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News & Views

Green Cards for motor policies following a no-deal Brexit

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, motor policyholders may be required to carry a Green Card if they wish to travel within the EU/EEA, including the Republic of Ireland.

A closer look at Motor Trade One

Motor Trade One, which launched in December 2018, is already bringing numerous benefits to both brokers and clients alike. We chatted to Stuart Walshaw of BQI Group about some of the key benefits of Motor Trade One.

What’s next for the retail industry?

The retail sector is the UK’s largest private sector employer, with one in 10 people working in the industry and total annual sales topping £350 billion.

Enhance the investment value of your Real Estate portfolio

Insurance is not just a product, it is a service that is increasingly about risk management rather than just risk transfer, with the insurer becoming more of a trusted strategic counsel and adviser.

What’s next for the manufacturing industry?

Manufacturing has long played a vital role in the UK’s economy, with official figures stating it is responsible for 9% of GDP. We take a closer look at the sector’s future.

Online claim submissions for Motor and Property – now live

We’re always looking to improve our claims journey and brokers and customers now have the option to submit motor and property claims online.

Even more improvements for our Five Star rated extranet

Since achieving Five Star ratings for both TheHub and our Software House Trading, we continue to evolve our portfolio and improve our eTrade platform.

Focus on construction: What’s next for the industry?

Take a closer look at some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry at the moment and how NIG can help the sector prepare for the future.

Faster payments. Simpler processes. More choice.

We’re speeding up claims settlements. How? By making the process faster, simpler and effortless.

Keyless theft driving rise in car crime.

As technology has advanced car thieves are becoming more inventive. Find out what you can do to prevent car theft, and how NIG can help.

We’ve done the double! Two Five Star ratings for NIG.

We’re really proud to be the only insurer with a Five Star rating for both TheHub and Software Houses in the Insurance Times eTrading survey.

A big thank you for making our BIBA run like clockwork

Thanks for joining us at BIBA 2019 in Manchester.

What changes does the insurance industry predict for motor trade?

Technology is set to revolutionise the driving world, but what does this mean for our customers? Simon Pressley, Motor Trade Underwriting Manager, shares his views.

The countdown begins, it’s almost time for BIBA 2019

It’s expected that almost 8,000 visitors will be heading to Manchester Central from 15 -16 May to visit the largest insurance broking event in Europe; and your local NIG contacts and Executive team will be ready to welcome you.

Motor theft: what trends should you beware of in 2019?

At NIG, our ambition is to be the brokers’ choice as commercial insurer to UK enterprises. That’s why we’re always on hand to offer expert advice to our brokers and clients.

Motor Trade repairs for a new era

The Motor Trade sector is headed for an all-electric future, but what will this mean for technicians and the types of training they require?

Spotlight on our Real Estate Team

Get to know our Real Estate specialists and how we’ve enhanced our Premier Property Owners product.

Shape the future of eTrade

The Insurance Times eTrading survey is live and it’s your opportunity to be a key influencer.

What keeps property investors awake at night?

Investing in Real Estate is widely considered a good bet – but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely without risk.

Cancer risks associated with mild steel welding fume

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have recently released a safety alert about changes in their enforcement expectations for mild steel welding fume.

Spotlight on our Commercial Claims Team

Find out how our Commercial Claims Team are supporting our customers through the claims process.

Motor Trade One – one policy, improved cover and instant documents

Motor Trade One combines Premises and Road Risks – conveniently bringing two policies into one, offering increased limits and instant documents.

Stockpiling for Brexit? We’ve got it covered.

With reports that UK businesses are stockpiling for potential post-Brexit shortages, we’ve introduced a stock cover extension.

Your vote counts! Insurance Times eTrade Survey 2019 is now open

Our ambition is to continue to be the number one choice for our brokers on Software Houses and to regain our top spot for TheHub.

New year, new refinements on TheHub

We’re making the online trading process as easy and efficient as possible.

New Electrical Wiring Regulations are live

What’s the most frequently identifiable cause of large fire loss in commercial premises? Electrical installations.

How to reduce your exposure to escape of water

With the UK headed for a cold snap, here are 5 ways to protect your commercial properties this winter.

