Only Young Drivers outsources administration to Direct Group
15/11/2011 14:03:05 by Marketing
Only Young Drivers has today announced that it will be outsourcing its day-to-day administration to Direct Group in a move which is said to support the firm’s “aggressive growth plans”.
Meanwhile, the Guildford-based under-25 car insurance broker has also been trialling the use Voice Risk Analysis technology to help pinpoint and underwrite more careful young drivers who have seen their premiums increase by 40% in the past year.
Tony Martin, managing director, OYD, said: "It's a key stage in the development of the business enabling us to focus on marketing the OYD brand through price comparison sites.
"Our insurer panel is keen to build on the profitable portfolios we've established with them to date. We plan to be on up to five price comparison sites in the next 18 months."
Derek Coles, chief executive, Direct Group, added: "The outsourcing of sales and administration to Direct Group by Only Young Drivers is a great opportunity to work with an innovative and ambitious company and continues the company's expansion in the outsourcing arena and into wider propositions, such as young drivers. I am delighted with this news."
John Baldock, Director of Investigation Services, featured in October issue of Closer magazine
20/10/2011 09:46:44 by Marketing
John Baldock, Director of Investigation Services at Direct Group has recently been interviewed and features in this month's Ordnance Survey magazine 'Closer.' John answers a number of questions regarding Ordnance Survey data and how it helps to compile irrefutable evidence to repudiate fraudulent claims.
Direct Group on-hand to offer assistance to small businesses affected by rioting
13/10/2011 09:59:25 by Marketing
Most of us in claims-related roles or who read the newspapers will be aware of the recent public disorder and riots in London and elsewhere around the country back in August 2011. This has posed challenges for both businesses and families affected, whether insured or uninsured.
Direct Group, through an existing relationship with Haringey Council, were approached through brokers Marsh by “Business In The Community”, a London based not-for-profit organisation, to offer advice and expertise to local businesses and individuals who are still in the process of picking up the pieces following the recent riots. David Oakes, Head of UK Field Operations at Direct Group, was able to attend and offer advice and assistance to those affected by the rioting.
Tottenham, in North London was the first and probably one of the worst hit areas in the country during the riots, which lasted up to four or five nights in some areas. It is an ethnically diverse and fairly deprived area of London. In direct response to the riots Haringey Council had set up a drop-in advice centre (Community Advice Centre or CAC).
CAC ended up seeing over a hundred families and small business owners. Direct Group’s involvement included providing advice and close co-ordination with Business support team, who were dealing directly with businesses affected, who were then referring to Direct Group for specific advice concerning their insurance, as well individuals and families who were seeking advice on how their insurance company could help them. It quickly became apparent that more than half of the people looking for assistance were completely uninsured.
In case of rioting a right of recovery exists against the local Police authority under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 for damage caused or property lost - however there was a good deal of confusion over exactly what the act covered and how the process was supposed to work. Direct Group were able to research the background to the Act and share this information with Haringey and BITC, and then prepare a guidance document explaining how to approach the Police for compensation. The original claim form provided by the ABI for this purpose dated from the 1920’s and the last time there was use for the act was during the Brixton race riots in the 1980’s. An updated claim form was made available by the Direct Gov website which Direct Group ensured was properly disseminated.
Direct Group response to riots
11/08/2011 10:13:10 by Marketing
In response to the claims arising out of the civil disturbances across the UK, Direct Group has set up a "Riot Response" team to ensure immediate support and advice for policyholders, many of whom have suffered substantial damage/losses to their homes, vehicles and businesses.
Direct Group are also conscious of the stringent requirements of the Riot Damage legislation in relation to recoveries and our claims process is geared towards ensuring all statutory requirements are adhered to as far as possible to protect our client's subrogated rights.
Current claims handling services arrangements may well be in place, however, in the event of additional capacity being required we would be happy to assist with any of the following areas:
- First Notification Of Loss (FNOL)
- Overflow
- Recoveries
For more information, please contact Graeme Bell, Claims Development Director graemebell@directgroup.co.uk
Direct Group enters Formula 1 at the Montreal Grand Prix
09/06/2011 09:23:29 by Marketing
This weekend, Direct Group will be advertised on the Marussia Virgin Racing F1 cars of Timo Glock and Jérôme D’Ambrosio.
For this F1 season, our backers agreed to share their external advertising rights and so for the Canadian grand prix Direct Group will appear. As pictured, our company logo will be positioned on the side of the nose cone, near to the front suspension, alongside the front Pirelli tyres.
This opportunity symbolises what our group is renowned for as it links strongly to our focus on precision solutions, technology and speed to market; and with our company ethos – WHERE INSURANCE AND INNOVATION COMBINE
Click here for more pictures from the event
