International Underwriting Association members will test a newelectronic claims system aimed a speeding up primary and secondaryinsurance claims.

The Electronic Claims File allows companies to access allclaims-related data through a unified process by connecting to acentral repository, IUA said in a press release.

“It will enable the market to provide a more efficient serviceby eliminating the need for brokers to provide claims informationto a number of different underwriters individually,” said an IUAspokesman.

IUA member companies will use the system to improve the overallmanagement of the claims process. A similar electronic claimsinitiative is also underway in the Lloyd's market.

Stephen Riley, chairman of IUA's Electronic Claims FileImplementation Group, said the effort is a key part of the LondonMarket's overall reform program.

“With a number of IUA companies also operating within theLloyd's market, and with senior claims managers havingresponsibility for claims arising in both markets, a singleelectronic platform is clearly increasingly desirable,” hesaid.

A test scheme involving IUA companies is due to begin in 2006using the repository developed by Xchanging, the market's backoffice service provider. It will last for a three-month period witheach company operating two licenses to access the centralrepository.