No wonder builders’ warranty insurers are under fire for processing applications too slowly; more than 70% of them are filed incomplete.

As builders and suppliers lash out at the two companies handling the applications – Royal & SunAlliance and Dexta Underwriting – Dexta MD Ashraf Kamha has revealed that turnaround for applications being handled by his company is still four weeks. Some staff are working up to seven days a week on a two-shift system. The number of underwriting staff handling the applications has grown from three to 15, and various “fast track” systems have also been put in place.

In a note to brokers, Mr Kamha admitted there are deficiencies, but said Dexta is “doing everything in our power to improve the situation”.