British Claims Awards 2019: Categories and entry criteria
The following criteria should be treated as a guide by entrants, but are not intended to be exhaustive, and entrants are invited to mention any other points they feel strengthen their entry. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Claims Media team via paul.bunce@barkerbrooks.co.uk or markdugdale@barkerbrooks.co.uk
InsurTech AwardOutstanding Services to the PolicyholderOutsourced Partner of the YearTraining AwardRising Star AwardDiversity and Inclusion AwardBarristers' Chambers of the YearLaw Firm of the YearClaims Team of the YearBroker of the YearInsurer of the YearCommercial Lines Broker of the YearPersonal Lines Broker of the YearPersonal Lines Insurer of the YearCommercial Lines Insurer of the YearMGA of the YearUnderwriter of the YearLoss Adjuster of the YearLoss Assessor of the YearMajor Loss AwardCounter Fraud AwardClaims Director of the YearOutstanding Achievement of the YearLifetime Achievement AwardInsurTech Award
Open to all
- Developed a particular technology-based tool, technique or system that has significantly improved or revolutionised a claims service or process in the past 12 months
- Demonstrable results are essential
- Strong teamwork and cooperation in the introduction and use of the tool, technique or system
- Originality and innovation in the conception and delivery of the tool, technique or system
Outstanding Services to the Policyholder
Open to all
- Above and beyond basic expectations in the delivery of services to the policyholder, in order to demonstrate their commitment and professionalism
- An innovative approach to improving and maintaining aspects of claims services, from initial contact to resolving any issues
- Ability to maintain high levels of claims service even at times of crisis
- Ethical approach to dealing with clients and others
Outsourced Partner of the Year
Open to all service providers that count insurers, brokers and MGAs as clients
- Innovative approach to fulfilling its role, achieving demonstrable success and integrating effectively with clients
- Expert service delivery and stunning client feedback
- Demonstrable benefit to clients
Training Award
Open to all
- Designed and delivered a successful training programme in past 12 months
- Evidence that the training has delivered its objectives, for example, reduced claims lifecycle or fraud detection
- Examples of how the training programme has contributed to business success
Rising Star Award
Open to individuals who are aged 35 or under at the time of the awards
- Swift progress of nominee from original role and remit
- An innovator who has produced positive results
- A ‘shining light’ within the industry who exemplifies best practice and encourages the same from others
- Commitment to promoting the work of the industry
- Overcome difficult or exceptional circumstances
- Has made a demonstrable difference in their sector
- A clear path to further progress in the industry
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Open to all
- A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with an emphasis on developing opportunities for professional advancement
- A significant focus on identifying and removing the industry’s barriers to entry
- Active promotion of equality, internally and externally
- Strong passion for celebrating diversity in all of its forms
Barristers’ Chambers of the Year
Open to all barristers’ chambers that undertake work on behalf of claimants and defendants
- A strong track record of success
- Involvement in prominent cases
- A reputation for technical excellence and practical solutions
- Strong relationships with clients across the industry
- Contribution to the wider legal community
Law Firm of the Year
Open to all law firms and alternative business structures
- Innovative approach to legal work
- Creative use of technology or other resources to improve client experience
- Ethical approach to dealing with claims
- Client testimonials
- Good staff retention rates
- Business flexibility and a willingness to push beyond a firm’s comfort zone
- Contributions to the wider legal community
Claims Team of the Year
Open to all teams that manage, process or otherwise deal with insurance claims
- Innovative approach to fulfilling role, achieving demonstrable success and integrating effectively with other organisations/departments
- Widespread and effective use of technology to maximise efficiency in operations
- Ethical and innovative approach to combatting fraud
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
Broker of the Year
Open to all insurance brokers in all lines of claims
- Strive to simplify the claims process for clients
- Demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
- Widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
- Raising standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies
- Consistent effort to improve claims settlement services
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Insurer of the Year
Open to all insurers in all lines of claims
- Success in improving the claims experience for policyholders
- Consistently work to improve claims function
- Creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues
- Clear commitment to staff development
- Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims
- A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry
Commercial Lines Broker of the Year
Open to all brokers in commercial lines
- Strive to simplify the claims process for clients
- Demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
- Widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
- Raising standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies
- Consistent effort to improve claims settlement services
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Personal Lines Broker of the Year
Open to all brokers in personal lines
- Strive to simplify the claims process for clients
- Demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
- Widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
- Raising standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies
- Consistent effort to improve claims settlement services
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Personal Lines Insurer of the Year
Open to all insurers in personal lines
- Success in improving the claims experience for policyholders
- Consistently work to improve claims function
- Creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues
- Clear commitment to staff development
- Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims
- A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry
Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year
Open to all insurers in commercial lines
- Success in improving the claims experience for policyholders
- Consistently work to improve claims function
- Creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues
- Clear commitment to staff development
- Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims
- A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry
MGA of the Year
Open to all managing general agents
- Strong track record of settling claims
- Evidence of improved claims handling and how this enhanced customer experience
- Strive to deliver a cost effective service for clients
- Innovation in the claims process
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Underwriter of the Year
Open to all underwriters in all insurance fields
- Embrace cooperation with claims department, including knowledge and data sharing, to better understand risks
- Innovation in underwriting informed by experience of claims
- Use of technology to enhance service
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Loss Adjuster of the Year
Open to all agents that assess claims on behalf of insurers
- Innovative approach to work, which has significantly improved the handling of claims
- Novel solutions to complex claims
- Deliver added value to insurers
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Loss Assessor of the Year
Open to all agents that assess claims on behalf of policyholders
- Innovative approach to work, which has significantly improved the handling of claims for policyholders
- Novel solutions to complex claims
- Deliver added value to policyholders
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Major Loss Award
Open to all
- Delivered an exceptional service in the aftermath of a manmade or natural disaster
- Minimised costs while maximising service
- Innovative approach to service delivery
- Event used as a case study of best practice
Counter Fraud Award
Open to all
- The entrant will be able to demonstrate how they have prevented fraud through their work
- This may be done by identifying new patterns of fraud or campaigning to deal with it or preventing its continuation
- They will show how their work has improved and added value to all parties due to creativity and fresh thinking
- The entry will be given extra marks if it can demonstrate how the entrant has changed counter fraud for the better
Claims Director of the Year
Open to all claims directors and heads of claims based in the UK
- Contribution to improving claims handling
- Strong leadership and staff care
- Innovative working practices and business strategies
- Improve best practice
Outstanding Achievement of the Year
Open to all
- Major positive contribution to claims sector in the past 12 months
- Contributions can include setting a legal precedent, establishing a new insurance product, handling a complex claim, and more
- Entrants into other categories are encouraged to put themselves forward if they feel they have a strong case
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award will be presented at the judges’ discretion, however, if you would like to make a recommendation, please email paul.bunce@barkerbrooks.co.uk
InsurTech AwardOutstanding Services to the PolicyholderOutsourced Partner of the YearTraining AwardRising Star AwardDiversity and Inclusion AwardBarristers' Chambers of the YearLaw Firm of the YearClaims Team of the YearBroker of the YearInsurer of the YearCommercial Lines Broker of the YearPersonal Lines Broker of the YearPersonal Lines Insurer of the YearCommercial Lines Insurer of the YearMGA of the YearUnderwriter of the YearLoss Adjuster of the YearLoss Assessor of the YearMajor Loss AwardCounter Fraud AwardClaims Director of the YearOutstanding Achievement of the YearLifetime Achievement Award
InsurTech Award
Open to all
- Developed a particular technology-based tool, technique or system that has significantly improved or revolutionised a claims service or process in the past 12 months
- Demonstrable results are essential
- Strong teamwork and cooperation in the introduction and use of the tool, technique or system
- Originality and innovation in the conception and delivery of the tool, technique or system
Outstanding Services to the Policyholder
Open to all
- Above and beyond basic expectations in the delivery of services to the policyholder, in order to demonstrate their commitment and professionalism
- An innovative approach to improving and maintaining aspects of claims services, from initial contact to resolving any issues
- Ability to maintain high levels of claims service even at times of crisis
- Ethical approach to dealing with clients and others
Outsourced Partner of the Year
Open to all service providers that count insurers, brokers and MGAs as clients
- Innovative approach to fulfilling its role, achieving demonstrable success and integrating effectively with clients
- Expert service delivery and stunning client feedback
- Demonstrable benefit to clients
Training Award
Open to all
- Designed and delivered a successful training programme in past 12 months
- Evidence that the training has delivered its objectives, for example, reduced claims lifecycle or fraud detection
- Examples of how the training programme has contributed to business success
Rising Star Award
Open to individuals who are aged 35 or under at the time of the awards
- Swift progress of nominee from original role and remit
- An innovator who has produced positive results
- A ‘shining light’ within the industry who exemplifies best practice and encourages the same from others
- Commitment to promoting the work of the industry
- Overcome difficult or exceptional circumstances
- Has made a demonstrable difference in their sector
- A clear path to further progress in the industry
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Open to all
- A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with an emphasis on developing opportunities for professional advancement
- A significant focus on identifying and removing the industry’s barriers to entry
- Active promotion of equality, internally and externally
- Strong passion for celebrating diversity in all of its forms
Barristers’ Chambers of the Year
