History or AlfaStrahovanie Group

1992. Public corporation “Eastern European Insurance Agency” (“V.E.St.A.”) was created as early as 1992, with RSTB, Russian National Commercial Bank, Vostok-Zapad Investment Bank, Avaizapchst PC, ASALMAZ and a few largest exporters and importers from ATEKS Holding among its constitutors.

September 8, 1992. “V.E.St.A.” is awarded license No. 418 of the Ministry of Finance of Russian Federation for insurance activity.

At first the company caters only for its original constitutors as export-import cargo, automotive and property insurer. In the same year “V.E.St.A.” opens its first subsidiary in Chelyabinsk.

At first the company caters only for its original constitutors as export-import cargo, automotive and property insurer. In the same year “V.E.St.A.” opens its first subsidiary in Chelyabinsk.

In 1993, the company is quickly gaining new clients and broadens the scope of its services. It makes a car insurance contract with Promstroibank and Moskovskaya Pravda publishing house, provides property insurance to REUTER’S agency, and becomes the first among Russia’s insurers to develop a mobile phone insurance program in partnership with “Moskovskaya Sotovaya Svyaz” public company.

In 1994, “V.E.St.A.” ddevelops a law court insurance program, establishes partner relations with Baltic and Far Eastern steamship lines.

A program of insurance against space launch risks is developed. Satellites from “Horizont”, “Ekran-5”, “Express” series and many others insured by “V.E.St.A.” The same year sees the start of new promising long-term projects intended to increase the volume of insurance market through cooperation with governmental and stare organizations and institutions. Company’s own insurance agent training center is opened, a regional insurance program is developed and implemented. The company starts to provide personal insurance services.

In 1995, “V.E.St.A.” wins in the contest organized by the Russian Federation Ministry of Construction, and becomes the head of Coordinating Counsel for Insurance. Starting from that date, “V.E.St.A.” begins to provide insurance of construction companies’ professional liability on the licensing and erection stages. Within the same year, the company starts to insure the property of Goszagransobstvennost abroad and national economy companies using equipment and devices containing radioactive materials.

In 1996, “V.E.St.A.” begins to implement its program of insurance of foreign property that belongs to Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Insurance program against nuclear risks is maintained. The campany becomes the official insurer of the Kremlin Cup international tennis tournament.

In 1997, “V.E.St.A.” initiates creation of the Russian Nuclear Insurance Pool. The company continues to maintain leadership on the market of electronics transportation insurance.

In 1998, “V.E.St.A.” enters the Ship Owner’s Responsibility Insurance Pool and provides its services to Fedor Konuhov, who participates in the Around Alone round-the-world race, insuring his life and yacht. “V.E.St.A.” joins the Dangerous Manufacturing Facilities Insurance Pool.

In 1999, “V.E.St.A.” becomes a member of Finno-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The company insures international scientific research in space. Once again it is accredited by the Gosstroy of Russian Federation. The company negotiates contract to insure against responsibility to third party during the launch of telecommunication satellite “Express -A” No.1.

In 2000, «V.E.St.A.” makes 11 space-risk related contracts. It becomes the member of Russian and Moscow Chambers of Commerce and Industry, acts as general insurer of pop star shows, plays staged by Paris Lido theater, Kremlin Cup tennis tournaments, Moscow International Jewelry Fair and many others.

On November 20, 2000, a partner agreement between Alfa-Group consortium and Public corporation “Eastern European Insurance Agency” was signed. The agreement was aimed at developing insurance business in cooperation and starting bank insurance business utilizing consortium’s investments and debt capital.

On June 23, 2000, Alfa-Guarantees insurance company was created. Alfa-Gruop – one of the largest financial and industrial groups in Russia became its promoter.

On September 25, 2000, Alfa-Guarantees receives its license № 2983 D from the Ministry of Finance of Russian Federation , and starts provision of 37 insurance types. High reputation of Alfa brand assists to attract larger Russian and foreign companies that eagerly become customers of Alfa-Guarantees.

In September 2000, Insurance company Alfa-Guarantees in cooperation with Eastern European Insurance Agency brings to life its program of insuring the children of the crew of nuclear submarine Kursk that sunk in Barents Sea. 75 children insured according to life insurance program. First payments made in February 2002.

In the first half-year of 2002, authorized capital of “V.E.St.A.” Public Corporation increased to 300 mln. rubles.

