Jade Hazelton-Drake, Broker, Cert II, Sovereign Insurance Services Limited
Sovereign Insurance Services were very pleased to welcome Jade to their Gibraltar office in 2023 as a Broker. Jade has over 5 years of experience in the Insurance industry and her Chartered Insurance Institute Certificate. Jade specialises in Corporate Liabilities Insurance. She has had previous experience as an underwriter for motor insurance, where she played a key role in drafting policy wordings. Her diverse background, from underwriting to brokering, equips her with a holistic view of the insurance process, enabling her to offer valuable insights to both clients and colleagues. Jade is also working towards achieving her Diploma in Insurance (DipCII), which she plans to complete by the end of 2025, further enhancing her professional credentials and expertise in the field.
- What inspired you to join the team at SIS, and what excites you most about working with clients?
Coming from an underwriting background in motor insurance, to becoming part of the SIS team as a liabilities broker was definitely a new and exciting challenge that really fueled my desire to grow within the industry. I wanted to expand my knowledge and presence in the insurance industry, and I knew joining SIS would help me achieve that. What truly excites me, though, is the opportunity to connect with clients on a deeper level. I’m naturally outgoing, so I love getting to know people—not just on a professional front, but also personally. It allows me to build more meaningful relationships, which I believe is key to delivering tailored and effective solutions.
- How do you build and maintain strong relationships with your clients?
I will always do a mid-term check-in with the client, this allows me to confirm with the client if they are still happy with the coverage they have in place, along with keeping them up to date with the current market trends, which gives them a rough indication as to what they could expect at renewal. It’s important to be as transparent as possible with the client and always keeping their best interest at heart. I find it is always nice for the client to invite them out for coffee/lunch as this allows them to have some time away from the office.
- What advice would you give to someone looking to better understand their insurance needs and options?
The most important factor I always like to consider is if the client understands the basic principles of the insurance coverage they are looking for. A lot of the time clients may request insurance because it’s something they know they need but they don’t actually know why they need it! I also like to remind clients that is what we are here for at SIS, our roles as brokers are to assist with the clients with their insurance needs and options and clearly lay it out for them so that they understand; it takes that additional stress away from them. Clients usually know the basics of what they need, but I like to make sure they understand the ‘why’.
- What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working with clients in the insurance industry, and what are some common misconceptions?
I’d say one of the best parts of the role is building long-term relationships with clients. It’s rewarding to be seen as a trusted advisor, the clients can turn to when they need help understanding insurance terms or making decisions about their coverage. Additionally, I’ve also advised a client that the most important part of an insurance policy is a claim, as this really shows the client the service that they receive from both the underwriter and the broker. I find this is when my clients truly see the value of the service I provide, especially for ensuring the correct cover was in place.
I would definitely say currently the most common misconception is regarding cyber insurance, especially here in Gibraltar. This insurance sector is fairly new and a lot of clients don’t really understand the repercussions of not having this insurance in place. In today’s digital age, nearly all information is stored electronically, with hard copies becoming increasingly rare. When discussing the importance of cyber insurance, I find it effective to use claim examples relating to their industry. This approach helps them understand the potential impact of cyber threats on their operations and the significant costs that can be involved in addressing such incidents. There is a clear need for further education in this area so that clients can better appreciate the critical importance of having adequate cyber insurance coverage and I’m excited to share my knowledge with my clients regarding this.
- What piece of advice you would give to your younger self starting in this industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! We all started somewhere. I’m lucky to work in a tight-knit team where the majority of us have had been in the insurance industry for a number of years. It’s important to make sure you establish a good working environment, where your team is willing to help and assist you with any questions you may have.