Thank you for your feedback

In November 2018 we ran our Existing Business Service Survey to find out what matters most to our brokers.

First for training: First Academy 2019 is open for learning

We’re thrilled to announce we’ve just launched the NIG First Academy 2019 calendar

Introducing Motor Trade One

Driving change: Our new all-encompassing Motor Trade One policy now covers Premises and Road Risks under one contract.

Spotlight on our National Trading Centre

After one year of trading, and with some excellent results already to their name, we’re shining the spotlight on the team at our National Trading Centre.

New claims teams from the New Year

We’re making claims handling even easier, starting with new claims contacts for the National Trading Centre and National Schemes Centre.

Sonya Bryson wishes you a happy festive season

Thank you to all our brokers for your continued support this year.

NIG launches the first apprenticeship programme for insurance brokers

We were delighted to launch our scheme at the Houses of Parliament this month.

Help shape our service with your feedback

Our service survey is now open. We really value your views and it takes less than 10 minutes to help shape the improvements we make.

360 from NIG: the all-round solution to simpler, faster claims October 2018

We’re always looking for ways to improve your clients’ experience with NIG. So in November we’re expanding our 360 initiative across Motor, Property and Liability.

5 challenges facing commercial property investors

As the uncertainty over Brexit continues and the retail sector wrestles with ongoing changes in the way people shop, this year is proving to be a challenging time for the real estate market.

The evolving nature of Motor Trade risks – are you up to date?

Motor Trade has a rich heritage in the UK stretching back to June 1895 when Evelyn Ellis ordered a left-hand drive from Paris, introducing the first motor car to England.

Putting the effort into effortless

We think insurance should be a walk in the park. That’s why we’re organising our business around you, the broker – so we can find even more ways to be effortless to trade with. But what does that mean when it comes to service and what are the benefits to you?

Our National Schemes Centre is open for business

We’ve opened our National Schemes Centre (NSC) for brokers who require an experienced, specialist team to handle bespoke schemes.

The Changing Motor Trade Market

With ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV), electric and driverless vehicles set to take over the UK in the next decade, we’re preparing for the future.

Spotlight on our eTrade team

This month we’ve turned our regional attention to Peterborough, where our eTrade team works to ensure we provide a fast, reliable response to every enquiry.

Here's your chance to have your say on how we're doing

Every year, Insurance Times conducts its Broker Service Survey and we really value what you have to say.

Top 10 features of the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD)

The Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) comes into effect on October 1. How is it expected to shake up the insurance industry?

We’re making eDocs e-asier

We’re listening to feedback and improving the eDocs portal, making it even easier for our brokers to access documentation for NIG regionally-traded products.

How is transport helping to revolutionise Birmingham’s economy?

Birmingham is blessed with a fantastic transport infrastructure, which is set for a major overhaul in the next few decades. We look at the future of transport in the West Midlands to see what’s next for Birmingham.

The forward-thinking, Defaqto 5-star-rated Business Package

At NIG, we believe continuous improvement should be par for the course - and so it's something we aim for every day. And one way of ensuring this is listening to what our brokers have to say, and responding with updates in line with the changing needs of end clients.

How did England’s World Cup run affect the UK economy?

England’s first journey to the World Cup semi-final in 28 years helped lift the UK economy from an early-2018 slump – and the big winners were pubs, restaurants and retailers.

New Electrical Wiring Regulations Explained

Electrical Installations continue to be the most frequent identifiable cause of large fire loss in commercial premises.

A spotlight on the north-east

The north-east economy faces more challenges than most regions. We take a closer look at the 3 main challenges and the work being done to overcome these hurdles.

Modern methods of construction – assessing the risks

With modern methods of construction becoming increasingly popular, it’s important to look at the risks they can pose, as well as the benefits they bring.

BIBA 2018

BIBA 2018 was another success for NIG and we enjoyed spending time with our broker partners and meeting new brokers ...

A closer look at the London construction market

Construction cranes are a familiar sight on London’s skyline, but what does the future hold for building in the capital?

The UK’s fastest growth industries

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, there are some industries that are flourishing amid challenging political and economic times.

