Aon appointed preferred PI member benefits partner for practitioners in Australia
The risk management specialists offer a range of quality services and benefits to CA ANZ members. Brought to you by Aon.
Aon has been appointed CA ANZ’s preferred PI member benefits partner for practitioners. As SME specialists for all the typical insurance needs of chartered accountants, Aon delivers industry specialised insurance backed by specialised advice and service.
Aon will also be providing a variety of industry-leading thought leadership content and materials including educational video content aimed at helping members better understand the professional risks they face so they can make informed decisions.
The arrangement offers CA ANZ members a multichannel approach to understanding and purchasing their insurance. Members have the option of getting a quote online, as well as being able to speak to Aon’s dedicated team of highly experienced specialist brokers, who have worked with members for the last seven years to understand the needs of the industry. For Aon Affinity managing director Lisa Henderson, becoming the preferred PI member benefits partner for practitioners is an important step in an already strong relationship.
“It’s a unique status to have, and we’re very proud of it,” she tells Acuity. “Aon and CA have been in partnership since 2015, and we’ve been there for members when they’ve had insurable events. With Aon, you’ve also got a broker who can assess your needs from time to time, and you’ve got that advisor who can help you find the right solution.”
A trusted partner
The appointment comes at a time when there’s a heightened awareness of cyber attacks that have impacted multiple organisations and sectors. Many industries have seen professional indemnity premium rate increases, including those with positive historical claims.
"An accountant is one of the most trusted partners in our lives, knowing everything about our finances, taxes and businesses,” Henderson says. “But we’re all human, and from time to time, mistakes can be made. Professional indemnity insurance is there in the event that a mistake is made.”
Aon has a 98% retention rate for members of CA ANZ, significantly higher than industry averages and proof that CAs recognise the importance of professional indemnity cover.
“It’s also a sign of the times as the economy and investment markets exhibit signs of volatility. Accountants realise that it’s never been more important to have cover that is specialised to their needs. That’s why we’ve been able to work with CA ANZ as an association to become their professional indemnity member benefits provider.”
“Accountants realise that it's never been more important to have cover that is specialised to their needs.”
Navigating uncertain times
As a long-term market leader in risk management, Aon’s ability to help members navigate the risk landscape, particularly in such disruptive, uncertain times when inflationary movements are putting pressure on many firms is a value add for CA ANZ members.
“Professional indemnity is a safety net that helps protect an accountants’ practice,” Henderson says. “It protects them in the event that one of their risk management strategies fails. The current economic conditions mean that this is a time to embrace safety. Take for example a client who has felt the effects of a struggling economic outlook and is unhappy with the advice they have received.
“That client might look to make a claim on their accountant and seek a settlement. In this case, a professional indemnity policy that covers the legal costs and the practice is paramount, because we all know one or more of these claims could wipe out a business. Our policies feature bespoke wording exclusive to CA members.”
Over the years, Aon has worked closely to develop a professional indemnity policy specific to CA ANZ members in practice that’s tailored to their specific requirements, catering to limits of indemnity and other important details associated with the accounting risks.
Among the many features of the refreshed and strengthened relationship are:
- Aon’s team of Australian-based SME insurance experts are on hand to support CAs through every step of their insurance journey, offering specialist advice and support, allowing members to choose the appropriate level of cover.
- An in-depth consultation option is available for practices undertaking complex accounting activities.
- Practices can choose from a range of risk mitigation strategies that can help protect their practice from risk.
- Opportunity to speak directly to experienced brokers who have a strong knowledge of the needs of chartered accountants and their clients.
Exclusive solutions
“We want members to feel confident that they’ve made smart decisions on all their insurance needs,” Henderson says. “We have a deep understanding of SME risk and are offering an omni-channel approach with exclusive professional indemnity solutions designed in consultation with CA ANZ members.”
It’s a solution where members can quote and purchase PI via a streamlined online digital experience as well as talk to a specialist broker over the phone.
Among the long list of services available are:
- Receive in depth advice on specific areas of insurance with an assessment of the risks involved for each.
- Analysis of their current cover and direction on any areas where it might be insufficient, applicable excesses and exclusions they may not have been aware of.
- An examination of their current cover limits and whether they are still appropriate if the practice has grown recently.
- Bespoke education and support around risk mitigation and navigating the risk landscape – such as case studies, risk management reports, thought leadership material, webinars and in person events.
- Video content with an opportunity to earn CPD points and tools via the new ‘Connect’ platform exclusive to Aon clients.
- A toolkit of resources such as FAQs, checklists, claims insights to help members make better decisions about PI and other insurance solutions such as cyber risk, business insurance and exclusive offers for CA ANZ members. “The advice around potential additional cover and assessing their changing needs will allow them better prepare for the future,” Henderson adds.
Find out more:
There’s never been a more important time to review professional indemnity cover. Aon’s team of specialists can tailor a policy to the common needs faced by chartered accountants. Visit www.aon.com.au/ca to find out more details of Aon’s role as CA ANZ’s preferred PI member benefits partner.
Disclaimer
© 2022 Aon Risk Services Australia Limited ABN 17 000 434 720 AFSL 241141 (Aon)
The information contained in this communication is general in nature and should not be relied on as advice (personal or otherwise) because your personal needs, objectives and financial situation have not been considered. Before deciding whether a particular product is right for you, please consider your personal circumstances, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (if applicable), Target Market Determination and full policy terms and conditions available from Aon on request. All representations in this communication in relation to the insurance products Aon arranges are subject to full terms and conditions of the relevant policy. Please contact Aon if you have any queries.
The Professional Indemnity Insurance for members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is arranged by Aon Risk Services Australia Limited ABN 17 000 434 720 AFSL 241141 as agent for the insurer, Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as CGU Insurance. If you purchase this insurance, Aon will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Further information can be provided upon request.
