ARC ENTERS TRAVEL LEGAL EXPENSES MARKET

Arc Legal enters travel legal expenses market with major AXA Assistance deal.

Arc Legal Assistance (Arc), the bespoke legal costs insurance provider, has, today, announced its move into the provision of travel legal expenses and a multi-million policy deal with AXA Assistance.

Arc has been appointed to manage and administer travel legal expenses claims arising from AXA Assistance policies, which provide worldwide cover via a range of distribution channels, including leading brand retailers and tour operators. Legal expenses claims arising from the approximately three million policies will be handled by a specialist travel legal panel including Irwin Mitchell and Stones.

The management of travel legal costs claims can be particularly challenging since policies generally provide worldwide cover and claims arising can therefore be brought in any jurisdiction. Arc has responded by developing its own bespoke processes and solicitor arrangements to provide a highly streamlined case management system. Arc has also invested in the development of a tailored claims management system in conjunction with Cognition Software Ltd.

Helen Withers, Director of Arc said: “Our partnership with AXA Assistance is a significant boost for our travel legal costs aspirations. We have looked carefully at the current structure of claims management in the sector and as a result have developed a unique combination of bespoke systems, processes and solicitor arrangements that, we believe will enable us to build a strong presence in the market.”

Sharon Scully, Director of AXA Assistance said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with Arc into the travel area. Travel legal claims require particularly careful management due to the wide range of jurisdictions in which claims are brought and given the range of injuries arising from minor to the catastrophic. Arc’s case management provides a combination of excellent customer service and strong underwriting control.”

AXA Assistance is one of Arc’s strategic partners providing underwriting support and assistance services on a number of Arc contracts.