In February 2001, the company receives accreditation of Russian Sea Navigation Register classification society. On the same year, according to tender held by State Customs Committee of Russian Federation, “V.E.St.A.” is included in the registry of banks and other organizations that are allowed to act as guarantor before customs authorities. The company receives the license for tour operator and tour agency professional risks insurance, as well as insurance for hydraulic facilities’ owners’ liability to third party for health and property damage. “V.E.St.A.” became general insurer of Third International Theater Olympiad, insured a most rare collection of 150 films brought to XXIII Moscow International Cinema Festival from New York.

In October 2001, experience and resources of insurance companies “Eastern European Insurance Agency”, “Alfa-Guarantees” and “Ostra-Kiev” are united under a new brand name – AlfaStrakovanie. The Board of Directors assigns Denis Kiselev Director General.

Simultaneously, a new large-scale advertisement campaign is launched. Four channels of Russian television show AlfaStrahovanie commercials. Street advertising is employed widely, popular newspapers and magazines feature group’s ads. Analysis of the campaign shows that recognizability of the new brand reached 85%.

According to the Russian Ministry of Finance, the company takes second place in amount of collected premium for 2001.

In the beginning of 2002, consolidated capital of AlfaStrahovanie Group reached 1,9 bln. rubles..

In January 2002, according to the results of open competition, AlfaStrahovanie Group is accredited by Moscow Audit Chamber. The group was granted the right of insuring construction of facilities ordered by Gosstroi of Russia.

In 2003, AlfaStahovanie Group starts to provide obligatory insurance against motor vehicle liability. Limited liability company AlfaStrakhovanie – Life LLC, that specializes in accumulation life assurance, is created within the group.

In early 2004, AlfaStrahovanie becomes an official insurer of Moscow Foto Biennale 2004.

During the first half-year of 2004, AlfaStrahovanie Group was accredited by the largest banks: Sberbank Russia, Delta Credit Bank, Raffaisenbak Austria.

In September 2004, AlfaStrahovanie Group and Sberbank Russia agreed that AlfaStrahovanie will be insuring the property of Sberbank’s private and corporate customers that is transferred to the bank as garanties.

In December 2004, Expert RA rating agency confirmed the highest A++ reliability rating assigned to AlfaStrahovanie in 2003. Being rated so means that the company has a highest probability of meeting its engagement even in unfavorable economic conditions

In the end of 2004, the magazine “Company” called AlfaStrahovanie Group «Company of the year» in its «Insurance» nomination.

In march 2005, Deputy Directors General of AlfaStrahovanie Group Svetlana Ovchinnikova and Tatiana Polonskaya entered the rating of the most influential women according to the Career magazine. Svetlana Ovchinnikova was also listed among the most successful women in Russia by the Finance magazine.

On June 15, 2005, annual stockholder’s meeting decided to increase consolidated capital to 2,5 bln. Rubles.

On October 28, 2005, AlfaStrahovanie Group was awarded Silver Brand of the Year prize in insurance nomination at BRAND OF THE YEAR/EFFIE 2005.

In October 2005, according to Managers Association Russia, Director General of AlfaStrahovanie Vladimir Skvotrsov is called “The best manager in insurance sphere”. In December 2005, Expert RA rating agency confirmed the highest A++ reliability rating assigned to AlfaStrahovanie (high level of reliability with positive perspectives). Highest rating remains valid since 2003.

In December 2005, AlfaStrahovanie agreed to purchase 100% share of limited liability company “Intersectoral Insurance Company “Avers”, that were part of TAIF Group.

In September 2006, AlfaStrahovanie Group introduced a mass CASCO segment product.

In October 2006, AlfaStrahovanie was rated first among insurance companies in customer service.

November 2006 - AlfaStrahovanie Group called “Best Insurance company of year 2006” by the Company magazine.

June 28, 2007 – Petr Aven, President of Alfabank, elected Head of the Board of Directors.

In October 2007, according to “Expert” magazine’ “Rating of the 400 largest companies in Russia” AlfaStrahovanie Group was recognized as the fastest growing company of the insurance market with a business growth rate of 58,3% a year.

In October 2007, AlfaStrahovanie Group won first place in the service quality rating among insurance companies on the basis of research conducted by the “Kommersant-Money” magazine in cooperation with the NEXTEP Group.

In December 2007, the Group launched a program for development of life insurance products within its regional network.

In November-December 2007, AlfaStrahovanie won a series of open tenders in electrical power engineering, and took a leading position in the sector.

On March 2, 2008, AlfaStrahovanie Group signed an agreement to acquire 100% stake in the Urals’ largest insurer – SKM .

In April 2008, according to the National Finance Rating, AlfaStrahovanie Group was recognized as market leader in service quality among insurance companies within the "Results and success" category.

