Denmead, Hampshire 10 July 2020

Stride Insurance Group is now Stride Underwriting - new name, same values

Stride Underwriting, previously known as Stride Insurance Group, is a Property Owners insurance specialist based in Denmead in Hampshire.

Stride Underwriting is a wholesale provider of Property Owners insurance to over 400 UK brokers, and although the name has changed, many aspects of this well respected business have not.

Stride Underwriting's Commercial Manager Claire Harris explained the reason behind the name change:

"Our broker facing business has a new name, Stride Underwriting, and a new web address  www.stride-underwriting.co.uk. We specialise in providing Property Owners insurance so we felt that our name should reflect what we do best - underwrite property risks for brokers. It's our bread and butter, so the change makes sense for us."

Richard Lovegrove, Managing Director of Stride Underwriting added:

"The new name gives clarity to our proposition - our in-house underwriting expertise adds value to our brokers and their clients, but to some people in the industry we’re the best provider you’ve never heard of. Underwriting is what we have been doing for 47 years, so it’s high time we let people know about it!"

Established in 1973 by former Chairman Mel Stride in Chichester, Stride Underwriting provides brokers with access to a panel of exclusive schemes from the major UK composite insurers and the Lloyds market, through their MGA Portus Underwriting. Brokers have direct contact with Stride's Property Owners underwriters to get the right cover for their clients’ needs.

With vast experience of underwriting commercial and residential property portfolios, Stride Underwriting has the ability to bespoke cover, the expertise to take on complex risks and the depth of markets to underwrite any kind of property.

Stride Underwriting Account Manager Lee Taylor says of the wide range of risks Stride covers for its brokers:

"We have a panel of specialist binders from London Market insurers, so we can bespoke wordings for complex risks. We underwrite all kinds of properties, and you’d be amazed what we’ve got on cover, from a Grade I listed church to a nuclear bunker!"

One change brokers may notice is that Stride Underwriting will be placing a greater emphasis on commercial property, and Claire Harris is keen that the business demonstrates its expertise in this area:

"We want to focus more on underwriting commercial property - we’ve got a great reputation for placing residential property risks when we do just as much on the commercial side. It’s a question of challenging perceptions about us - we’ve been around in the market for a long time and sometimes we get overlooked because we’re not seen as commercial property specialists."

Stride's dedication to supporting brokers has not changed, and MD Richard Lovegrove gave his thoughts on the reasons why the Stride Underwriting business model works for brokers:

"Our proposition is simple: “we understand brokers”. Brokers are our lifeblood and livelihood at Stride Underwriting, and we know what they want - solid cover, a fair commission and a “can do” attitude. We build our business around supporting brokers and that’s why we’ve been around since 1973."

The level service offered to brokers is especially relevant in the current crisis. As Account Manager Lee Taylor reflected:

“A lot of businesses are hurting right now, but brokers have always adapted to market conditions and Stride Underwriting is here to support them to survive and thrive. Firstly, we work with brokers in the way that works for them; we’ll quote for risks presented in any format and take care of documentation.

Our main strength is our flexibility, we can bespoke cover and negotiate with insurers on the brokers behalf – whatever it takes to get their client over the line.

We want to take the pain away from brokers so they can concentrate on meeting their clients’ needs, so every account has a dedicated account handler and we can manage claims in-house if required.”

Finally, Commercial Manager Claire Harris made her pitch to those brokers who do not currently have an agency with Stride Underwriting, saying:

“Our message to brokers is simple – we put the broker first, so tell us what you need to win and retain business. There can be too much of a “computer says no” attitude in our industry, but Stride brokers have direct access to our underwriters to get the job done. We have a panel of ‘A’ rated insurers plus our own MGA and that gives us a wide appetite for specialist or complex property risks whether commercial or residential. We’ve got nearly 50 years’ experience in the Property Owners market, so in the words of one our brokers, ‘if you haven’t got an agency with Stride, you’re missing out!’

Click here for further information on the change of name to Stride Underwriting.

Alternatively, contact Stride Underwriting Marketing Director Jonathan Walker on 023 9224 8731 / 079 7035 4202 or email jonathan.walker@stride-underwriting.co.uk

For further information on Stride Underwriting, download the PDF guides:

• Why choose Stride Underwriting?
• Stride Underwriting Property Owners insurance

Photos for use with press release:

Photo of Richard Lovegrove and Claire Harris
Photo of Lee Taylor
Photo of Richard Lovegrove
Photo of Claire Harris