AA Insurance has expanded its commercial insurance offering through an exclusive arrangement with Bollington, one of the UK’s leading independent business insurance brokers. The deal means that the AA is launching new products to add to its commercial range, including insurance for recovery operators, the taxi trade, motor traders and repairers and self drive hire companies.
Andrew Strong, the AA’s chief executive, points out that these motor industry products align well with the AA’s motoring pedigree.
“The AA is a household name for roadside assistance as well as motor insurance, including van and commercial vehicle cover. Adding specific motor trade insurance is a natural extension to the range and, in addition, forms a perfect fit with the AA’s fleet business breakdown cover.”
As part of the deal, Bollington is offering AA fleet cover to its own commercial customers. Paul Moors, chairman of the Bollington Group says: “We have worked extremely hard to win this imaginative and creative relationship with the AA. We have over 40 years’ experience in the commercial broking sector and I believe that this is one of the most significant new ventures in the commercial market.
“Our broking experience, coupled with the AA’s marketing ability, is a perfect arrangement. It offers huge potential including development of new services created through AA’s financial services such as business credit card or fuel cards.”
Mr Strong says that in the past, the AA has concentrated on distribution of commercial insurance through customers who buy other insurance products and, while that has been growing steadily, it represents a small part of the total business market.
Adds Mr Strong: “There’s a greater need today for advice and tailoring products to suit individual requirements. Now we have that opportunity through our new relationship with Bollington – not just in the motor sector but amongst small businesses of every sort.”
Apart from the motor trade, the AA offers cover for pubs, restaurants, hotels and guest houses; small businesses such as traders, contractors, landlords, consultants and shop keepers; and van and small commercial vehicle fleet cover. Risks include buildings and contents, liability, employers’ and professional indemnity, tools and goods in transit.
“This is a very comprehensive range and I’m confident that we will be able to meet almost every small business insurance requirement. I firmly believe that we are now poised to mirror our personal lines success in the commercial sector.”