Since 14th January 2005 the general insurance industry has been under the supervision of the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This means that all providers of insurance (e.g. insurance companies and Lloyd’s of London) and firms that arrange insurance for their clients (insurance brokers, intermediaries, agents etc.) must now (by Law) be authorised by the FSA. Although travel agents that sell travel insurance (along with a holiday) and retailers selling extended warranties (for example with a washing machine) are currently exempt from FSA supervision.
The FSA’s regulatory regime is far reaching and you should notice many changes in the content and quantity of information you receive. For example – a Statement of Price which details each element of premium, insurance premium tax (IPT) and all fees that make up the total cost of your insurance. You should also look out for your Demands and Needs Statement and Key Facts Policy Summary (optional for commercial insurances). Together these provide important relevant details of your insurance cover. However, as always only your Policy Document can confirm the full terms & conditions of your insurance policy.
Dealing with an Authorised firm gives consumers added protection. For example, all Authorised firms must have in place a formal complaints procedure, this includes membership of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS provides consumers with a free, independent service for resolving disputes with financial firms. In the unlikely event that our complaints procedure does not resolve an issue, you may then refer to the FOS.
In addition, all authorised firms subscribe to the The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS is the UK’s statutory fund of last resort for customers of financial services firms. This means that FSCS can pay compensation to consumers if a firm is unable, or likely to be unable, to pay claims against it.
In a nutshell, dealing with a firm Authorised by the FSA means dealing with professionals that put your needs first. In the unlikely event that something does go wrong, you can be sure that there are coordinated systems in place to help put things right.
John Millin (Southport) Ltd. trades as Millins Chartered Insurance Brokers; is registered at London under Certificate No. 849631; and is Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Services Authority (FSA) you can check this out by visiting the FSA Register try searching for our firm reference no. 307628 or the name Millin.
To learn more about the services we provide, please contact us and/or our view our terms of business agreements here:-
2010
Consumer Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2010 for individuals and non-profit organisations seeking insurance advice
Commercial Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2010 for small/medium sized businesses seeking insurance advice
Corporate Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2010 for larger businesses and enterprises requiring insurance and risk management services
2011
Consumer Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2011 for individuals and non-profit organisations seeking insurance advice
Commercial Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2011 for small/medium sized businesses seeking insurance advice
Corporate Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2011 for larger businesses and enterprises requiring insurance and risk management services
2012
Consumer Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2012 for individuals and non-profit organisations seeking insurance advice
Commercial Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2012 for small/medium sized businesses seeking insurance advice
Corporate Clients Terms of Business Agreement 2012 for larger businesses and enterprises requiring insurance and risk management services