LMI Group’s Managing Director, Dr Allan Manning, in his role as international president of the International Institute of Claims Preparers spoke today at the 29th Annual NIBA Conference as part of the Allianz Thought Leadership Day.

Dr Manning was introduced by Sarah Johns, Segment and Marketing Coordinator, Broker and Agency Allianz. Allan covered four topics, those being: 1) Placing Slips; 2) Policy Comparisons; 3) Verbal and Written Communication; and Fire Service Levies.

Allan used his experience from the recent catastrophes in Australia and New Zealand using case studies of many of the regular issues he had seen. Fire Service Levies are of particular concern to Allan and he outlined why he believes the home and business owners in rural Victoria have been betrayed by the new State Government who have allowed the taxes to increase by 33% for homeowners and 30.7% for business owners at a time when insurance premiums have to increase due to the frequency and size of the catastrophe losses.

He explained the main reason for the increase is the fact that the CFA budget which has increased by 98.5% over the past 5 years has had over $200 million of capital expenditure added this year which while benefiting all those living, workding and visiting rural Victoria for the next 20+ years has to be funded by those that insure this year.

As always, Allan’s talk was well received and his performance today explains why he is asked to deliver over 125 talks a year at conferences, seminars, and professional development days.