NIG launches major Property Owners eProduct refresh

We believe insurance should be a walk in the park. So we’re always talking to brokers looking for ways to improve the way we do things, the services we provide, and of course, our eProducts. And recently, we put Property Owners under the microscope.

360 from NIG: the all-round solution to simpler, faster claims

NIG launches 360, an online self-service claims solution for motor customers using an NIG Network repairer or even when using a repairer of their own choice.

May 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

With GDPR coming into force from 25th May 2018, we have refreshed our Privacy Notice to ensure transparency about data ...

What does GDPR mean for UK businesses?

Sweeping changes to EU data protection law come into force in May. What impact will they have on UK businesses?

Focus on motor trade in the South East

As the most populous and one of the largest regions in the UK, with close proximity to the capital, the south-east has long enjoyed a strong economy. It boasts the largest economy in the UK outside of London. Figures from the TUC highlight that by 2022 London and the south-east could account for 40% of national output.

Come see us at BIBA 2018!

It’s almost 16th May, which can only mean one thing: over 7,000 industry professionals are converging on Manchester Central for BIBA 2018.

NIG First Academy going from strength to strength

NIG First Academy is back for its second year. We caught up with Suz Diemer, Head of Broker Propositions, to find out more ...

Spotlight on Glasgow’s property market

Scotland’s largest city has been enjoying a period of regeneration. What opportunities does it present for landlords and businesses?

What does the Spring Statement mean for businesses?

We take a closer look at what the Chancellor’s Spring Statement means for UK's key sectors.

5 things businesses need to know about cyber attacks in 2018

Cyber-crime costs the UK economy billions of pounds every year, but it’s not just large companies that are at risk. SMEs are now firmly in the firing line as they’re often woefully unprepared.

Key Facts changing to Product Summary

As part of our ongoing Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) project and our commitment to the implementation of regulatory change, we are updating and changing the name of our Key Facts documents to Product Summary.

What opportunities is the Manchester economic boom creating for businesses?

Why is Manchester proving such a magnet for businesses and what opportunities await SMEs? We take a closer look. With the Northern Powerhouse attracting much attention in recent months, all eyes have been on Manchester - arguably one of the biggest success stories in the north....

Important notice Re: Drivers' Date of Birth data

We’re always looking for ways to improve your trading experience by capturing vital information we need when validating a claim to ensure pricing accuracy.

Insurance Times eTrade survey is open

Insurance Times eTrade survey is open - click here to complete. We're constantly looking to enhance our eTrade proposition in order to support you and your clients and we hope you’ve felt the benefits of some of our recent changes.....

5 key challenges the manufacturing sector has to overcome

At the end of 2017 manufacturing output was at its highest level for 10 years. We look at some of the major challenges in 2018 that could hold back this progress....

Are Brits heading back to the high streets?

As recent figures suggest internet shopping is set for a slowdown, we look at the emerging trend for online retailers to open physical stores.

Neil Manser wishes you a Happy Christmas

2017 is almost over and no doubt our brokers, like NIG are reflecting both on the year past and the year yet to come. Our market place is evolving against a backdrop of ever increasing customer experience expectation, innovation and ...

Why Schemes are important to us

At NIG, we understand the benefits that a long term, stable Scheme can bring. Schemes demonstrate a real tripartite relationship between customer, broker and insurer to ...

2017 Future Leaders Alumni Event

Following our successful first Future Leaders Alumni event held last month in November, we would like to thank those that attended and our trainers Des Christofi and Richard Clarke who guided us through ...

NIG Academy's First broker delegates achieve their Cert CII

Congratulations to all 15 of our First broker delegates who have spent the past 5 months working with the NIG Academy on achieving their Cert CII qualifications.

NIG Shake to Win

With the festive season fast approaching, we kicked off December with the launch of this year’s Christmas Campaign ‘SHAKE TO WIN’. This year we gave away over 200 prizes in total, the ultimate prize being £1,000 cash

Tis the season for landlords to pay attention

In the run-up to Christmas, it’s easy for property owners to take their eye off the ball as they get distracted by the festivities. But burst pipes, homes left unoccupied and damage from parties can soon diminish the sparkle…

Retailers top tips for preparing for Christmas

As the festive shopping season gets into full swing, the tills will be ringing and millions of clicks made online. Last year, UK sales totalled £77.6 billion over Christmas, according to the Centre for Retail Research [S1], so it’s vital you’re well prepared for a flood of orders.

