In the latest release of our “Being a Strata Professional” interactive video series, we introduce Kara McInnes, the National Claims Service Manager at CHU Underwriting Agencies. Kara brings over 13 years of experience in the insurance industry, embodying CHU’s commitment to leadership and staff development. In this video, she deep dives into the role of a claims consultant in the strata industry.
Kara McInnes joined CHU in 2017 as Claims Team Manager. Her journey at CHU has been marked by a series of significant accomplishments, culminating in her current role as National Claims Service Manager. In 2020, Kara was honoured with the prestigious “Young Gun” Award by Insurance Business, a recognition that sparked her career aspirations and personal growth.
The role of a Claims Consultant is complex and multifaceted, focusing primarily on ensuring that customers receive exceptional service throughout their claim. From lodging and processing the claim right through to finalisation of the claim. Claims Consultants deal with brokers, strata managers and property owners during the claim and are responsible to ensure effective communication throughout the claims lifecycle.
During the claims process, whether it is upon receipt of the claim, through to assessing and initiating the repair work, clients are often facing their most vulnerable times, especially in the case of catastrophe claims. Creating a supportive environment and responding with urgency and understanding is critical.
In the “Being a Claims Consultant” video, Kara offers an in-depth look at the world of strata claims, sharing her insights and experiences. This video is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the critical role of claims consultants in the strata industry and the impact of effective claims management on customer satisfaction.
Join us as Kara McInnes, CHU’s National Claims Service Manager, takes us through the dynamic and impactful world of claims consultancy, highlighting the skills, dedication, and leadership required to excel in this crucial role.
How to Interact:
In this interactive video, simply click on the question that intrigues you, and the video presenter will come to life, providing in-depth answers and valuable perspectives.
Click: On the video, and you will be introduced to a seasoned professional.
Learn: Click on the question that you would like to hear about, and the video presenter will provide a comprehensive answer.
Explore: Delve into related topics and enhance your understanding.
This next video in our interactive video series ‘Being A Strata Professional’ introduces you to Renee Reiri, Head of Underwriting Service Delivery at CHU.
Renee has 15 years of experience in insurance, working in diverse roles including customer service, underwriting, sales, and leadership, which have all culminated into her current leadership role heading up the CHU Underwriting Service Delivery.
In this video, Renee offers insights into the role of an Underwriter especially in the world of strata at CHU. She outlines the main role and responsibility of an Underwriter and explains the Underwriter’s important role of assessing risks and analysing policy history and claims trends to determine the best outcome for both the insurer and the insured.
Renee describes Underwriters as the ultimate problem solvers, finding insurance solutions for all buildings, especially when it comes to complex buildings with defects, claims history or other risks identified.
Renee stresses the importance of listening to customers, understanding their needs, and identifying risks. Building strong customer relationships is key, facilitated by various communication methods. Underwriters help customers understand policies and ensure the right coverage applies for them.
She highlights that ongoing skill development and industry trend awareness as crucial.
Every day, our aim as underwriters is to protect our customers from an unexpected or sudden financial loss, and give them peace of mind, this is what I love about being an Underwriter.
Join us, as Renee Reiri guides us through the complex world of underwriting, uncovering this important role in supporting CHU customers with the best policy outcomes for strata property owners.
How to Interact:
In this interactive video, simply click on the question that intrigues you, and the video presenter will come to life, providing in-depth answers and valuable perspectives.
Click: On the video, and you will be introduced to a seasoned professional.
Learn: Click on the question that you would like to hear about, and the video presenter will provide a comprehensive answer.
Explore: Delve into related topics and enhance your understanding.
The second video in our interactive video series ‘Being A Strata Manager’ introduces you to Emily Doherty, CEO of Bright & Duggan Property Group.
As a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of SCA (NSW), Emily has been a proactive member of the strata industry for 17 years.
In 2019 Emily was appointed to the Board of Directors and became the Chair of the Professional Strata Managers Committee. She is also an active member of the professional Standards Scheme taskforce, the Professional Conduct and Oversight Committee, and the NSW Risk and Finance Committee.
