A senior Suncorp manager says many insurers are failing to capitalise on the similarities that exist in personal injury claims in workers’ compensation and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance.

Executive GM Statutory Claims Paul Smeaton says Suncorp is bullish about the benefits of bringing together its statutory classes – a move which has created the largest division in the business.

“CTP and workers’ compensation are both heavily regulated, personal injury classes, so they have a lot in common,” he said.

“The number one objective of all our statutory claims staff is to return people to their pre-injury lifestyle.

“Clearly there’s the potential to utilise this scale to deliver market-leading claims service.”

Mr Smeaton says robust systems coupled with good people skills are essential for a “positive claims experience” in personal injury insurance. As a result training is a high priority for Suncorp’s claims staff.

“I am a strong believer in promoting a highly skilled workforce,” he said.

“We have so many capable people in our business and it’s important that that we continue to build on that skill base with accredited training.”