Six challenges facing Landlords in 2017

2017 has certainly been a busy year for UK landlords with new regulations coming into force, an increased focus on fire safety, and lenders tightening the rules for portfolio landlords. We take a closer look at some of the key challenges facing landlords at the moment, and the steps which need to be

A closer look at subsidence

Subsidence – it’s one of every property owner's worst nightmares, but relatively little is known about it. We take a closer look at the implications for landlords.

NIG makes significant investment in Scottish broker market

NIG has recruited seven staff from LV's (Liverpool Victoria) Glasgow office in a move that further demonstrates our commitment to the Scottish market.

NIG First Club finalists for Training in Excellence Award

NIG First Club is proud to announce that the NIG Academy has been recognised for the quality of training we have offered by being nominated as a finalist in the "Training in Excellence" category at the Insurance Times Awards 2017.

Insurance Times reveals the best cyber cover from the leading cyber insurance providers

How will the Taylor Review impact the ‘hidden economy’?

As research shows nearly half of Brits pay tradesmen cash in hand, we look at the implications of the Taylor Review’s plans to end cash payments.

NIG Motor Bodily Injury Claims Update

At NIG we're committed to handling claims in as efficient a manner as possible and following a recent review we have made some changes to our commercial claims team.

Digital Marketing Webinar - available to view

Presenter & Marketer David Miles talks about how Search Engine Optimisation, Google AdWords and Google Analytics can be used to grow your business by maximising the number of leads generated by your website.

NIG First Club's Academy celebrate Cert CII passes

Congratulations to the NIG Academy delegates who attended the revision & exam day at our London offices. They all passed their IF1 module, the first hurdle on their journey to becoming Cert CII qualified!

Business Interruption Cost Calculator Re-Launched

We’re constantly looking to enhance our broker proposition in order to support you and your end clients. In particular we’ve been looking at how technology can help you support your NIG-insured customers. This is why we’re providing you with complimentary access to LMI’s free to use Business Interruption Sum Insured Calculator.

Insurance Age Article: NIG refreshes Business Package and Mini Fleet eTrade products

NIG has rolled out new versions of its eTrade Business Package and Mini Fleet eProducts. Both products now feature an extended underwriting footprint and increased levels of cover.

SMEs braced for sweeping data protection overhaul

Businesses have less than a year to prepare for sweeping changes to the UK’s data protection rules. NIG’s Director of Underwriting and Pricing Justin Clarke re-explores the General Data Protection Regulation to see what it involves, and how companies can get ready for it.

eDocs Enhancements in Place

With NIG now being a paperless organisation for customer documentation we thought it would be a good chance to share with you the improvements that have been made to the system since it launched in December 2016.

Our Mini Fleet eProduct has been enhanced

At NIG we’re always listening to the needs of our brokers to understand how we can further improve our products. We’ve used broker feedback to make changes to our Mini Fleet eProduct, thereby ensuring that we remain competitive in the fleet risk market. Here we look at some of the main changes.

Business Package Refreshed

Our Business Package product has significantly changed since it launched in 2013. Last year we increased quotability by expanding the trade footprint by 70% and reduced compulsory sections to allow greater flexibility. We’ve been busy making further changes to Business Package which we believe will make it even easier to trade the product.

WannaCry attack offers wake-up call to SMEs

Cyber-attacks have long posed a financial threat to businesses, but the recent outbreak of the WannaCry ransomware suggests the threat could extend into areas once thought immune to cyber-attacks, such as the health sector.

Fleet sales driving new car market

Fleet sales have supported the growth of the new car market in recent months. How can motor traders take advantage of this trend? Britain’s new car market remains buoyant, despite the introduction of sweeping tax changes. The sector achieved its biggest month on record in March, as buyers hurried to complete car purchases ahead of a major Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) shake-up.

