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Customers want insurance by email says Flux
Documents by email are eco-friendly, save time, save hassle and save money - and customers like them that way, says insurance specialist Adrian Flux. The insurance industry wastes billions of sheets of paper every year. In the wake of the announcement by Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Road Safety Minister, that the government intends to change the law and allow motor policies to be sent electronically, Adrian Flux Insurance Services is calling for insurers to keep up with their customers’ preferences and switch to email, instead of sending bulky documents by post. “Policies only account for a small amount of the paperwork,” says Gerry Bucke, Commercial Director at Adrian Flux. “Insurance companies are dragging their heels when it comes to using email for other documents. According to our research, most people who use email now would prefer to get their paperwork electronically. It’s time the insurance industry caught up.” Customer attitudes to email have changed only recently, he adds. Just a couple of years ago Flux polled a sample of its customers to see whether they would accept documents by email, but at that time most didn’t like the idea. “Times have changed - these days people are not only much more eco-aware, they are also more comfortable with email. “Our most recent poll showed that over 90% of our customers who can receive email are happy to accept documents sent this way, including policies and quotes.” The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has been campaigning to allow motor policies to be sent by email and Jim Fitzpatrick made the announcement on 15th November 2007 at the ABI Motor Conference. Flux specialises in motoring and household insurance, particularly niche markets such as modified cars, high performance bikes and thatched houses. Flux says there are significant benefits to switching to email, not just for the environment but for the customer, too. Ecologically it’s sound - not only because of the vast amount of paper saved but also the savings in envelopes, ink, printer wear and tear and all the other consumables that go in to transporting a document from A to B. “We reckon Flux alone could save around 4 million sheets of paper a year if all our customers switched over,” says Gerry Bucke. But doesn’t it just shift the cost of printing from Flux to the customer? “Not at all,” says Gerry Bucke. “Most of the paperwork is information, which can be left on the computer and read on screen. In fact, the only hard copy the policyholder is likely to need is the policy document itself.” Another key benefit is speed. “If a customer calls us, they usually need documents right away. Email provides the instant solution. Once the new law is passed, customers will even be able to get an instant policy, for example for a car they’ve just bought.” Then there’s the issue of finding last year’s documents. “Keeping all the paperwork on your computer means you can access it easily, instead of having to search through drawers, glove compartments and down the backs of sofas to find it.” “With emailed documents, in the worst case scenario, if you can’t remember where you saved it you can get your computer to do a file search. It’s a lot easier than turning the house upside down. If you need a copy of a document, you can easily print one off, instantly.” Sending documents by email could also result in reductions in insurance premiums, he points out. As more clients accept the switch to email, insurers will benefit from a significant cut in administration costs. Once the new law is passed regarding policy documents, the savings could amount to £10million a year for the whole industry, according to the ABI. “This is a highly competitive market and cost savings quickly get passed on to the customer,” claims Gerry Bucke. “Emailing insurance documents benefits everyone - the customer, the insurance company and the environment.” Adrian Flux aims to offer cheaper insurance and has a huge range of policies. For details freephone the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at , or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk January 15, 2008 |
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