Accreditation of Market Participants

Accreditation is a voluntary confirmation that a market participant has adopted the service standards developed by the association with consumers' interests in mind, and follows them in practice. It helps clients see that a company, broker, agent or specialist deals openly with clients and is ready to resolve disputes.

Why accreditation matters

• to show consumers that a market participant follows clear service standards;
• to spread high principles of client service across the market;
• to reduce conflict between market participants and clients;
• to raise the level of insurance culture.

Who can be accredited

Insurance companies, insurance brokers and agents, specialists and service organisations working in insurance. Membership of the association is not required for accreditation and gives no advantage when an application is considered.

The criteria in plain words

Transparent terms

Before signing a contract, a client can obtain and understand the essential terms: what is covered, which exclusions apply, the deductible and what to do in the event of a claim. The information is not misleading.

Complaint handling

The participant has a clear procedure for receiving and handling complaints, clients receive answers on the substance, and the participant seeks to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation.

Compliance with consumer standards

The participant complies with the association's Code of Ethics and the principles of business ethics, does not push unnecessary services and treats clients with respect.

Service improvement

The participant keeps working on the quality of its service and takes client feedback into account.

How accreditation works

1. The participant submits an application with the documents required by the Accreditation Regulations.
2. The Accreditation Committee checks the information and analyses market practice and summarised consumer reviews.
3. The committee takes a decision and sets the scope and term of the accreditation.
4. The details are entered in the open register of accreditations.

What accreditation is not

• It is not a state licence. Only the competent state authority grants the right to carry out insurance activities. Accreditation by the association is public recognition, not a permit.
• It is not a guarantee of payment. The decision on an insurance payout under a particular contract is made by the insurer in accordance with the contract and the law. Accreditation does not guarantee the outcome of every case.
• It is not advertising. Accreditation cannot be bought, and it does not affect reviews of the participant or consumer scores.

Suspension and termination

Accreditation is valid for a set term. The committee may suspend or terminate it if the participant no longer meets the criteria, systematically violates consumer rights, has provided false information or has lost the right to operate. A participant may also give up its accreditation voluntarily. The grounds and the date of termination are recorded in the register.

Register of accreditations

You can check an accreditation in the register of accreditations on the website by the participant's name or the document number. The entry shows the scope of accreditation, the dates of validity, the current status and the history. Once an accreditation has expired, it is no longer shown as valid.

The full procedure is set out in the association's Accreditation Regulations and Code of Ethics. To apply, contact the association through the feedback form on the website.