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Highlights

  • WTW launches Zest Insurance, targeting digital transformation in Australia's SME insurance market.
  • The company enables SMEs to manage insurance online with tailored industry-specific coverage through Zest Insurance
  • Zest Insurance debuts with coverage for administration and support services, underwritten by Chubb.

WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), is a global advisory, broking, and solutions firm that operates across the areas of people, risk, and capital. The company serves clients in over 140 countries and markets, providing data-driven strategies to help organizations improve decision-making and manage risk. WTW combines global insights with local expertise to deliver customized solutions in insurance, human resources, and corporate governance.

The company through its business unit Willis, has introduced Zest Insurance, a digital insurance platform developed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia. The platform is aimed at simplifying the insurance process for SMEs by offering a fully online experience supported by broker assistance.

Zest Insurance allows users to obtain quotes, purchase policies, manage documents, and handle renewals entirely online. The platform is initially available to businesses in the administration and support services industry including bookkeepers, payroll providers, marketing consultants, and similar sectors with plans to expand into other industries over time.

The launch comes in response to a market that has historically been underserved by digital insurance solutions. Although the Australian SME insurance market is valued at over AUD 9 billion in gross written premiums, it has lagged other regions in digital adoption. Zest Insurance aims to fill that gap by combining a digital-first platform with broker support when needed.

The product has been designed to align with how modern SMEs operate favoring convenience, transparency, and quick access to services. Businesses will benefit from industry-specific policy options, with Zest assigning one dedicated insurer per sector. For its initial launch, Zest Insurance policies will be underwritten exclusively by Chubb, a global insurer with experience in commercial coverage.

James Baum, Head of Pacific at WTW, noted that nearly 97% of Australian businesses have 20 or fewer employees. He highlighted that this segment represents a significant portion of the economy yet often faces outdated or manual processes when accessing insurance.

Brent Lehmann, Head of Commercial & Affinity for the Pacific region at Willis, added that while SMEs form the core of the national economy, many continue to experience complexity in obtaining business insurance. He stated that Zest Insurance was created in response to this challenge, providing both digital access and tailored product offerings through a streamlined platform.

Zest Insurance has been designed to provide a fully digital insurance experience, enabling users to obtain quotes, purchase policies, manage renewals, and handle policy administration entirely online. The platform offers industry-specific coverage, assigning one dedicated insurer to each sector to ensure that businesses receive protection tailored to their operational needs. Its user-friendly interface is built to streamline the process, minimizing administrative burden for business owners. In addition, Zest includes access to broker support on demand, allowing users to seek expert guidance whenever needed throughout the insurance process.

The introduction of Zest Insurance adds to WTW’s suite of digital offerings and reflects a broader effort to modernize how businesses engage with insurance services. Through Zest, WTW seeks to address long-standing gaps in accessibility and process efficiency for Australia’s SME sector.

The company plans to monitor the platform’s early adoption and expand coverage options based on market response and industry feedback.