In April 2008, AlfaStrahovanie Group was assigned Fitch international financial stability rating.

On April 7, 2008, “AlfaCasko 50x50” course of the Corporate University of AlfaStrahovanie Group was rated first among distance learning courses by WebSoft, a leading provider of distance learning services in Russia. Also, Group’s Corporate University received professional awards of Trainings INDEX in the category "Effective solutions to achieve company business objectives". This is the most prestigious award in the field of personnel training and development in Russia.

On April 16, 2008, AlfaStrahovanie won a prize in the "Customer Service" nomination of the annual national award in the field of finance, "Financial Olympus - 2007". AlfaStrahovanie Group in cooperation with Lowe Adventa advertizing agency developed several efficient and successful advertising campaigns: AlfaRemont and AlfaKASKO 50x50 - a unique offering in the insurance market. For its successful activities, the company received the "Golden Salamander" prize in the category "Innovation of the Year in Insurance - New Insurance Product", special attention was paid to its automotive insurance program "AlfaKASKO 50-50”.

In late October 2008, NEXTEP Group in its joint project with Kommersant-Money magazine conducted a study of potential customers service quality in Moscow offices of the leading insurance companies by means of its " mystery customer method". The best result - 88% -was shown by AlfaStrahovanie Group, the insurer that is traditionally good at in key customer service segments: " Appearance of the office", "Identifying customer needs”,"Forming offer ".

At the awards ceremony conducted by the journal «The Retail Finance», which took place on November 28, 2008 in Moscow, AlfaStrahovanie Group won the "Creativeness of the Year" category for its most original advertisement campaign conducted in cooperation with Odnoklassniki.ru. During the advertising campaign, which was run from July 1 to November 30, 2008, users of the Odnoklassniki.ru were given the opportunity to insure their photos. More than 6 million users took advantage of the opportunity within less than 6 months.

In December 2008, the "Federal Contact Center" was launched, rendering round the clock customer support for clients of more than 350 regional offices of AlfaStrahovanie in Russia.

On December 26, 2008, AlfaStrahovanie Group was awarded a certificate confirming that the company will ensure timely execution of all financial obligations to the client. In the medium-term, according to the estimate of Expert RA, the Group will ensure fulfillment of its obligations even in case of significant adverse changes in macroeconomic and market situation. The success of the Group is indicated by the totals for the 9 months of 2008: AlfaStrahovanie received 13872,04 mln rubles of insurance premiums and paid 5111,03 mln rubles worth of insurance compensations.

In January 2009, AlfaStrahovanie Group-Life developed and launched its own web site www.aslife.ru, catering for its partners as well as private and corporate clients.

On February 12, 2009, AlfaStrahovanie Group was recognized as the most attractive company within the insurance sector at the annual “HR-brand"ceremony. Achievements of the Group were prized with bronze in the "Federal project” category.

March 2, 2009, saw the creation of a new branch within AlfaStrahovanie Group that is catering for sports industry.

On April 13, 2009, AlfaStrahovanie Group was awarded "BEST BRAND / EFFIE 2008".The group was given due for its successful project in cooperation with the Odnoklassniki.ru Internet portal - "Insurance with an excellent mark" award.

On April 28, 2009, winners of the national award "Financial Olympus 2008" were announced. AlfaStrahovanie Group was recognized as a leader among insurance companies in the "Customer Service” category.

On May 21, 2009, AlfaStrahovanie Group was awarded "Golden Salamander" in the "Marketing Project 2008" category for the most creative advertising campaign of the year.

On June 24, 2009, the Group opened its first clinic “Alfa- Health Centre” in Perm within the framework of its global project intended to create a network of medical centers across the country.

In August 2009, AlfaStrahovanie Group in cooperation with Alfa-Bank launched a new service - "Buying OSAGO policy on-line”. Now company's customers can subscribe or renew their policy via the Internet without leaving home.

On August 4, 2009, AlfaStrahovanie Group opened the second “Alfa-Health Centre” clinic in Kirov as part of a global project to launch a network of medical centers across the country.

September 28, 2009 - Kommersant and the Russian Managers Association published the tenth annual ranking of the best managers of the country, highlighting the most professional managers within the industries and functional areas. Out of the 8 years the rating exists, AlfaStrahovanie’s employees have been in it for 6. For second consecutive year, top managers of AlfaStrahovanie win in all the categories: Rating of top leaders 2009, Financial Directors Rating, Marketing Directors Rating, HR Directors Rating, IT Managers Rating, Corporate and Public Relations Managers Rating.