Underwriters increasingly demand detailed risk surveys

PREVENTION HAS for some time been the industry mantra, with underwriters increasingly demanding a proactive rather than reactive approach. “We have seen a growing focus on the land transportation leg,” says Garth Huggins, director of Rennie Murray & Co, which provides marine and cargo surveys and related services to the local and international marine insurance industry. This includes shipping lines, freight forwarders, the motor industry and maritime lawyers. “The emphasis has been on surveys of storage locations,” says Huggins, “where the underwriter now requires a far more detailed analysis of the extent of risk he is facing. And this has demanded an increase in our skills base in order to provide the requisite level of service." It is also far more common for the underwriter to demand a satisfactory risk survey before confirming coverage, says Huggins. This in particular with regard to the risk of fire and theft. And more and more people are following up on recommendations, says Huggins, particularly with regard to deficiencies in the sprinkler system of a location or insufficient site security. “This trend has now expanded to cover the road transport leg where a detailed analysis of the road hauliers appointed by cargo owners and the preventative measures in place are frequently called for, particularly for high value cargoes carried over long distances.”