Customers of life assurance brokers should receive quicker service thanks to technology and increased competition between life companies. For example, Hibernian Life, part of the CGU Group, has developed an online system for brokers called BOSS (broker office support system). The product competes head-tohead with the existing Assurelink system, says the life company.

E-business solution BOSS provides brokers with real-time online access to customer fund values, cover levels, premium details and policy inception dates online. "Brokers can provide instant information to customers without the traditional delays associated with lengthy phone or postal enquiries." says Hibernian Life general manager Mr Vincent Nolan.