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Expanding fast: Blue Zebra rolls out more products
Looking to the future: Blue Zebra founder Colin Fagen
Blue Zebra has expanded its product offerings in the last two months, as the fast-growing underwriting agency seeks to capitalise on the momentum it has achieved since launching in 2018. Its most recent rollout is the SME product, which came just after the agency converted its Commercial Motor pilot to full-scale distribution. Both products are available on the Zebra lounge platform and underwritten by Youi. Colin Fagen, Managing Director of the
agency, says the moves “put us on a strong foundation for next year, expanding our commercial books”. “We see next year as being a very good year,” he told Insurance News. Mr Fagen says the SME product received more than 100 quotes on the first day of its launch and the feedback from brokers has been very positive. The Commercial Motor offering gives brokers the option to instantly quote and bind fleets of up to 10 vehicles with cover
options for Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft, or Third Party only. Feedback for the product has also been very positive. Mr Fagen says the commercial motor launch builds on momentum generated by the launch in October of Lloyd’s-backed Blue Point Insurance, a new personal accident and sickness insurance brand. Blue Point Insurance is a partnership with Point Insurance and aims to become a major player in the personal accident insurance market within the next five years. Mr Fagen told insuranceNEWs.com.au the personal accident and sickness insurance market is “an area that is probably under-penetrated” and believes “there is more opportunity for brokers” to sell this to clients such as SME owners and tradesmen. “As a result of our increasing product range, our user numbers have continued to climb and the demand from brokers is very strong,” he said. The new commercial motor product incorporates the data and technology benefits of Blue Zebra’s Private Motor product, along with other specifically tailored features. The product has been in development for the past couple of months, with a number of brokers selected to help refine pricing, product and technology. Claims are managed by Insurx/Hello Claims and Blue Zebra is offering brokers a variable commission of up to 15%, with a 0 default of 12.5% for launch.
Progressive perks: Zurich dumps ‘parental leave’ in favour of family flexibility Zurich’s Australian staff are being rewarded with industry-leading care entitlements designed to be as inclusive and flexible as possible. The new package more appropriately reflects today’s varied family structures than outdated parental leave plans, the insurer says. Acknowledging that every family is different, the Family Care Policy supports each employee regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, enabling everyone to take paid leave as they welcome
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new family members. It allows primary parents 16 weeks of paid leave, with the ability to request up to two years, and is inclusive of birth, adoption, surrogacy and IVF, as well as miscarriage and stillbirth. The new policy was developed with the Women’s Innovation Network and PrideZ and Sue Maher, Head of Human Resources, says it recognises all family circumstances and supports a fair and equal workplace. “Our new Family Care Policy reflects the many different voices of our diverse
workforce, ensuring inclusivity and better supporting the range of family circumstances we see across Australia today,” Ms Maher said. Co-parents receive six weeks paid leave plus additional unpaid leave, while all tenure requirements, including probation, are removed. Superannuation and personal and long service leave will continue to accrue during unpaid leave for primary parents, supporting Zurich’s commitment to reducing the retirement savings ‘super gap,’ which is most 0 often experienced by women.
