Tag: Article

By Lauren Bagley

The property market is becoming increasingly diverse, both in respect of home and landlord types. Homeowners and landlords alike are becoming more adventurous with their own developments and renovations meaning an increasing number of insurance queries are falling out of what is deemed to be ‘standard’.

There is also, too, disparity between how advisers perceive the landscape to be, what is reality and how advisers can actually serve these insurance risks.

With the current technology capabilities of price comparison websites, there are increasing numbers of property risks that can’t be protected instantly via an online search for insurance, such as unoccupied properties, holiday homes and different methods of construction.

And then for landlords, with a massive 85% of private rental properties in the UK being part of a portfolio, these clients are seeking ways to reduce their insurance spend and consolidate policies, meaning opportunities for advisers to support with property portfolio insurance are growing, too.

Such is the advance in intermediary technology, which far exceeds what is available directly to the consumer, these are all client needs that can be served by advisers who can provide valuable cover for multiple properties, non-standard, commercial lets and blocks of flats through the familiar Uinsure Adviser Platform.

The same basic principles to generating quotes for clients apply and, fortunately, intermediary technology now exists that means with simple training, advisers can get both the confidence and know-how to operate in these spaces.

Traditionally, these journeys have been very time-consuming but by integrating them into our platform, advisers are able to apply in as little as 90 seconds with simplified, intuitive quote journeys that are reflective of Uinsure’s market-leading mainstream home and BTL experiences.

The housing and property market won’t stand still and tech that supports the insurance industry will need to undergo ongoing evolution to ensure it keeps progressing with the times. The new ‘AirBnB’ may be just around the corner and by easily expanding areas of expertise, firms from across the UK have the very real opportunity to expand their income streams as client needs continue to evolve.

Those that do make this small leap into the new give their businesses opportunity for growth and longevity in what is an ever-changing market.

Uinsure has been awarded the highest possible 5* Defaqto rating for the ninth consecutive year.

Throughout our existence, we have always placed massive emphasis on the quality of our customers’ experiences along with making sure they have the most comprehensive cover available.

Our Home Insurance product has been given Defaqto’s highest possible rating since 2014, while our BTL / Landlord Insurance product has also been awarded 5 stars since 2015.

The Defaqto 5* rating is an integral measure in order for us to make sure advisers and their clients both have the confidence of knowing, should the unfortunate happen and a claim is needed, they will be properly covered by a comprehensive policy.

The rating is judged by Defaqto, an independent body, which considers all of the key features and benefits on offer, as well as any optional add-ons or extras, before giving an overall rating.

The aim of the service is to ultimately give consumers an impartial and easy-to-understand assessment of an insurance product to help them weigh up benefits before purchasing.

The mental health and wellbeing of professionals in our industry is of vital importance and, as a result, at Uinsure we’ve joined the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), which provides guidance, tips and a framework for businesses like ours to follow to help make sure our team are fully supported.

By joining the Charter, Uinsure has signified its commitment to develop mental health awareness among its employees but good mental health and support goes above giving people a platform to air their concerns. A healthy work life balance and good working conditions are fundamental in helping people truly enjoy their time at work and opportunities for personal development are key in encouraging people to grow.

The Charter also encourages open conversations about mental health so we thought we’d kick things off with some top tips on how to manage your own wellbeing from two of our own experts; HR Manager, Paul Fletcher, who is also our representative for Mental Health, and Katie Warren, one of our Business Development Managers who looks after South West and West Midlands.

Be available to both talk and listen

Conversations can change lives and a simple ‘are you OK?’ can encourage people to open up if they’re struggling. Spend time with people you feel comfortable talking to about your feelings, too.

Encourage communication

From checking in with your team-mates and keeping things collaborative. Appreciations and gratitude for jobs well done is great for motivation and boosting your own and others self esteem.

Take breaks

Breaks can improve productivity and overall work performance. Reclaim that lunch break to help you de-stress and re-charge. This could be an afternoon walk or lunch with your teammates.

Keep active and do something for yourself

Find time for your favourite hobbies. Exercise naturally releases endorphins – a walk may be better for you than having a nap in boosting your energy levels and fighting fatigue. Learning when to take a time out for some ‘me time’ so you can relax a touch is equally important.

Be in the present

Take time to be aware of yourself in the moment to gain a better perspective.

Get good sleep

It makes a massive difference to how we feel mentally and physically. The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per day and if you’re not getting enough you may feel drowsy, irritable, less productive and it can even affect your skin.