Ishlav Insurance Agency: 50 Years of Security

Ishlav, an established, trusted and leading insurance agency in the field of maritime, air, and land cargo insurance, merges its extensive professional knowledge with innovative thinking, taking into account the changes in the insurance industry and cargo handling. "We are a family-owned company that has grown significantly over the years and accumulated vital experience. We preserve the unique character of our company while implementing innovations in the field and thinking outside the box," says Erez Zohar, CEO of Ishlav.

Established nearly 50 years ago, Ishlav is the prominent cargo insurance agency in Israel. Over the years, it has gained professional knowledge and many loyal customers, expanding while maintaining its family-like atmosphere and delivering personal, high-quality, and professional service to its clients. "Our insurance agency, specializing in insuring unique cargoes by sea, air, and land, was founded almost fifty years ago by my father, Avi Zohar. He had many years of experience in the insurance field and managed the maritime department of HaSneh Insurance Company before founding Ishlav," Zohar continues. "The agency was established in partnership with the Phoenix Insurance Company, which was a loyal partner for many years. Today, the company is owned by my father and me, alongside a few other close partners."

Ishlav, a key player in the cargo insurance sector in Israel, collaborates with major insurance companies, enjoys close relationships built on trust, and holds underwriting authority. "The market for air and maritime cargo insurance is limited in terms of the number of insurers and professionals. The ability to acquire experience and expertise in this field is restricted due to its small and niche nature. Therefore, we specialize solely in this field, serving as a prominent professional entity, not only as agents but also as advisors to our clients, various companies operating in international markets. We support and identify the client's needs as part of assisting insurance consultants and act as an operational arm parallel to the insurance company for primary insurance agents and transportation and logistics companies who use our services," explains Zohar. "Unlike many insurance agencies, we have the authority from insurance companies to provide various solutions and services. With the insurer's approval, we determine policy terms, pricing, coverage, and payment terms. An essential part of our service to our clients is managing the insurance claims process. Maritime departments in insurance companies are small, so we take care of these aspects for them."

"Freight Transportation in the World Is Complex"

Most of Ishlav's clients are commercial entities, including international companies, exporters and importers, high-tech companies, raw material importers, pharmaceutical companies, food companies, heavy industries, and security industries. The insurance agency also works on a variety of local and international projects. "Freight transportation in the world is complex, involving maritime or air transport, as well as land transportation from ports or airports to the customer. We insure the entire process, from the cargo leaving the supplier to reaching the customer. As part of this, we also insure warehouses, distribution processes around the world, and numerous exhibitions," Zohar explains. "Most cargo insurance policies worldwide are similar and based on the Chartered Insurance Institute clauses located in London. These clauses are standardized and international to suit the nature of international trade."

Over the years, and due to their unique and professional knowledge and experience, Ishlav has become a repository of information and a consulting entity in all areas of maritime, air, and land cargo insurance. "Thanks to being the leading player in the field of cargo insurance in Israel, which insures a significant portion of the market, we have gained extensive experience and professional knowledge that other companies in the field do not have," Zohar points out. "Insurance companies need us as a reliable partner who provides them with many clients and saves them unnecessary adventures through proper underwriting. Our claims department handles thousands of insurance claims every year and knows how to manage, assess, and mitigate risks and advise about potential dangers and damages. We have the ability to give alerts about transportation routes, destinations, difficult loading and unloading sites, problematic cargoes, and warn about transportation patterns and the transport of cargoes exposed to significant risks."

One Ishlav’s distinct advantages is their thorough and comprehensive approach to their clients' insurance claims process. The process is carried out within the insurance agency, in their skilled and professional claims department, which benefits from long-standing relationships with major insurance companies. "Claims and how they are managed are the main lever for businesses. We know how to harness our extensive experience, strength, and influence to ensure our clients receive the best possible results in terms of claim payments," Zohar emphasizes.

Family Character Alongside Growth

Parallel to the company's growth, its family character has been preserved, and management has passed to the second generation of the Zohar family. Collaborations with long-time friends continue, and new partnerships have also been formed. "After completing my degree in economics in London and working for several brokers operating with Lloyd's, I returned to Israel in 1997 and started working at Ishlav. The company's activity has since grown by hundreds of percent in terms of the number of clients and premium volumes, but we have maintained its character," Zohar explains. "Already at the start of the company, my father partnered with Yoram Shochat, who initiated cargo insurance activities with him, and today his son Guy is continuing the partnership with me. Additionally, about a decade ago, Alon Dotan, an old friend of mine who served as the CEO of several well-known international companies, also joined me, and we are strategically developing the business together."

Ishlav combines years of professional knowledge and experience with personal and professional service for its clients, some of whom have been with the company for many years. "The special, personal, and friendly relationship with the clients, the family atmosphere within the company, our professional team, and our partners make us unique and allow us to gain the trust of many businesses and provide them with great commitment and excellent service. Our knowledge, experience, and expertise in the cargo insurance market are unparalleled in Israel today, and insurance companies know that collaborating with us is harmonious and assures confidentiality, loyalty, and commitment to our partners at various levels," Zohar concludes.

Ishlav Marine and Air Insurance Agency
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Phone: 03-6882211
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