Comment on Methodology
Group4's fundamental claim handling orientation is bottom-dollar underwriting results. That means seeking legitimate resolution of claims for the least amount of indemnity and expense, whether within the Insured's retention or the policy.
On a comparative basis, our historical combined loss and expense results are known to be consistently and significantly less than those of other entities who handle claims on the same or similar risks. We think this is because Group4's consistent approach to claims is a distinctly pragmatic one.
Beginning with our prompt initial conversation with the Insured on each newly received claim, we attempt to quickly assess what happened and why. We determine what those facts mean in terms of legal liability, damages and coverage issues, then we move to perfect the direction and control of each claim to a sensible outcome.
The claim handlers at Group4 talk to people first, then write confirming letters. We know from over one-hundred thirty eight years of combined experience in claims handling that there is no viable substitute for actually speaking to people to get desired results. In discussions we can hear the nuances of strengths and weaknesses of the parties at interest; we find collateral sources of contribution, and, we get the opportunity to persuade. And sometimes that means we just want to stay out of the way.
Bringing deep experience and broadly seasoned talent to bear against the claims of our clients achieves reduced dollars out-the-door. Talent that is applied from experience is what enables our cut-through methodology to work. High energy is what fuels it. There is no multi-colored paper shuffling by sleepy bureaucrats at Group4. We do not "process" claims or move papers through a dull-eyed claims mill.
We do employ effective controls over deadlines, momentum and continuity in our claim handling. We also have the in-house means to capture esoteric data and to produce timely and accurate statistical reports in nearly any format or configuration for our managers and yours. We are accessible and responsive to legitimate interests in claim acknowledgment, status reports, coverage and strategies.
The fundamentals of Group4's approach, in its most important ways, have been around a long time. They come from the days of good basic training in the industry. They have been effectively adapted to the rough and tumble E & S markets and tort environments of the past thirty eight years, to today.