite the current economic climate, we are well positioned to meet and then exceed our new business target for 2011. In fact, we are re-engaging with the commercial property industry more than ever before.

He continues: "The opening of the City office is a major step in further developing our UK and global presence as well as improving access to insurers and underwriting teams. We are starting to develop partnerships with professional services companies such as accountants, solicitors and surveyors. Plus we are also seeing significant income from fund management companies."

Cadogan Keelan Westall offers a wide range of commercial property insurance and risk management solutions to property owners both in the UK and overseas.

Binding authority agreements with major blue chip insurers enables the company to provide cover for a broad range of risks, as well as offer a truly competitive service, the best possible premiums, and wider fair market analysis.

Cadogan Keelan Westall has been shortlisted for Broker Claims Team of the Year and Broker Customer Care Initiative of the Year at the UK Claims Excellence Awards 2011.

 Customer claims survey shows Cadogan Keelan Westall are at the top of their game - April 2011
 

Property owners and brokers give ‘thumbs up’ to average nine-week claims settlement time, specialist repudiation service and new delegated authority agreements

A Customer Claims Survey carried out on behalf of Keelan Westall and Cadogan Keelan Westall, has given a resounding ‘thumbs up’ to the organisations’ claims service. And, with average settlement times now down to nine weeks (the fastest turnaround was just nine days!), compared with 25 weeks with certain insurers, the survey shows a customer satisfaction rate of 95%.

Sue Regan, Claims Manager for both Barbon businesses, says: "We have implemented a number of initiatives in a concerted attempt to further improve the service we offer to our brokers and direct property owner clients. These have included securing Delegated Authority from both Zurich and Aviva in order to process and settle claims quickly in-house."

She continues: "By focusing on improving the speed of settlement in order to provide a more efficient and streamlined service to clients and eliminate the need for chaser calls to insurers, we have also managed to reduce the handling costs per claim for both insured and insurer."

Keelan Westall and Cadogan Keelan Westall’s clients are allocated a dedicated Claims Handler who provides consistency and is passionate about taking case ownership.

One particular customer comments: "One of the deciding factors for placing our business with Cadogan Keelan Westall was their in-house Claims team.

"To be given dedicated account handlers who deal with everything from initial quotation right through to claims settlement is invaluable. The speed of claim settlement is second to none, and we have not found this level of customer care and service elsewhere in the market."

Another area in which the companies have made improvements is repudiation.

Sue Regan explains: "Approximately one fifth of claims in 2010 were being declined by insurers without full investigation when, often, all or part of the claim should have been settled. Since September 17% of repudiated claims have been turned around by our team."

All repudiations are handed to the Claims Manager to audit and decide whether the repudiation is justified. If the declinature is in doubt, discussions are then held with the client/contractor/loss adjuster/insurer to clarify all circumstances surrounding the claim and to consider policy cover.

Keelan Westall and Cadogan Keelan Westall have also been shortlisted for Broker Claims Team of the Year and Broker Customer Care Initiative of the Year at the UK Claims Excellence Awards 2011.

 Barbon appoints new Head of Business for Cadogan Keelan Westall - January 2011
 

Brett Sainty brings proven management, strategic and insurance industry experience to key role at commercial property insurance specialist

Rapidly expanding Barbon Insurance Group Limited has announced the appointment of Brett Sainty as its new Head of Business for commercial property insurance specialist Cadogan Keelan Westall.

Brett brings 23 years' insurance industry experience to the role and joins Cadogan Keelan Westall from Lucas Fettes & Partners where he was Director of General Insurance and a member of the Executive Committee.

Brett comments: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lucas Fettes where I made some lifelong friends and remain a shareholder, but the position at Cadogan Keelan Westall came along at a point in my career when I needed a challenge.

He continues: "Barbon is in a fantastic position and I am very excited to be involved at such an exciting time. Cadogan Keelan Westall specifically has some talented individuals together with a strong brand and client base. I firmly believe the role of management is to create an environment where talented people can excel. As a result, this position was a natural next move for me."

Brett spent 8 years at Towergate where he enjoyed a number of key roles including Managing Director of Towergate Underwriting Commercial Schemes. Previous employers were Commercial Union Assurance and Stronghold Insurance Brokers Limited.

Mark Armitage, Chief Operating Officer of Barbon's Property & Commercial Division says: "We are thrilled to have someone of Brett's calibre joining the business and his appointment further demonstrates our commitment to an ambitious growth strategy. Having worked with Brett at Towergate, I have the utmost faith in his ability to lead Cadogan Keelan Westall to the next level."

