The Arag Group has partnered with HDI Global Specialty to set-up Arag Services Australia – a managing general agent In Sydney for legal expense insurance products.

Antoinette von Wendt has been appointed chief executive of Arag Services Australia. Von Wendt joined Arag in 2015 and has been working in Arag’s corporate development department.

Dr. Paul-Otto Faßbender, chief executive and majority shareholder of the Arag Group, commented: “We’re continuously strengthening our international business activities through new strategic opportunities for the Arag Group as our international legal insurance business accounts for 60% of our total legal insurance revenue.”

“The Australian legal expense insurance market offers interesting growth opportunities and we are eager to get started on the fifth continent, which is now the 18th country Arag is active.”

Arag Services Australia has been appointed by the insurer HDI Global Specialty – Australia to act under a delegated authority agreement allowing it to enter into policies and handle claims for legal expense insurance on the insurer’s behalf.

The Australian Arag subsidiary offers legal expense insurance targeting brokers and other intermediaries. The range of products comprises both commercial and private legal expense insurance for families.

Mark Fleiser, general manager and head of branch for HDI Global Specialty – Australia said: “We recognise the significant value in providing customers with insurance cover during times when they face unanticipated legal expenses.”