Emily joined the Bright & Duggan Property Group in September 2022 as CEO after spending 16 years at Smarter Communities across a variety of senior leadership roles.
Emily has an exceptional reputation within the strata industry which makes her well-equipped to share her experiences and knowledge of ‘Being a Strata Manager’ as part of CHU’s interactive video series ‘Being A Strata Professional’.
In this video, Emily explains what it means to be a Strata Manager, from the day to day responsibilities including managing maintenance and communication with owners, to aiding with insurance decisions and claims when a serious event occurs.
“It’s about establishing a community and supporting that entire community by making sure that all parts of that community run successfully, understand their roles and work really hard to achieve a common goal”
Emily Doherty on Strata Management.
When it comes to strata insurance, Emily adds ‘A good strata manager manages buildings and people. We are the connective tissue between the occupant and the insurance company, not only in catastrophic events like an earthquake or a fire, but every day as well dealing with repairs and communicating with owners’.
How to Interact:
In this interactive video, simply click on the question that intrigues you, and the video presenter will come to life, providing in-depth answers and valuable perspectives.
Click: On the video, and you will be introduced to a seasoned professional.
Learn: Click on the question that you would like to hear about, and the video presenter will provide a comprehensive answer.
Explore: Delve into related topics and enhance your understanding.
The next instalment of our interactive video series features Sarah Driscoll, Loss Adjuster at CHU Assess. Sarah has been a Loss Adjuster for nearly three years and brings over a decade of experience in the strata insurance industry, having worked across both Claims and Underwriting since 2015.
In her current role, Sarah plays a critical part in assessing and managing strata claims, ensuring fair and accurate outcomes for customers and stakeholders.
In this video, Sarah delves into the world of strata claims and what it means to be a Loss Adjuster. As you will discover, she offers practical insights into the role, the challenges involved, and the importance of delivering clarity and confidence during the claims process.
As a key stakeholder in the claims journey, Sarah highlights the responsibility of a Loss Adjuster to investigate, assess, and support the resolution of claims efficiently and transparently. This involves working closely with insurers, brokers, and customers to ensure outcomes are fair, timely, and aligned with policy coverage.
In essence, being a Loss Adjuster is about more than just assessing damage – it’s about guiding customers through often complex and stressful situations, providing expertise, reassurance, and trusted support every step of the way.
How to Interact:
In this interactive video, simply click on the question that intrigues you, and the video presenter will come to life, providing in-depth answers and valuable perspectives.
Click: On the video, and you will be introduced to an experienced industry professional.
Learn: Click on the question that you would like to hear about, and the video presenter will provide a comprehensive answer.
Explore: Delve into related topics and enhance your understanding.
The first of our interactive video series features Alistair Gibney, Managing Director, BCB. Alistair’s 40-year insurance career spans large international brokers, insurance companies and specialist brokers.
Since 2007, Alistair’s been driving BCB’s incredible growth story. He has created an enviable reputation for BCB and its business partners as trusted and experienced specialist advisers, acting as advocates for strata and related communities.
In this video, Alistair delves into the world of strata broking and what it means to be a strata broker. As you will discover, Alistair is passionate about insurance, and provides insights into the world of a strata broker.
As a qualified intermediary between insurers and policyholders, Alistair highlights the broker’s responsibility to act in the policyholder’s best interest. This involves navigating the insurance market, providing advice, and ensuring effective coverage and claims outcomes.
In essence, being a strata broker involves more than just securing insurance – it’s about building trust, offering valuable insights, and being a reliable partner in the complex world of strata insurance
How to Interact:
In this interactive video, simply click on the question that intrigues you, and the video presenter will come to life, providing in-depth answers and valuable perspectives.
Click: On the video, and you will be introduced to a seasoned professional.
Learn: Click on the question that you would like to hear about, and the video presenter will provide a comprehensive answer.
Explore: Delve into related topics and enhance your understanding.