Some parts of Britain have had their driest 12 months since 1976, when crops failed and water rationing was introduced. According to Cadogan Keelan Westall, the low rainfall and dry warm weather we have experienced in Autumn has led to a sharp increase in subsidence claims, which rose by 50 per cent in October 2011, compared with the corresponding period last year. 

• Check for blocked or leaking drains
• Prune trees and shrubs regularly to keep them to a sensible height
• Plant any new trees the same distance away from the property as their expected mature height
• Check gutters regularly and clean out leaves, dirt and general rubbish
• Check pipes, particularly during cold weather to ensure there are no damaging splits

 Cadogan Keelan Westall joins forces with Network Auctions to offer insurance cover within minutes of the hammer falling - August 2011
 

First-of-a-kind agreement enables buyers to put property purchased at auction ‘on risk’ immediately.

Leading European commercial property insurance broker Cadogan Keelan Westall has recently joined forces with Network Auctions to offer buyers access to cost effective, best of breed insurance cover within minutes of the hammer falling.

As part of this exclusive, first-of-a-kind arrangement, Cadogan Keelan Westall representatives will attend auctions held at Network Auctions' National Auction Room in Hatfield where they will be on hand to advise buyers on all aspects of their insurance requirements, and help ensure that properties are adequately protected from day one.

The agreement will also see both companies publicising each other's services on their respective websites, social networking sites and sales & marketing literature.

Network Auctions' Director Toby Limerick comments: "Buyers don't always realise that it is their responsibility to insure property from exchange of contracts. As a binding contract happens at auction on the fall of the hammer, it is important to be able to put a property 'on risk' immediately."

He continues: "By working with Cadogan Keelan Westall, Network Auctions is able to offer buyers access to a facility, in the auction room, that allows a property to go 'on risk' within minutes of the hammer falling and the sale being made."

Darren Coldspring, Business Development Manager at Cadogan Keelan Westall says: "Joining forces with Network Auctions will help establish Cadogan Keelan Westall in a previously untapped market. As the only property insurance broker attending the events, it creates a potentially huge new business opportunity for us. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between our two businesses."

Cadogan Keelan Westall offers a wide range of commercial property insurance and risk management solutions to property owners both in the UK and overseas.

Binding authority agreements with major blue chip insurers enables the company to provide cover for a broad range of risks, as well as offer a truly competitive service, the best possible premiums, and wider fair market analysis.

 Dedicated High Net Worth team improves service for private clients - August 2011
 

Leading European commercial property insurance broker, Cadogan Keelan Westall has established a dedicated High Net Worth team designed to raise service standards and ensure that its private clients have the best possible insurance cover for their personal circumstances.

Vanessa Perkins, Cadogan Keelan Westall's High Net Worth New Business Consultant says: "We have been offering High Net Worth solutions to our clients for many years, but have recently established a new team of very experienced Account Handlers who are committed to providing a highly personalised service."

"With dedicated client Account Handlers for improved consistency, combined with access to an extensive selection of award-winning insurers, Cadogan Keelan Westall has increased focus on private clients to further ensure that their assets are adequately safeguarded across all aspects of their lives."

She concludes: "By dealing with Cadogan Keelan Westall the angst felt by clients when considering their insurance requirements; whether it is for a property portfolio, a fine art collection or a diamond necklace, is removed."

Cadogan Keelan Westall is part of the Property & Commercial Division of Barbon Insurance Group Limited and prides itself on its ability to provide all clients with the best possible service delivery and appropriate insurance at the right price.

High Net Worth Household policies are designed for individuals who require additional insurance cover that is not usually included within standard policies, and which cover contents sums insured in excess of £100,000.

Cadogan Keelan Westall Account Handlers have an in-depth understanding of wealthy clients and their requirements and are able to advise on appropriate insurance products such as High Net Worth Motor, Private and Corporate Fine Art Collections and Personal Jewellery Collections, as well as those covering property and contents.

Other features of the organisation's insurance policies incorporate All Risks Worldwide cover, including personal possessions, lower rates for fine art and antiques, warranty free cover and a rapid and efficient in-house claims service.

With direct access to Aviva, Chubb, Hiscox, Oak Underwriting, RSA, Sterling, Zurich and many other leading insurers, Cadogan Keelan Westall is confident of being able to source cover at a premium that accurately reflects the value of its clients' possessions and the cover provided.

For further information, contact Vanessa Perkins on 07557 154481 or email vperkins@cadogankeelanwestall.com

The latest Tribunal Service figures reveal that in the past two years, claims have risen by 44 per cent to 218,100 (2010-2011) and Cadogan Keelan Westall is urging property owners to protect themselves from potentially high legal costs and settlements.

If property owners put too low a value on their commercial property, there can be a high price to pay later, according to one of the UK’s leading property insurance specialists, Cadogan Keelan Westall.