Open to all barristers’ chambers that undertake work on behalf of claimants and defendants
- A strong track record of success
- Involvement in prominent cases
- A reputation for technical excellence and practical solutions
- Strong relationships with clients across the industry
- Contribution to the wider legal community
Law Firm of the Year
Open to all law firms and alternative business structures
- Innovative approach to legal work
- Creative use of technology or other resources to improve client experience
- Ethical approach to dealing with claims
- Client testimonials
- Good staff retention rates
- Business flexibility and a willingness to push beyond a firm’s comfort zone
- Contributions to the wider legal community
Claims Team of the Year
Open to all teams that manage, process or otherwise deal with insurance claims
- Innovative approach to fulfilling role, achieving demonstrable success and integrating effectively with other organisations/departments
- Widespread and effective use of technology to maximise efficiency in operations
- Ethical and innovative approach to combatting fraud
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
Broker of the Year
Open to all insurance brokers in all lines of claims
- Strive to simplify the claims process for clients
- Demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
- Widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
- Raising standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies
- Consistent effort to improve claims settlement services
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Insurer of the Year
Open to all insurers in all lines of claims
- Success in improving the claims experience for policyholders
- Consistently work to improve claims function
- Creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues
- Clear commitment to staff development
- Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims
- A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry
Commercial Lines Broker of the Year
Open to all brokers in commercial lines
- Strive to simplify the claims process for clients
- Demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
- Widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
- Raising standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies
- Consistent effort to improve claims settlement services
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Personal Lines Broker of the Year
Open to all brokers in personal lines
- Strive to simplify the claims process for clients
- Demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
- Widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
- Raising standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies
- Consistent effort to improve claims settlement services
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Personal Lines Insurer of the Year
Open to all insurers in personal lines
- Success in improving the claims experience for policyholders
- Consistently work to improve claims function
- Creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues
- Clear commitment to staff development
- Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims
- A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry
Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year
Open to all insurers in commercial lines
- Success in improving the claims experience for policyholders
- Consistently work to improve claims function
- Creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues
- Clear commitment to staff development
- Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims
- A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry
MGA of the Year
Open to all managing general agents
- Strong track record of settling claims
- Evidence of improved claims handling and how this enhanced customer experience
- Strive to deliver a cost effective service for clients
- Innovation in the claims process
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Underwriter of the Year
Open to all underwriters in all insurance fields
- Embrace cooperation with claims department, including knowledge and data sharing, to better understand risks
- Innovation in underwriting informed by experience of claims
- Use of technology to enhance service
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Loss Adjuster of the Year
Open to all agents that assess claims on behalf of insurers
- Innovative approach to work, which has significantly improved the handling of claims
- Novel solutions to complex claims
- Deliver added value to insurers
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Loss Assessor of the Year
Open to all agents that assess claims on behalf of policyholders
- Innovative approach to work, which has significantly improved the handling of claims for policyholders
- Novel solutions to complex claims
- Deliver added value to policyholders
- Strong teamwork
- Excellent staff development
- Client testimonies
Major Loss Award
Open to all
- Delivered an exceptional service in the aftermath of a manmade or natural disaster
- Minimised costs while maximising service
- Innovative approach to service delivery
- Event used as a case study of best practice
Counter Fraud Award
Open to all
- The entrant will be able to demonstrate how they have prevented fraud through their work
- This may be done by identifying new patterns of fraud or campaigning to deal with it or preventing its continuation
- They will show how their work has improved and added value to all parties due to creativity and fresh thinking
- The entry will be given extra marks if it can demonstrate how the entrant has changed counter fraud for the better
Claims Director of the Year
Open to all claims directors and heads of claims based in the UK
- Contribution to improving claims handling
- Strong leadership and staff care
- Innovative working practices and business strategies
- Improve best practice
Outstanding Achievement of the Year
Open to all
- Major positive contribution to claims sector in the past 12 months
- Contributions can include setting a legal precedent, establishing a new insurance product, handling a complex claim, and more
- Entrants into other categories are encouraged to put themselves forward if they feel they have a strong case
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award will be presented at the judges’ discretion, however, if you would like to make a recommendation, please email paul.bunce@barkerbrooks.co.uk