NM Insurance is commemorating 20 years in operation this month, reflecting on its evolution from a niche boat insurance brand into a multi-brand specialist underwriting agency operating across Australia and New Zealand.
Launched in April 2005, the agency began by offering insurance for recreational vessels in Australia.
Today, it operates under nine specialist brands that provide coverage across the marine, motorcycle, caravan, and cargo sectors. Among its portfolio are Nautilus Marine Insurance, Australian Caravan Insurance, National Motorcycle Insurance, and Proteus Marine Insurance.
Over the past two decades, NM Insurance has grown to employ more than 100 staff across five offices, including recently opened branches in Victoria and Western Australia, alongside existing offices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland.
Chief executive officer Lyndon Turner said the anniversary marks an opportunity to take stock of the company’s progress and the durability of its original approach.
“Our 20th anniversary is an important milestone for NM Insurance and an opportunity to reflect on how we’ve grown as a business as we look ahead and plan for the next 20 years and beyond,” he said. “In 2005, we started with a strategy to offer premium coverage and service at competitive rates. That offer has not changed as NM Insurance has grown and diversified over the last two decades, and we’re proud to have been on the journey with our customers and partners throughout this time.”
The company credits much of its development to its partnerships with insurance brokers, dealer networks, and other distribution channels.
Glen Schembri, head of client and market development, noted the importance of these long-standing relationships.
“Our success over the past 20 years has been built on the trust and support of our distribution partners – insurance brokers, networks, and industry partners. Their commitment has shaped our journey, and as we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to strengthening these partnerships and forging new ones across Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
Business development manager Trish Flaherty – who covers South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory – has been part of NM Insurance for 18 years. Based in Adelaide, she said the company has seen significant changes in the industry and within its own operations, but its core values remain steady.
“Many things have changed over the last two decades, as we’ve grown and expanded into all aspects of the marine market, motorcycles, caravans and cargo. What hasn’t changed is our positive culture, commitment to our customers and partners, the quality of our coverage, and our personal approach to service and claims,” she said.
The company has handled more than $500 million in claims and works with a network of over 1,000 claims service providers across Australia and New Zealand.
In 2021, NM Insurance rebranded with a new corporate website and the tagline “on the journey together.” The rebranding aimed to reinforce its focus on customer service and partner support.
Turner said the company is preparing for the future with the same focus that shaped its foundation.
“In celebrating our 20th year, I would especially like to thank the team, our partners, and our clients for their continued support. It’s a privilege to lead such a brilliant team and work with some fantastic customers and partners,” he said. “There’s been so much change over the last 20 years, from market movements to natural disasters, but we’ve been able to respond to these changes and keep growing. Most importantly, when something goes wrong, we’re there for our customers when it really counts and strive to provide the highest levels of claims service and support.”
