On 17 September, Aviva launched a new version of its comprehensive business insurance (MRE).
On 17 September, Aviva launched a new version of its comprehensive business insurance (MRE). The basic contract comes with new optional cover to respond to what business owners have told Aviva general agents about their needs. The MRE is aimed at very small, small and medium-sized enterprises whose premises do not exceed an area of 3000m².
To mark the launch, Aviva is offering a special package to new clients who cancel their existing contract before its expiry. The insurance company will grant them, free of charge, the immediate effect of cover provided by and absent from the rival contract until the expiry date of that contract.
In general, MRE insurance guarantees the assets of the company (buildings, machines, etc) in the event of accidents (fire, explosion, damage, burglary, etc) and takes on the financial consequences (loss of gross margin, additional costs incurred, etc) of the accidental interruption of activity. At Aviva, MRE insurance consists of a common base with options on top (such as operating loss cover, a new product on the market).
New optional operating loss cover
Aviva now gives its customers the opportunity to cover operating losses, to correspond with the costs required to maintain gross margin. This cover is particularly useful to companies which need time to resume their activities (reconstituting their stocks, purchase of materials, etc).
On top of that, the insured party can extend it to cover the following risks:
- If it becomes impossible or illegal to access the company's premises due to an accident affecting a neighbouring business;
- Failure of suppliers (of raw materials in particular) to act, if they themselves have suffered an accident.
Lastly, as an option under the operating loss cover, Aviva will reimburse any additional costs brought about by restarting activity.
New optional guarantees available in package form
In addition to the basic MRE contract, Aviva has put together package options to respond to the specific expectations of certain business owners and the needs inherent in certain industries:
- For example, the "additional gross margin costs without guarantee" cover is particularly well suited to businesses in the tertiary sector. It only covers additional costs required to restart activity (use of interim staff, sub-contracting, building or material rental, transport, etc), without the need to cover the whole of the gross margin. This type of cover allows them to make savings on their premium.
- The "Sérénité" package, on the other hand, is the best choice for business-owners wanting the maximum level of cover. This package covers material damage caused by unexpected events, such as the collapse of a building. This option can also cover operating losses.
Lastly, Aviva reduces its insurance holders' premiums on the basis of criteria which are unique in the world of insurance, such as a discount for businesses which have received a positive assessment from the security commission.
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Press contacts:
Aviva Assurances
Fanny Dieval
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 76 62 79 67
E-mail: fanny_dieval@aviva.fr
HDL Communication for Aviva Assurances
Nicolas Faget
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 58 65 20 17
E-mail: nfaget@hdlcom.com
Notes to editors:
About Aviva
Aviva is Europe's leading provider of life assurance and pensions savings with strong positions on other markets around the world. Based on gross premiums at 31 December 2007, Aviva was the world's fifth-largest insurance group. Aviva's three principal businesses are life assurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance, with a total turnover of €56.7 billion in 2007 and €455 billion in assets under management at 30 June 2008.
With more than 150 years' experience in France, Aviva is one of the top 10 players in the insurance market. Aviva France stands out from the crowd with its solid, balanced and profitable multi-distribution model: 875 general agents, 1800 branch staff, 400 life advisers and 1000+ brokers. Aviva France also has major partners such as AFER, the largest savings association in France, the Crédit du Nord group, l'Union Financière de France and Médéric. Specialising in unit-linked products, Aviva is recognised for the excellent performance of its long-term funds and solid commitment to its customers through its "Good Advice" approach. Aviva employs more than 3300 staff in France. At 31 December 2007, Aviva France recorded consolidated sales of €6.5 billion and an IFRS net profit of €338 million and managed assets worth €71.4 billion at 30 June 2008.