How retail landlords can harness overseas demand

The UK remains an attractive destination for international retailers. But in an uncertain political climate, how can retail landlords harness this potential? Brexit continues to fuel uncertainty among commercial property owners, with much about the UK’s future relationship with Europe still unknown. But it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, a new study offers a strong ray of light to retail landlords in particular…

NIG are now paperless

NIG are now a paperless organisation when it comes to customer documentation. Documentation for all of our regionally-traded products is now only available via the eDocs portal on TheHub. eDocs, Here’s Why …

BIBA 2017 Review!

The dust has settled on BIBA 2017 and it’s safe to say that this year’s event lived up to the billing of largest insurance broking event in Europe. More than you might think NIG were front and centre within the exhibition centre ...

Trading NIG Tradesman just got even easier

We are constantly evolving our eTrading proposition based on the needs and feedback of our brokers. Our Tradesman eProduct now accepts an additional 45 trades such as: Electrical Engineers, Electronic Engineers, Electronic Equipment Servicing, Joinery, Plumbing and Heating Engineers, and Woodworking...

Looking beyond the headlines: What the Budget really means for your business

Business rates and National Insurance both grabbed headlines in the aftermath of the Budget. But what policies might company owners have missed in the small print?

NIG Academy launches for First Club

As part of our continued focus on independent brokers we are continuing to invest and develop propositions and are delighted to launch the NIG Academy exclusive to First brokers in response to their learning and training needs. The NIG Academy offering includes...

Public sector contractors warned of IR35 shake-up

New IR35 rules came into force for public sector contractors in April. We take a look at what they involve – and the potential ramifications… The dawn of a new tax year has caused headaches for many contractors, bringing with it a significant shake-up in the IR35 legislation.

Commercial property owners face tougher sustainability standards.

Tougher energy efficiency rules will be applied to the commercial property sector from April 2018...

Come see NIG at BIBA 2017!

It is almost May which means BIBA 2017 is fast approaching. It’s expected that over 7,000 visitors will be heading to Manchester Central on May 10 – 11 to visit the largest insurance broking event in Europe. Join us on Stand D2 for some NIG-style hospitality where you can enjoy fresh coffee on both days, and also breakfast treats from 8.30am on Wednesday the 10th May.

Businesses offered cyber security reminder

In an increasingly connected world, business owners face a variety of digital threats. So how can companies respond to emerging cyber risks? From retail and manufacturing through to professional services, cyber crime poses a significant threat to British business owners.

FINAL REMINDER: NIG are going paperless from Monday 1 May 2017

You will be aware that we are becoming a paperless organisation when it comes to customer documentation. From Monday 1 May 2017, NIG will no longer use paper documentation for regionally-traded products. Documentation will only be available via the eDocs portal on TheHub. Feedback for the eDocs portal has been very positive.

Preparing for the great business rates revaluation

Thousands of companies face a sharp adjustment in their business rates this April. So why are these rates changing, and what support is available following the Chancellor’s Spring Budget? Business rates can prove controversial at the best of times, but the debate surrounding them is set to become even more heated this month.

NIG’s Watford Office Has Moved!

On 31 March 2017 the NIG team in Watford, who service brokers within the Thames Valley & East Anglia region, bid farewell to their Clarendon Road offices. The Watford trading team is now based at: NIG, The Junction, Station Road, Watford WD17 1ET. Read on for what this change means to our brokers...

NIG’s Easter campaign prize draw launches soon!

Following on from the success of our NIG ‘Christmas Covered’ prize draw last year we’re delighted to announce that our Easter prize draw will be launching soon. With prizes ranging from chocolates, to team hampers, all the way up to our ultimate prize of £1,000 there are plenty of chances to win and make your Easter even more egg-cellent.

Communicating with NIG’s eTrade team is even more effortless

We at NIG know it’s vital that our brokers are able to communicate with the right person when trading. As such we are committed to being effortless to trade with and communication is the key to that.

Tradespeople face up to material price hikes

Despite positive economic data, the weak pound could pose challenges for UK tradespeople this year. In particular, rising material costs might prove an issue ... The UK economy has so far defied fears of a post-Brexit slowdown...

NIG Schemes - Our door is open for business

Writing profitable schemes and facilities is a core component of our offering here at NIG. With £50m GWP of managed schemes under our belt, we believe that we are currently one of the few insurers in the UK which is able to provide a truly unique partnership proposition for our preferred brokers.

