Hillewaere Verzekeringen is one of the largest independent insurance offices in the Kempen region. They are market leader in Belgium in insuring exclusive cars and vintage cars. 'Everyone lives differently and lives differently. Every insurance file is unique, so why should you settle for a standard product? Through our own proxy company, we develop our own insurance products, adapted to the specific needs of our customers. That makes us unique in Belgium,' says general manager Leen Verheyen, who has been working in her profession with passion and drive for 23 years.
There are many insurance brokers in Belgium. What makes Hillewaere different?
"In addition to private and professional insurance, we are market leader in the premium segment. Customers can contact us to insure exclusive cars, vintage cars, villas, art and jewellery. We are known for our customisation, personal service and absolute discretion. With Hillewaere Premium Insurances we have developed our own insurance product of which we are the proxy holder ourselves. In the Netherlands this is already 'established', but in Belgium we are unique. The advantage is that we write our product ourselves and can refine it. In this way we are constantly evolving in line with the needs of the market."
Hillewaere is a sounding name in the Kempen region. What about the rest of Belgium?
"In addition to a strong anchoring in the Kempen region, we are also active throughout the country. Firstly, because we are a preferred subcontractor for many insurance brokers. A car of 200,000 to 300,000 euros is difficult to insure on the 'normal market'. There are many requirements: alarm, satellite system,... Owners are not always in for that. Our product does not have to, which makes it very attractive. Insurance brokers save a lot of time if they entrust premium dossiers to our expertise. Having a valuable old-timer insured on a flight to America: for many insurance brokers this seems like an impossible task, while we know perfectly how to get it right. No question is too crazy for us! The second reason for our success is the niche market in which we find ourselves. There the rule 'we know us' applies and thanks to satisfied customers many new people come to us."
You are a woman in a typical male world. Do you sometimes have to deal with prejudices of men?
"It is indeed a special world where people often expect a man. Men are usually very proud of their exclusive car or vintage car. They treat him as their child and would sleep next to him, so to speak, to make sure nothing happens to him. They also often ask me if I want to sit in it. I have a lot of respect for those people and their passion. I also notice mutual respect. I have 23 years of experience in the sector. My father had an insurance company so I was born into it a bit. I studied insurance and after my studies I immediately started working at Hillewaere. I went through all levels there, so I know what I'm talking about. Moreover, my husband also works in the automotive sector. I can safely say that I, being a woman, know a lot about cars." (laughs)
Because of the value of the files, you may have a close relationship with many customers?
"As an insurance broker, you are indeed a confidential advisor. I have a fantastic team of 25 employees. But I think it is important to have a lot of personal contact. I am always available, even at weekends. If a storm rages and customers suffer damage to their precious belongings, I can already reassure them that we will do the necessary immediately after the weekend. They will then be at ease. This service ensures that we have a very small turnover with our customers."
It is striking that you speak with a lot of passion about your job. For us there is clearly a passionate woman who comes to the office every day with a smile!
"My job is my hobby, that's right. A lot of people say to me: 'But lend it anyway, it can't be interesting, can it? (laughs). But I think it can be. Every situation is different and that's what makes it so interesting. I think it's important to be enthusiastic and I want to pass on that 'appetite' to my team. I often work at home, but during office hours I'm always at the desk. Every day I do 'my round' among the employees to listen to their questions and help them. We even have special poufs for each island. That contributes to their motivation. I'm also closely involved in the recruitment process, together with someone from HR. During an application, I immediately feel whether someone fits within our company. It doesn't have to be an expert, as long as it's someone who has a lot to learn. Our employees are at the basis of our success and we take good care of them, for example through a super nice teambuilding every year. This year we went on a three-day sailing trip to the Netherlands. Unforgettable!"
What does the future bring for the company?
"At the end of 2017 we moved into a new building, which gives us the opportunity to continue to grow. Because that is our goal, after all. We are selective when it comes to portfolio acquisitions, because our back office must be able to handle them. After all, personal service and customisation remain our priority. The best part of all is autonomous growth thanks to satisfied customers. And ultimately, with Hillewaere, we want to stay who we are: a human insurance broker with the feet on the ground, an absolute expert in the profession."
Photography by: Birger Stichelbaut
