Insurer develops into big Fish in independent living sector

A  SMALL street broker which went on to become one of the UK’s largest providers of disability and independent living insurance is celebrating 40 years of business.

Preston-based Fish Insurance now has £12m gross written premium (GWP) which has risen from approximately £9.5m over the past three years.

It has also amassed 80,000 policyholders for its specially designed product lines which include car, travel, mobility scooter, wheelchair and equipment, prosthetics and life insurance, as well as cover for people who employ personal assistants or carers.
 
The company was founded by Mike Fish 40 years ago as a general insurance brokerage concentrating on affinity schemes. In 1986 the company shifted focus to become a pioneer in the Independent Living Insurance market and the Mobility and Disability Equipment scheme was launched.

Disability motor, personal assistant employment protection schemes followed in 1989, and the Personal Assistant Employment Protection Scheme was launched in 1997.

In 2016 Fish Insurance reached 80,000 policyholders, launched life insurance and funeral planning products and was acquired by PIB, one of the fastest-growing insurance brokers in the UK.
 
It also expanded into a new sector with the launch of subsidiary brand Fish Childcare Insurance, which specialises in public liability insurance for childminders and childcare professionals.

Managing director John Garrard, said: “To grow and reach the age of 40 a company needs to do more than simply provide a good service at a fair price. From the very beginning Fish Insurance has been keeping things simple and ensuring there is clarity in what we do, giving customers peace of mind so they can live an independent life.

“We regularly invest in our systems and our people and have doubled our staff numbers over the past 10 years. We are fortunate enough to employ a talented team of people who continue to take our business forward and ensure we deliver the best service to our customers as we celebrate this important milestone.”