NIG are going paperless from May 1 2017!

Over the last few months we have mentioned that NIG will be taking the next step towards becoming a paperless organisation when it comes to customer documentation. We’ve now got a date set for this transition – Monday 1 May 2017. From Monday 1 May 2017 onwards NIG will no longer be sending out paper documentation for regionally-traded products.

NIG’s Risk Improvement Top 10 of 2016

Identifying and understanding the wide variety of possible risks to a business can be daunting, and often business owners may need a little help. That’s where NIG’s in-house Risk Control Team, led by our Head of Risk Control Duncan Calder, step in. Each year members of the Risk Control Team visit more than 3,000 locations

NIG eTrading: The future of insurance is in good hands

Today’s insurance industry faces big changes and challenges, with several major issues facing brokers in an increasingly demanding landscape. Jaime Swindle, our Director of Broker eTrade recently met up with Business Reporter to discuss the challenges facing the insurance industry and to demonstrate how NIG’s eTrading proposition has the answers.

Weather Warning: Storm Doris arrives in UK

Storm Doris has arrived in the UK and unleashed winds of over 90mph, snow blizzards, heavy rain, and most importantly the potential to cause havoc for properties and small businesses across Britain. If one of your clients needs to make a claim then please call the claims team ...

‘Silent’ cyber is risky business for underwriters

Justin Clarke, Director of Underwriting and Pricing at NIG, explores the PRA’s warnings about ‘silent’ cyber loss and what insurers and government can do to reduce risk. With cyber crime on the rise, there’s a growing need for insurers to provide explicit cover.

Physical retailers forced to adapt as shopping habits evolve

High street businesses saw footfall rise over the Christmas and New Year period. But with consumer habits changing, how can they remain sustainable in the long term? After a testing few years, high street retailers enjoyed a positive end to 2016, with footfall levels rising.

NIG catch up with campaign winners

With yet another NIG Christmas Campaign now over we thought we’d catch up with the Ultimate Prize Winner to see if the £2000 ultimate prize really did ‘Cover Christmas’. We also caught up with the winner of our hugely successful Euro 2016 themed Summer Sweepstake competition to find out how their trip to Paris went.

eDocs is now live via TheHub

The eDocs portal, the platform which hosts electronic documentation for NIG regionally-traded products, became accessible to Hub registered brokers on Tuesday 6th December via the eDocs portal on our online trading platform, The Hub.

We've Enhanced Our Property Owners eProduct

Our Property Owners eProduct has recently undergone several enhancements which we believe will make NIG the broker’s insurer of choice when trading property risks. Broker feedback has been used to review our residential premiums. This has made our pricing more efficient ensuring that our rates remain competitive in this area.

Getting the most out of our Mini Fleet eProduct

At NIG we strive to make insurance easier for the brokers that work with us. In recent months we have made insurance easier by delivering significant positive changes to our Mini Fleet eProduct. This has involved reductions in rates, referrals, and declines, the addition of more vehicles, and increased product flexibility.

After the floods: the future of flood insurance for SMEs

Justin Clarke, Director of Underwriting and Pricing at NIG, reflects on last winter’s destructive storms, and investigates the new flood insurance schemes to help small businesses stay afloat.

Winter Weather Risk Management Advice

With winter here, we catch up with Duncan Calder; Head of Risk Control at NIG, to see what advice he has to help businesses avoid losses during the cold winter months.

Let us do the queuing for you

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring that - when our brokers call us – they’re able to speak to us as soon as possible. We appreciate, however, that there are times when getting through to one of our experienced underwriters can take longer than expected.

With You in Five: 5 simple steps to faster claims settlement

At NIG we are committed to being effortless to trade with and in recent years have adopted a number of digital technologies which have benefited our brokers and their customers. Our latest digital innovation concerns our claims handling processes. Over the last year, we’ve been piloting With You in Five (WYi5) in our property claims departments.

Our eDocs Portal Goes Live via TheHub

On Tuesday 6th December, electronic documentation for all NIG regionally-traded products became accessible to Hub-registered brokers via the eDocs portal. The portal is simple to access and sits on NIG's industry-recognised online trading platform, TheHub.