A discretionary mutual model
As a mutual, we aim to offer a strong, stable and trusted alternative to insurance products and services.
A mutual is owned by and run for the benefit of its Members rather than to make profits for shareholders and so is, by its nature, entirely customer focused. The Retail Mutual’s Members can attend the Annual General Meetings and vote on important issues including who is elected to the Board.
We are a ‘discretionary’ mutual, not an insurance company. Our Members pay contributions (rather than insurance premiums) and we use the contributions to pay claims and business costs. To provide added peace of mind, the Mutual also has its own insurance to cover larger claims and an unexpected number of lower value claims. This ensures that the Members’ funds are protected.
Our Approach To Claims Handling
The Mutual has an approach to claims that focuses on what the Membership would consider a fair result , rather than trying to minimise claims payments to maximise profits for shareholders. The Mutual also operates an Appeals process so that if a Member is not happy with the outcome of their claim, they can have the Mutual’s decision reviewed by a Committee of the Board. The Claims Committee’s Membership consists of Directors with current and extensive experience of being a retailer to ensure the circumstances are considered with the utmost empathy and understanding – a very different approach to a shareholder-owned insurance company.
The Retail Mutual is managed by Regis Mutual Management Ltd (Regis). Regis manages a broad range of mutual and risk-retention companies and has an experienced management team supported by high-quality staff across all disciplines.
