50 Years for KGM

Every summer convoys of vintage army vehicles E descend on various parts of the country thanks to the enthusiasm of the pageant and re-enactment movement. The sight of WW2 German soldiers strolling down the high street in Paddock Wood, Kent no longer provokes a second take. Nor does a 20 mph mini-convoy

That's especially appropriate this year because Lloyd's syndicate KGM has clocked up 50 years. Started in 1957 as a specialist motor syndicate, the name comes from the initials of founder Kenneth Gordon McNeil.

The KGM team probably know as much about the specialist vehicles they insure as their owners do. That aspect has been refined over the years so that looking after the motorist who is also an enthusiast is recognised in the 2INFINITY product, a flexible offering that covers all vehicles under one policy. Not only does that remove the headaches and complications associated with multiple policies, but it also eliminates that horrible moment when a less informed insurer recoils in horror when asked to add, say a 1942 Russian T34 tank to the policy.

Plus of course it's all broker market based, and embraces all combinations of vehicles like classic cars, motorcycles, and CVs. Other policies include motor trade, public and private hire, and bespoke fleet insurance, with private car cover aimed at the more mature driver, particularly via affinity schemes.

First located in Lloyd's Avenue in the City, KGM moved out to South Woodford in 1986. The active underwriter is Colin Hart who joined in 1993 having been in Lloyd's motor underwriting for 23 years.

There's been a re-branding exercise to coincide with the anniversary. "Not only do we pride ourselves on having 50 years of industry experience and unrivalled expertise in specialist vehicle underwriting, we also remain committed to offering outstanding service and support to brokers and policyholders alike," says Mr Hart. "We have state-of-the-art information technology and have modernised our logo, while maintaining the traditional KGM colours of navy and gold to bring KGM values into a new and modern era."

KGM took part in BIBA 2007, exhibiting for the first time and pushing the message of 50 years' experience assessing unique risks and opportunities in niche areas. Early this year under the contract certainty heading it was confirmed to all supporting brokers that KGM is committed to working with them to achieve the market agreed standards. 'Treating customers fairly' is also a fundamental part of the KGM culture. "With TCF in mind, we are in the process of reviewing many of our business procedures, including product design, promotional and marketing material and complaints handling. We are very keen to receive TCF feedback on our products or services from all of our partner intermediaries, which we will then act upon," adds Mr Hart.

Business development manager Robin Mellish tells me that the idea of holding regular broker forums tested last year gives brokers the opportunity to discuss industry issues and concerns. "It's a chance to air views on topical themes. The internet and online technology were the main focus of the first forum which brokers say they found very beneficial. We'd like to do more and interested brokers can simply email us at orla.oconnor@kgminsurance.co.uk