06th May 2008

As part of its strategy to diversify into new markets, drainage specialist UKDN has launched UKGN – the UK Glazing Network. Handling glazing claims on behalf of insurers, the new company will take a holistic and principle-led approach, and aims to provide fast, efficient and appropriate solutions.

Glazing is the second largest commodity for buildings insurance claims, with an annual spend of £120 million and 180,000 claims being processed each year. With a proven track record and solid experience in providing drainage solutions for the insurance sector, UKDN has made a significant investment in the launch of UKGN. A highly experienced team of glazing specialists has been put in place to handle claims for damaged garage doors, windows, doors, glass, locks and conservatories, as well as more specialist areas such as the repair or replacement of roller shutter doors, security barriers and traditional stained glass.

Taking what it believes is a new approach to the evolving needs of the insurance market, UKGN aims to provide insurers with an efficient solution to glazing claims. Having researched and analysed the glazing sector, the company believes a more holistic approach is required, where the whole claim is managed by one company – directly working with the trades people that carry out the repairs or replacement and insisting that the work is not subcontracted out.

The principles of insurance form one of the bases of UKGN’s strategy. For example, if the company was handling a claim for a garage door damaged during a storm, proximate cause would be considered and weather conditions checked. Similarly, if cones and cables were damaged, UKGN would check if the proximate cause was storm conditions or poor maintenance.

Whatever the instruction, UKGN will ensure its reports have a high level of comprehensive detail, enabling claim handlers to be confident in their subsequent decision making.

UKGN is being headed up by UKDN’s supply chain director Paul Wozencroft. He said: “UKDN’s plan has always been to develop its offer for new markets, and to build on the significant growth we’ve already achieved. We handle drainage and burst pipe claims and provide subsidence investigation services for most of the UK’s largest insurers, and we have a highly successful, proven model in place. We can adapt this to fit the needs of other markets, and moving on to offer a glazing service is a natural progression for us. In the future we’ll also be offering professional services and a building network.

“We want to offer insurers another choice, and will aim to deal with claims faster, cost effectively and more efficiently. In particular we will be efficient with our time; for example a claim can, on occasions, be properly assessed from a desk using case management and technical skills, rather than needlessly attending site visits which will not really tell us anything new. We also believe we can save costs by looking to repair rather than simply replace – which has become a particular trend in our industry.

“We will handle glazing claims in a very holistic way, looking after everything for insurers and their customers. Our research tells us this has been a bit hit and miss in the past – with policy holders being asked to complete some elements of the process themselves, or perhaps being given very limited options in terms of a resolution. We will always strive to find a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved, and, as we do in the drainage sector, we’ll go the extra mile to achieve it.”

Mirroring UKDN’s activity in the drainage sector, UKGN is currently partnering with the Association of Garage Door Specialists (AGDS) and leading insurers to establish a best practice insurance guide for garage door repairs within the glazing market. A pioneer in leading industry standards, the founding members of UKDN helped to co-author the WRc (Water Research Centre) accreditation, which defines best practice compliance for the investigation and repair of domestic and light industrial drains and sewers.

With UKDN having proven experience in case management and building relationships with subcontractors, UKGN is well placed to handle glazing claims on behalf of insurers. For further information call 0845 217 8693.