Zurich has appointed state customer care managers to act as a link between brokers, customers and local claims teams.

Head of Claims Stephen Brooks says recent catastrophes have shown that insurers need people on the ground to quickly help brokers and their customers when a disaster strikes.

He says having a locally based senior claims resource worked well then, “and it’s equally important when we respond to the everyday disasters experienced by our insured customers”.

“Knowing how to tap into the best local expertise can make a huge difference to the customer at a time when things have gone wrong in their world.”

Mr Brooks says the managers, led by Head of Customer Care Claims Darren Trott, will ensure simple claims are resolved quickly and effectively and more complex claims receive attention from the most appropriate expert.

Meanwhile, Zurich’s Queensland State Manager Damien Gallagher has left the company to join CGU as Queensland State Manager, Retail.