Insurance technology specialist SSP has introduced the Polaris imarket. It is a live-chat service on its commercial e-trade platform. Allianz Insurance is the first UK insurer to go live with this integrated web chat functionality, and other insurers are due to implement it soon.

The imarket live-chat service enables SSP's brokers to chat online with underwriters at Allianz in real-time to ask any questions about its rates and products. By being able to communicate easily and directly with an insurer without leaving the SSP application, brokers can get the answers they need to continue placing the business. With such increased ease of engagement, brokers have greater confidence in the rates and more trade will be kept within the e-trade space.

Ron Atkinson, Head of Distribution Relationships at SSP comments: "SSP has an excellent track record in the personal lines space, and we have brought all our functions together to employ the same methodology to commercial lines. The launch of the imarket live-chat service on our platform is confirmation of SSP's commitment to the commercial lines market and to getting things done quicker.”

“Furthermore, by revitalizing company’s approach and introducing innovative initiatives such as live-chat, we are helping to drive adoption of commercial e-trading. Our brokers offer a source of significant untapped GWP for insurer partners. As we add more insurers to the panel, our brokers will benefit from greater efficiencies, freeing them to provide the advice and support customers want in order to deliver the best service possible.”

Julie Tongue, Digital Trading Manager, Allianz Insurance also adds that Allianz is delighted to be the first insurer to deploy live-chat with SSP. Live-chat provides brokers with an alternative method to contact our team of expert SME underwriters and makes it easier for our customers to do business with us. It allows brokers to remain within the e-trading journey whilst contacting Allianz in real-time, providing operational efficiencies for both parties.