2022 – Here we come!

Sharon Paterson – CEO Infiniti Insurance Limited

As we approach our second Christmas in lockdown it is difficult to believe that life will ever get back to normal where we can go out without masks, without fear of contracting the dreaded Covid, and without clearing the area around us if we happen to sneeze. Maybe as more and more people get vaccinated and the treatment of Covid and vaccines become more and more effective, it will, like so many illnesses before it, be conquered by medical science and we will no longer have to fear it.

But for now, we need to embrace the new normal. We need to wear masks and maintain social distance and isolate ourselves if we show any signs of illness, like our grandparents and great-grandparents needed to do before antibiotics. We have developed the skill to work and meet remotely when necessary but please let us do that only when necessary to be safe and not lose out on the social interaction so important to our own wellbeing and the success of our businesses.

What does 2022 hold for Infiniti Insurance Limited? Our loyal and long-established partners, both Brokers, UMA’s and Specialists have continued to support us and place good solid business with us and for that we thank them. Without them, we would not have a business. Currently, I am meeting with partners to start the way forward and make sure that we align our strategic imperatives with theirs. This will continue into the new year. We look forward to growing these books of business over the next year and together, giving our customers, both new and old, the best possible service and insurance cover at reasonable rates.

We are seeing new business opportunities that we have not seen in the market for some time now. Brokers and customers alike are needing a breath of fresh air and we are running hard, engaging with them, and introducing them to the uniqueness that is Infiniti. We are certainly open for new business and have geared up our team accordingly. As we write new business, we will continue to employ experienced and competent people to boost our team and maintain our service levels.

What do we have to watch out for as a company? In tough economic times businesses, and indeed private individuals, find themselves under pressure to take shortcuts to save money. This can result in an increase in fire risks and other claims because of poor maintenance or decreased security. We are conscious of this threat and so are surveying more and more of the businesses and homes that we insure, working with customers so as to be certain that there are no tragic losses for them and that avoidable claims from a few customers don’t result in increases for all customers. We have to balance growth with responsible, solid underwriting.

As 2021 comes to an end, in closing, I thank our partners, suppliers, and the Infiniti team for their support over this torrid time, their understanding when a ball has been dropped as we have learnt to cope with the new normal, and the care that they have shown to all of us. I also thank our shareholders and board for continuing to give us, the Infiniti team, the benefits that we have always enjoyed. I know that not all South Africans have been nearly as fortunate as we have been.

So, forward we go into a somewhat unpredictable future, but one filled with huge opportunities!