PII claims go on-line

Indemnity insurance underwriters have taken the fight for solicitors' business on-line, with the largest two underwriters unveiling jazzed-up Web sites.Zurich Professional has added on-line notification to its existing Web site.

The tool - which Zurich said is the first offered by an underwriter in the sector - enables lawyers to report claims quickly.

The company said notifications will be acted on swiftly, with case histories kept in secure files, easily accessible by the solicitor.Zurich claims manager Sarah Venus said: 'Access to this tool ensures that customers can report claims and circumstances at any time while cutting back on the paperwork.'Zurich's Web site already provides a secure service, offering solicitors' quotes for indemnity insurance.Meanwhile, St Paul has launched a Web site this month.

It features a 'five-minute risk audit', which gives solicitors a score and commentary of their exposure to risk in specific claims, after they have completed a confidential questionnaire on-line.Other facilities include claim forms and guidance notes, proposal forms, pre-action protocols, and the Solicitors' Indemnity Rules 2001.LINKS: www.zurichprofessional.co.ukwww.stpaul.co.uk/solicitorsJeremy Fleming