Celebrating Rural Protect’s 10th Anniversary

In 2014, a vision was born to provide tailored insurance solutions for rural communities and businesses. Ten years later, Rural Protect stands as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and commitment to serve those who form the backbone of our countryside. As we mark this anniversary milestone, we reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to an exciting future.

The Beginning: Meeting a Unique Need

Rural Protect was founded to address a gap in the insurance market. Rural businesses, from family farms to independent equestrian centres, often faced challenges in securing cover that truly understood their needs. Recognising the vital role these enterprises play in the economy and culture of the UK, we set out to create a policy as unique as the people and businesses we serve.

In 2014, independent insurance broker, McClarrons, established HB Underwriting Agency Ltd as a separate associated company to serve as a Managing General Agent (MGA) to offer Rural Protect via specialist rural brokers throughout the country; the creation and development of Rural Protect earned us the Broker Innovation of the Year Award in 2016. To further enhance HB Underwriting’s operations, product offerings, sales distribution strategy, and relationships with insurers, Kyle Lomas joined as Managing Director in 2019 and has recently helped HB Underwriting bring their Employer Protect product to market.

Milestones Along the Way

Over the past decade, Rural Protect has achieved several significant milestones:

1. Expanding Services: Through Rural Protect, policyholders gain access to specialist law firm, rradar, and their expert legal advice and resources that are tailored to the unique challenges faced by rural businesses. rradar’s innovative digital platform offers tools and guidance to help businesses manage their risks effectively, resolve disputes, and stay compliant with regulatory requirements. This synergy ensures that Rural Protect not only provides financial security but also empowers clients with the knowledge and resources to navigate complex legal landscapes confidently, reducing their risks and supporting the running of their businesses.
2. Building Trust: Through transparent policies and a personalised approach, we’ve earned the trust of thousands of clients. In response to broker feedback, we developed Rural Protect Elements to better serve smaller rural businesses and smallholders. This simplified policy is designed for those who do not require the extensive cover offered by Rural Protect but who could benefit from some of the core elements of cover. The premium structure reflects its streamlined approach, providing robust support tailored to the needs of smaller businesses, while helping to prevent them from paying for cover they do not need or want.
3. Innovating in Insurance: By leveraging technology, we’ve made it easier than ever for our broker partners to access and manage their rural clients’ policies, ensuring more efficient and easier administering of policies so that they can spend more time assisting customers. To complement the offline service, we felt it was only right that they experience the same level of service online, and so launched our Quote & Buy Platform in 2022.
4. Supporting with Cost: As we always review our cover and pricing, last year, we announced exciting updates to Rural Protect which involved reduced premiums and enhanced cover. These changes bring a competitive edge, offering exceptional value for rural businesses. With its attractive pricing and comprehensive cover, Rural Protect is an ideal recommendation for rural business customers.
5. Expanding Visibility: After being approached by the BBC about getting involved with their Scam Safe Week campaign last year, and following on from the appearance of Kyle Lomas, Managing Director of HB Underwriting, on the BBC’s Countryfile episode in November, we continue to raise awareness about fraud within the farming industry and the steps business owners can take to protect themselves from such losses. On the episode, you’ll see Kyle discussing all things fraud with the BBC team, as well as how insurance products like Rural Protect can be invaluable to farming businesses should they fall victim to scammers.
6. Celebrating Together: Just before Christmas last year, we took the opportunity to celebrate with those who have made this journey possible. We were proud to have shared that several of our broker partners took the time to create testimonial videos of their experiences with Rural Protect, highlighting the compelling reasons why they strongly recommend the product.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Rural Protect

As we look to the next decade, Rural Protect remains committed to adapting to the ever-changing needs of rural communities. Climate change, technological advancements, and evolving business models present both challenges and opportunities. Here are some of our priorities moving forward:

1. Sustainability: Developing insurance solutions that encourage and reward sustainable practices in agriculture and rural businesses.
2. Digital Transformation: Enhancing our digital platforms to provide even more seamless service while maintaining the human touch.
3. Broader Reach: Expanding our presence across the UK, ensuring that more rural communities can benefit from our expertise.
4. Advocacy and Support: Continuing to be a voice for rural enterprises, advocating for policies that protect and promote their interests.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would have been possible without the trust of our broker partners and their clients, the dedication of our team, and the support of our Rural Protect partners, rradar and AXA Insurance UK plc. To every rural insurance broker, farmer, business owner, and rural resident who has chosen Rural Protect over the past ten years: thank you.

Here’s to the next ten years of protecting, empowering, celebrating, and building stronger and more resilient rural communities together and using insurance and risk management in a way that underpins this at its core.