Login
ISCOVER
Staff Reporter
One of Australia’s biggest brokerages has formed a strategic alliance with one of the nation’s largest insurers.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Looking for more benefits? Become a Premium Member.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Looking for more benefits? Become a Premium Member.
Yesterday, Mortgage Choice announced it had joined hands with Allianz in a bid to become a broader financial services business.
Mortgage Choice general manager of product and distribution Andrew Russell said that part of the brokerage’s strategic goal is to broaden its customer proposition by providing a range of financial services and wealth solutions and that satisfying customers’ insurance needs was in line with that aim.
“Our customers say that finding competitive insurance cover that meets their needs is important. We are pleased to now offer them market leading insurance options through our partnership with Allianz, one of Australia’s most respected insurers, and winner of the 2012 Large General Insurance Company of the Year,” Mr Russell said.
From today, Mortgage Choice will refer customers to Allianz for three types of insurance: home building and contents, motor vehicle and landlord insurance.
Mr Russell said that customers have the option of accessing Allianz insurance products through their channel of choice.
“Brokers can refer their customers directly by calling Allianz on a dedicated number and asking Allianz to contact their client, or alternatively, by giving the client the dedicated Mortgage Choice number at Allianz,” Mr Russell said.
“Our brokers will not provide advice; all questions on the products will be referred back to Allianz.”
In addition to the broker referrals, Mortgage Choice customers will also be given the option of going online to get a quote, via the Mortgage Choice website.
“This is our first, but certainly not our last step into providing services online. While our 390-strong franchise network will remain our key distribution channel, we want the option to engage our customers using the channel that best meets their needs, and the online channel is growing fast. It now represents a significant point of sale for financial services products, including insurance,” Mr Russell said.
“If our aim is to provide a complete service to all our current and future customers, online definitely plays a key role in achieving that.”
Commenting on the partnership with Mortgage Choice, Allianz’s Michael Winter, General Manager Financial Institutions said the company was pleased to partner with Mortgage Choice to provide a general insurance solution for their customers.
“Insurance is an important consideration when taking out a home loan. It is in both the broker’s and borrower’s best interest to put in place an appropriate insurance solution and ensure protection is in place,” he said.
