The awards are based on an annual survey of thousands of intermediaries from across the country, conducted by the Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA). After an enforced two-year hiatus caused by the upheaval associated with COVID-19, the awards returned to centre stage this year, at a glittering live event held in Sandton.
In what Hollard Insure CEO Nash Omar called a “real endorsement” of Hollard’s decision to focus its short-term operations on intermediary distribution, the insurer placed in the top three of all the short-term insurance awards on offer. “Our wonderful team of Hollardites across the country has enabled us to execute a ‘local is lekker’ approach to servicing brokers where they are,” he explained.
The FIA represents more than 2 000 financial service providers, including multinational, large, medium and small businesses, across the subcontinent. These intermediaries work closely with a wide range of insurers, representing the interests of policyholders. According to the FIA website, the awards are “fiercely contested and the winners are recognised as companies that go ‘the extra mile' for the FIA intermediary and their clients”.
Winners are determined via an in-depth survey that rates intermediaries’ experience with the quality of products, services and relationships provided by insurers. Intermediaries also provide an overall satisfaction score, reflecting overall satisfaction levels with insurers.
This year’s survey, which consisted of 2 970 interviews with intermediaries, was conducted by InSites Consulting. Founded in 1997, InSites Consulting describes itself as “a next-generation insights agency and global market leader in online communities”.
“Hollard’s short-term insurance model depends on brokers and on our ability to provide them and policyholders with the best products and services, and we work very hard to deliver on our promises. We’re incredibly grateful to all the brokers who participated in the survey, and we are delighted that this market, a market that is so important to us, has shown such amazing support,” said Omar.
“We continue to believe in the power of the broker model to generate the win-win-win, whereby we win, brokers win, and consumers win. The model enables clients to enjoy the benefits of great advice, personal service and appropriate cover.
“This has been a great evening and we will take time to celebrate our win. However, we will definitely not be resting on our laurels – this market is highly competitive and we will have to continue evolving and improving our offerings to stay ahead,” he concluded.
