Paladin Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd came into existence in July 1999, with the aim of providing a niche commercial motor market for insurance brokers and their clients. Paladin is a South African company based in Cape Town, underwriting motor business throughout all of Southern Africa. Paladin became a member of SAUMA (South African Underwriting Managers Association) in 2003.

Paladin's motor business is underwritten by Centriq Insurance Co Ltd. (who are now owned 100% by Santam), with re-insurance support from Africa Re, Flagstone and Scor. The shareholding in the company changed as of 1st July 2010, when our French partner (Luc Brossier) sold his 40% of the company to Centriq Insurance Co Ltd. The Other three shareholders (who hold 20% each), are the individuals who founded the company, namely Carl Hunt, James Pickering and Peter Donald.

The vast majority of Paladin's business is commercial fleet motor business and the variety within the book gives them a diversity and cross-pollination of business that is unique in the market place. From haulage to small delivery vehicles, from bakkie and car hire to car allowance schemes for corporates, Paladin can provide a policy that is exactly what the particular client requires. Because all the Underwriting is done in-house and all policies are individually designed, rated and signed off, there is an enormous amount of flexibility that can be focused on each risk as it is presented.

Close analysis of the risk beforehand, coupled with detailed examination of what both parties expect out of the policy, combine to produce a situation where claims can be efficiently submitted and promptly settled. Whether it is flat comprehensive cover, self-funded cover involving Aggregate Excesses, or Burning cost options, Paladin can provide what best suits the client.

A linked sector of our product range is small commercial Multimark business, and we acquired this when we purchased Admiral's book of that type of business in June 2007, prior to their merging with SHA. While not suitable for large industrial risks because of our treaty limits, it is an extremely useful facility for anyone looking for an efficient and secure home for the small to medium concern.

Paladin is looked after by a staff compliment of 30 people, split between our two offices located in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Paladin has been extremely fortunate in acquiring and keeping an above average level of expertise within its staff and it is without doubt this expertise that will keep us ahead of our rivals in both the motor and the non-motor field.

For further statutory information, please see a copy of our Disclosure Notice and Conflict of Interest Policy, which can be found under Downloads.