Universal Underwriters Group Adopts Zurich as Brand Name

As of Jan. 2, Universal Underwriters Group will adopt the brand name of Schaumburg, Ill.-based Zurich in a further step of its ongoing integration with Zurich North America Commercial (ZNAC).

While aligning its market presence with the Zurich brand, Universal Underwriters will continue to evaluate actively its business practices to deliver more relevant and secure solutions to meet customers’ needs. All of the specialized knowledge, personal service and trusted relationships Universal Underwriters’ customers and associations have grown to expect will be combined with the global capabilities, financial strength and security of ZNAC, the Zurich written release stated.

“We are fully committed to developing the Zurich brand in the automotive and dealer categories,” said Tom Bradley, president of Universal Underwriters Group “and look forward to continue providing Universal Underwriters’ customers and associations with great value, products and services.”

Bob Tschippert, CPCU and senior vice president of Universal’s automotive specialty markets, said, “Customers believe in Universal Underwriters not because of a name, but because of strong relationships and promises kept. The move to the Zurich brand will enhance those relationships by giving customers access to a greater depth of capabilities and resources.”

Starting January 2, customers will begin seeing Universal Underwriters branded as Zurich in collateral, advertisements and day-to-day contacts.

“In addition to our market expertise,” said Tschippert, “we now have the full power of the Zurich brand behind us. Automotive aftermarket businesses will not see significant changes in the way we handle business.”

Dennis Kane, CPCU and senior vice president of Universal’s dealer markets, added, “We received tremendous support from our Customer Council when we presented plans to adopt the Zurich name during our biannual meeting in Sept. 2006. The auto dealers that sell our finance and insurance products advised us they see greater potential for brand awareness and recognition with their retail customers by utilizing the global Zurich brand.”

Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe, as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets.

Universal Underwriters Group identifies itself as the nation’s oldest and largest insurer of automobile dealerships.

Source: Zurich

Topics Underwriting