Routine Inspections (Virtual versus in person)
I have been having discussions with some agents and have serious concerns in regards to agents continuing to conduct virtual routine inspections, rather than on-site (in person) routine inspections. Some Insurers are pushing to refuse claims particularly on issues that have most likely built up over time, on the basis that agents have failed in their duty to their clients by not recommencing on site routine inspections. From the discussions I have had some insurers have been suggesting to their clients (which is the RRP) that the agent is negligent and that the RRP should consider pursuing the agent for their failures by not conducting on site inspections when the COVID mandates were withdrawn to allow on-site inspections to occur.
If some insurers are taking this approach, it will not be long before others follow.
We are, and have been (since mandates allowed a routine to onsite inspections) recommending to all our clients that they should conduct all routine inspections in person and this recommendation has been in place since the mandates preventing in person inspections were lifted.