Source: asiainsurancereview.com

Beazley has introduced an online booking system to enable brokers to arrange virtual appointments and share relevant documentation securely with underwriters during the coronavirus pandemic.

Referred to as ‘Beazley Booking’, the system is built in collaboration with Microsoft and IT consultancy Redspire. It uses Microsoft’s low code platform ‘Power Platform’ to create a simple web application that brokers can access using a secure log-in provided by Beazley. It has been rolled out to cyber and technology and property broking partners in the London market from 7 July with new lines being added in the coming months.

The system allows brokers to view underwriter availability, book a meeting time, upload an agenda and documents in advance as well as view all of their scheduled meetings with Beazley underwriters. It also provides underwriters with access to a detailed log of broker enquiries and appointments on a fully secure system.

It aims to ensure brokers retain consistent access to their underwriting contacts during social distancing and beyond as the insurance industry adopts more flexible working practices in the long term.

According to Beazley global head of cyber and tech Paul Bantick, introducing the booking system was an opportunity to invest in making the insurer’s virtual interactions with brokers slicker and more efficient with expanded functionality and features. “We have been working very hard to ensure we retain the same standard of access and responsiveness for brokers while working remotely. In the London market particularly, the temporary closure of the Lloyd’s trading floor due to the pandemic has changed the dynamic of the market and accelerated the adoption of new ways of working. As we come out of lockdown we know that some of these more flexible working practices will ensue,” he said.