Cattolica Insurance has entered into an agreement with Assofranchising, the Association that protects the economic interests of the associated franchise networks, in order to offer its member companies and their affiliates tailor-made insurance products. Cattolica will act as Main Partner. The project was born after the latest data published by Istat in April 2021 which estimate an increase in bothconfidence index consumers (from 100,9 to 102,3) and the business confidence index (from 94,2 to 97,3). In particular, in manufacturing industry the index rose from 101,9 to 105,4 and in construction from 147,9 to 148,5. In market services the index increased from 85,4 to 87,1 and in retail trade from 91,2 to 95,8. In the wake of these numbers, Cattolica and Assofranchising have decided to offer products dedicated to companies affiliated to the association also from an insurance point of view, considering that, to date, the spread of insurance policies among companies Italian companies is limited and differentiated by size class. It exceeds 50% only for the main risks (fire, theft and third party liability) while it remains very low for specific coverage such as product third party liability, environmental or business interruption and, in general, for small businesses with fewer than 9 employees.
“We are witnessing one revolution in the world of work, with the entry of new emerging risks such as those related to pandemics, which entered third place in the Top Ten in Italy with a percentage of 28%, after business interruption with 45% and IT risks, in first place with 54%.” - explains Carlalberto Crippa, Business Development & Marketing director of the Cattolica Assicurazioni group –. “It's also interesting to note that while there are sector-specific risks, 'business interruption' ranks number one in the Top 5 for all sectors, from agriculture to transportation. This makes us understand that more and more we will have to go in the direction of dedicated solutions for those who decide to start their own business, helping to identify those that best suit their needs. This is why we have chosen to support Assofranchising in this new challenge that focuses on the people who choose this new professional adventure".
“This year Assofranchising is developing a series of strategic interventions to better support franchisors and franchisees in the post-pandemic scenario. Without a doubt, insurance products play a key role in recovery and development and we are really happy to have Cattolica Assicurazioni with us, together with whom we aim to support entrepreneurs with structured offers aimed at individual needs and specific business needs.” – states Alberto Cogliati, General Secretary of Assofranchising.
In this context it was born active business, a policy that encompasses the protection needs for commercial, manufacturing and service companies, such as, for example, ensuring the protection of business premises, goods and equipment from the main property risks both for direct damage and for interruption of operation, including protection from liability arising from business activity towards employees and customers. There is also protection against IT risk (Cyber Risk) for i damage than a cyber attack could cause in terms of economic losses and costs to restart the business and for damages caused to third parties. Finally, products have been studied for the protection of the company in the event of the loss of its key man, for the investment of excess liquidity, to set aside and manage what will have to be paid to its directors and employees once the relationship is concluded (TFR and TFM) and for retirement.
“What we want to make clear is that it is better to prevent the risk in order to better manage it. It's easier to restart after a cyber attack if you already have the right insurance coverage,” says Crippa. "We act in a synergistic perspective" - observes Cogliati - "to allow those who choose, or have already chosen the self-employment formula, to have all the useful tools available to become an entrepreneur".
