AXA Insurance appoints Chelgate in issues and crisis management role
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n a move that demonstrates its confidence in the consultancy’s crisis handling capabilities, AXA UK, part of one of the world’s largest insurance companies, has given Chelgate the sole responsibility for crisis containment in new management liability policies written for large and small businesses, charities, and clubs and associations.
The benefit gives insured clients access to crisis communications services from Chelgate as soon as their directors or officers are aware of a claim or the likelihood of an insured event with a risk to reputation. Chelgate’s support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via its dedicated hotline 0207 9397 999.
Axa has 16 million UK policyholders of all kinds, and 96 million worldwide. Head of management liability Callum Taylor said: “This important service is seen by our clients as offering added protection, and is cost-effective for us as the insurer.
“We have selected Chelgate as sole provider because of its particular expertise and experience in crisis and acute issue management, its self-imposed low profile and commitment to confidentiality.
“Policyholders of all sizes will be able to draw upon a true crisis communications specialist. Even those clients who have their own PR department or external support will have immediate access to seasoned professionals for whom a crisis is not a rare event.”
This significant appointment by the insurance giant extends Chelgate’s reach in this sector some three years after its engagement by Hiscox to provide similar services.
The arrangement between insurer and Chelgate is flexible to take account of needs that may vary from little more than a phone call or two, and a few precautionary arrangements, to a major and acute event, perhaps involving a team response over a protracted period.
