Smith Greenfield places great emphasis on the personal and bespoke insurance services it provides. This interview is the first in a series of conversations with key company personnel that invites clients and visitors to our web site to meet our team.
Imran Moideen (CERT CII) is our premier private client adviser. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry and brings an in-depth understanding of the specific insurance risks and solutions associated with insuring exclusive lifestyles and collections.
Can you describe ‘The Smith Greenfield Client’?
Our clients are all very different, and as such their insurance requirements tend to be bespoke – from listed properties to penthouse apartments, collections of Old Masters to contemporary sculpture, classic cars to fine wine. With diverse lifestyles and interests, our clients require specialist insurance.
We have the experience and established relationships with our insurers that enable us to give accurate advice and source the very best cover for our clients, and their varying needs.
What are some of the more unusual things you have had to find insurance for?
A fascinating collection of Medieval Holy Reliquaries stands out as one. These small, highly decorated caskets or pendants contain relics of a Saint, such as a small bone fragment. Popular as souvenirs during the Middle Ages, they are richly embellished in precious metals and gems and are now highly sought after.
Also, during the course of my career I have had the privilege of arranging insurance cover for paintings and sculptures by some of the world’s greatest artists such as Picasso and bronzes by Rodin.
How do you find the right insurance for your clients?
Our clients have bespoke insurance needs, which are not ordinarily covered by a general insurance policy. To make sure we are able to provide our clients with optimum cover, it’s important to gain a comprehensive overview of their property and valuables, and an understanding of their lifestyle.
For example, two clients may both have a comparable diamond ring. One client is in the public eye, frequently seen on social media and in the newspapers, often wearing this ring. The second client has no public profile and keeps their ring in a safe at home. Although these two rings are comparable in terms of value, for insurers the owners’ lifestyles present very different risks.
This is where the specialist insurance we are able to access for clients has a huge advantage over standard policies. We understand specific insurance needs and work closely with our panel of ‘A’ rated insurers to provide our clients with peace-of-mind insurance so that, in the event of a claim, they know they’ll be covered.
Smith Greenfield has a network of specialists to support clients’ requirements Where do they fit in with your role?
Over the years we have developed a network of industry-leading experts who are able to help our clients with everything from accurate valuations to highly-skilled conservation. My role is to provide our clients with access to this network, should it be required, and to make sure our clients are happy with the service they have received. Delivering excellent levels of customer service underpins everything that we do at Smith Greenfield.
Are there particular challenges?
Insuring buildings whilst they are undergoing renovations or substantial modifications can be complex, in particular when the building is listed. The additional risks presented by this sort of project – such as fire and security – mean that specialist insurance is required. We work closely with our clients to make sure any conditions of insurance are achieved so that our clients know that, in the event of a claim, they will be covered.
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
It’s very pleasing when the advice you have offered a client achieves a good outcome, whether it’s arranging a new policy or resolving a claim smoothly. As I said earlier, excellent customer service is key and being able to provide our clients with the best solutions for their often complex insurance needs is very rewarding. Insurance should bring peace of mind.