Zurich has unveiled its Z.stream Commercial online platform, which lets brokers offer single or bundled solutions for industrial special risks and liability, commercial motor and motor fleet.

It is designed for the mid-market and builds on the Z.stream platform, which allows brokers servicing SME clients to request quotes and close business with the insurer.

As well as quicker access to pricing and the flexibility to transact business at any time, brokers can obtain premium discounts for bundled policies.

EGM Commercial Adrian Riminton says the rollout of Z.stream Commercial follows a pilot program late last year, when a select group of brokers used the prototype in market conditions.

“Z.stream Commercial has come off the back of the success of the Z.stream product in the SME market,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“The question for us was how can we take the lessons we’ve learned and apply them to the mid-market segment?”

Focus groups of 25-40 brokers – depending on the application and market segments – were used to garner feedback.

“It’s about the ease of doing business. At Zurich we are investing in the way we do things as well as what we do.”

Mr Riminton says brokers will have the flexibility of choosing the best business mix, can access documents and certificates of currency “in seconds”, and will know “in minutes rather than hours” if Zurich is right for their clients.

“We are providing greater choice to brokers in terms of how they conduct business with us,” he said.

“Brokers can self-serve a quote, alterations or a renewal, or they can send it to us in the traditional way.”

Zurich introduced Z.stream in 2002 and has since added upgrades and greater functionality. Until now it has been primarily used by brokers with SME clients.

“Since the launch of Z.stream we have always engaged with the broker community, so we can understand their needs,” Mr Riminton said. “This has been fundamental to the success of Z.stream.”