Terms under which we transact business

We are Access Underwriting Ltd of 50 Chapel View, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7LF.

The Financial Services Authority

Access Underwriting Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Our FSA Register number is 300421. Our trading names are Access Underwriting; Access Insurance Services and Christian Insurance Services

Our permitted business is advising, arranging, dealing as agent and assisting in the administration and performance of general insurance contracts.

You may check this on the FSA’s register by visiting the FSA website, www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.

Our Service

Our role is to advise you and make a suitable recommendation after we have assessed your needs. In situations where we are able to arrange insurance for you but do not offer advice, we shall confirm the position to you in writing. We will not in any circumstances act as an insurer nor guarantee or warrant the solvency of any insurer.

Commercial Insurances

We select commercial insurance products from a range of insurers but, for certain products, we may only deal with a single insurer or select from a limited number of insurers.

Personal Insurances

We select motor, motorcycle, household and travel insurance products from a small panel of insurers. You may ask us for a list of the insurers we deal with for these products.

Complaints and Compensation

We aim to provide you with a high level of customer service at all times, but if you are not satisfied, contact us:

In writing: Access Underwriting Ltd, 50 Chapel View, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 7LF
By phone: Telephone 08702 412214

If you are still not satisfied, you may refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (except in the case of commercial customers with a group annual turnover of £1m or more, or trustees with a net asset value of £1m or more).

We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). You may be entitled to compensation from the scheme if we cannot meet our obligations. This depends on the type of insurance, size of the business (if a commercial customer) and the circumstances of the claim. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS.

Payment for our services

We normally receive commission from the insurers or product providers. Additional charges may be made where there is no commission payable, where we have agreed to act for you on the basis of a fee for the work we carry out or in other circumstances as detailed in the enclosed scale of charges.

You will receive a quotation which will tell you the total price to be paid, showing any fees, taxes and charges separately from the premium, before your insurance arrangements are concluded.

Full payment of premium and fees is due before cover commences, or as otherwise stated under terms of credit, or in the debit note, invoice or statement issued to you. You may pay premiums, subject to status by a direct debit facility with an insurance company or other credit provider. We do not offer our own instalment facilities.

Handling Client Money and/or Insurer Money

We hold all client money collected for onward transmission to the insurance undertaking and return premiums/credits/claims payments due to clients from insurers in a Client Bank Account under a Statutory Trust in accordance with the authorisation we have from the Financial Services Authority to do so. For the purpose of some transactions, client money may pass through other authorised intermediaries before it is received by the insurer. Where we collect or hold money as agent of the insurance undertaking you will be notified accordingly. Interest will not be paid to customers in respect of money held in client bank accounts.

Cancellation of Insurances

You should make any request for the cancellation of a policy in writing and any relevant certificate of insurance should be returned to us or to the insurer concerned. In the event of cancellation, charges for our services will apply in accordance with the Tariff of Fees above. The terms of your policy may allow insurers to retain the premium in full or to charge short-period premiums in the event of cancellation.

Conflict of Interests

Occasions can arise where we or one of our associated companies, clients or product providers will have a potential conflict of interest with business being transacted for you. If this happens and we become aware that a potential conflict exists, we will write to you and obtain your consent before we carry out your instructions, and detail the steps we will take to ensure fair treatment.

Termination of Authority

You may terminate our authority to act on your behalf with 14 days notice or as otherwise agreed without penalty. Notice of this termination must be given in writing and will take effect from the date of receipt. Termination is without prejudice to any transactions already initiated which will be completed according to these terms of business unless otherwise agreed in writing. You will be liable to pay for any transactions or adjustments effective prior to termination and we will be entitled to retain any and all fees or brokerage payable in relation to policies placed by us prior to the date of termination.

Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for providing the complete and accurate information, which insurers require in connection with any proposal for insurance cover. This is particularly important before taking out a policy and at renewal, but it also applies throughout the life of a policy. If you fail to disclose any material fact or other information material to the insurance this could invalidate the policy and mean that claims may not be paid. You should check all details on any proposal form or Statement of Facts and pay particular attention to any declaration you may be asked to sign.

You should read all insurance documents issued to you and ensure that you are aware of the cover, limits and other terms that apply. Particular attention should be paid to any warranties and conditions as failure to comply with them could invalidate your policy.

You should take note of the required procedures in the event of a claim, which will be stated in the policy documentation. Generally, insurers require immediate notification of a claim or circumstances that might lead to a claim.

You should inform us immediately of any changes in circumstances that may affect the services provided by us or the cover provided by your policy.

If you are unsure about any matter, please contact us for guidance.

Confidentiality of Personal Data

All personal information is treated by us as confidential and is processed in accordance with the relevant legislation. We will not use or disclose personal information without your consent, other than in the normal course of arranging and administering your insurances, except where we are compelled by law (including by regulators or law enforcement agencies) to disclose such information. In such instances personal information held by us may be disclosed on a confidential basis, and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, to such third parties.

Claims Handling Arrangements

We will employ due care and skill if we act on your behalf in respect of a claim.
If we act on behalf of an insurer in negotiating and settling claims we will inform you that we will be acting on behalf of the insurer, not yourselves, at the point of claim.

Transferred Business

If we take over the servicing of insurance policies which were originally arranged through another insurance broker, intermediary or direct with the insurer, we do not accept liability for any claim arising out of the advice given by that broker or intermediary, nor for any errors, omissions or gaps in your current insurance protection.

We would ask you to contact us without delay should any aspect of a policy which has been transferred to us give you any cause you concern or if you need an immediate review. Otherwise we will endeavour to review all transferred policies as they fall due for renewal.

Our Charges and Fees

Retail Customers:

Our maximum charges will be as follows. We will confirm the exact amount to you before you commence cover or with the pricing information required where you elect to receive limited information.

New Policies: £100.00
Cancellation: £100.00
Mid Term Adjustments: £50.00
Duplicate documents: £25.00
Credit arrangements: £10.00 per £100 of Credit via a Third Party Credit Company subject to interest rate movements.
Direct Debit Defaults: £25.00

Commercial Customers:

Our new business fees are determined on an individual basis. You will be advised of our fees before any cover commences.
New Policies: As advised
Cancellation: An amount equal to any commissions which are due to be paid back to an insurer.
Mid Term Adjustments: £50.00 or where there is a return premium due, an amount equal to any commissions which are due to be paid back to an insurer.
Duplicate documents: £25.00
Credit arrangements: £10.00 per £100 of Credit via a Third Party Credit Company subject to interest rate movements.
Direct Debit Defaults: £25.00

50 Chapel View, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7LF T: 08702 412214 F: 08704 421852