Gore Mutual has announced it is becoming the first insurer in Canada to require its restoration contractors to obtain an EcoClaim certification.
Through the EcoClaim certification program, restoration contractors will be trained to focus on repairing rather than replacing materials. EcoClaim provides training, software, and carbon exchange solutions to the insurance and construction industries.
The partnership with EcoClaim aims to achieve “quicker claims settlements, more affordable settlements, and reduced environmental impact,” according to Gore Mutual chief operating officer Paul Jackson. The insurer said it expects to save more than a million pounds of waste annually.
“Water has replaced fire as Gore Mutual’s, and other insurers’, mostly costly peril,” said Jackson. “By ensuring our contractors and staff are trained in waste diversion and structural drying processes to avoid demolition, as well as other techniques, we can drastically reduce the environmental impact of our claims.”
“Not only is it faster, but it’s also less expensive to dry, save and repair damaged property than it is to replace it,” said Vance Somerton, director, claims operations, property at Gore Mutual. “So, if a customer’s policy has a coverage limit, any additional cost to them will be much less.”
EcoClaim director Lance Pizzariello said the certification process helps insurance companies, independent adjusters, and restoration companies increase sustainability while also limiting the environmental impact of their claims process.
“By implementing eco-friendly practices and embracing measurable sustainability standards, we can collectively make a significant difference in reducing our industry's ecological footprint,” said Pizzariello.
Gore Mutual is also extending EcoClaim’s training to all its property adjusters to improve cooperation with restoration vendor partners and ensure a smoother claims process.
“Gore Mutual understands the importance of purpose and the need to embed it across all elements of our operations,” said Gaby Polanco Sorto, the insurer’s VP & head of purpose and sustainability.
“Our partnership with EcoClaim is a first step in achieving this goal and signifies our unwavering commitment to do business the right way: integrating purpose into everything we do, working with like-minded partners across our value chain, while at the same time, ensuring excellent support and service to our policyholders.”
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