CGU Insurance has partnered up with online accounting software provider Xero, offering workers compensation insurance products to SME clients– and has plans to offer commercial insurance products via brokers.

The workers compensation offering is currently being trialled with Xero and is a direct offering by which Xero customers can purchase the product via Xero’s online platform. The customer submits a request online and is then contacted by the CGU workers compensation team.

CGU will also release a suite of commercial insurance products such as the business pack via brokers and advisers to Xero customers in due course.

The partnership follows the decision by CGU to heavily invest in technology capability in order to become more customer-centric.

CGU General Manager Broker and Agency Ben Bessell welcomed the opportunity to partner with Xero: “Insurance can be complex, particularly for those starting a business for the first time. Taking out the right insurance cover is an important consideration for business owners but is sometimes overlooked by the need to save time and money.”

Xero managing director Chris Ridd added that partnership is a great example of an affinity relationship that will simplify business needs for its customers.