Starr has completed its acquisition of the IQUW Group, including IQUW Bermuda Re and Lloyd’s syndicates IQUW (1856) ERS (218). This marks the start of the integration phase, during which we will bring our organisations together in a measured and disciplined way. You can read the news here.
Our teams will work closely to ensure a smooth transition and we will continue to communicate with brokers should anything change that affects how you interact with us.
General
Will my existing underwriting and claims contacts change?
Your existing underwriting and claims contacts will remain the same unless you are notified otherwise.
Maintaining continuity of relationships is a priority during the transition. Brokers should continue to connect with the underwriting and claims teams as usual – our email addresses and phone numbers will continue to work as normal.
Should any changes occur, they will be communicated directly to you in advance.
What does this mean for the IQUW and ERS brands?
- IQUW (Syndicate 1856) and IQUW Bermuda Re are now trading under the Starr brand
- ERS (Syndicate 218) continues to operate under the ERS brand, with no change to its well established motor market position.
Does this affect financial strength ratings?
The acquisition does not negatively affect the financial strength of the business.
Starr brings significant global financial strength and long-term stability. Lloyd’s policies will continue to benefit from the financial security provided by the Lloyd’s market (“A+” Superior AM Best) while the broader Starr Group maintains strong financial ratings (“A” Excellent A.M. Best).
Do I need to take any action?
No action is required from brokers at this time.
Your usual placement, servicing and claims processes remain unchanged unless you are notified otherwise. If any administrative changes occur (such as payment instructions or documentation updates), we will communicate these clearly with sufficient notice.
Underwriting
Where will I find Starr and IQUW underwriters at Lloyd’s?
Underwriters will continue to operate from their existing Lloyd’s box locations unless otherwise communicated.
Ground Floor
48, 48a, 64
Gallery 1
114, 115, 115a
Gallery 2
203, 204, 204a
Will syndicate numbers or paper change?
There are no immediate changes to the Lloyd’s syndicate numbers or paper used for existing IQUW placements.
Where risks are written through Lloyd’s, the relevant Lloyd’s syndicate paper will continue to apply.
Any future changes to underwriting platforms or paper will be communicated in advance.
Will my policies or contracts change?
Existing policies, contracts and terms remain unchanged.
The acquisition does not alter the contractual terms of policies that have already been bound.
Future placements will continue to follow normal underwriting processes, and any changes to documentation or wording will be communicated as part of the normal renewal or placement cycle.
Will service levels or response times change?
No. Service standards and response times are not affected by the acquisition.
Maintaining strong service delivery is a priority throughout the integration process.
Will there be changes to underwriting appetites, classes of business or territories?
There are no immediate changes to underwriting appetites as a direct result of the integration.
Over time, the combination of Starr and IQUW capabilities may allow us to support clients across a broader range of risks and geographies.
If any changes to appetite occur, they will be communicated clearly through updated appetite guides and underwriting engagement with brokers.
Will my renewal terms be affected?
No. Renewal discussions will continue as usual with your underwriting contacts.
Renewal terms will be assessed in line with the underlying risk and market conditions, as they would normally be.
Claims
How do I notify a claim during the transition period?
Claims should continue to be notified through your usual claims contacts and processes.
There are no changes to claims notification procedures during the transition.
Will existing claims continue to be handled by the same team?
Yes. Existing claims will continue to be handled by the same claims teams who are currently responsible for them.
How do I submit an ERS motor claim?
For ERS motor claims, please visit the ERS website to submit your claim or for a operations phone number.