History of Instep
	InStep started out life in the late 1980’s as “Brokernet”, sponsored by a value added network called INS (now known as GEIS). They developed, with insurers and brokers, a standard for motor EDI messaging. Over time and following successful implementation, the industry was keen to see EDI used as widely as possible, and felt that adoption would be achieved more widely if the standards were maintained by an independent party. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) were approached, and agreed to establish a team to handle their development and maintenance and InStep was born …… and still exists today as a self-funded group of insurers, software houses and others with an interest in electronic trading. Originally established to produce electronic data interchange (EDI) message standards for use between insurers and brokers, the scope of use has widened considerably in recent years as its benefits have been more widely recognised. The standards now cover motor and household business. And there are a growing number of members interested in the standards from the point of view of offering quotations on the Internet. InStep members include all insurers - both ABI members and Lloyds syndicates - transacting personal lines business electronically with brokers, the major software providers, a number of large brokers and others (such as Polaris, who use our standards in their ProductWriter software). The standards are developed on a partnership basis, owned by its members. Decisions are made on a consensus basis, with all members having an equal opportunity to participate in both development and decision making processes. With electronic commerce traditionally considered to be a competitive field, this initiative shows how different areas of the industry can come together for the common good without compromising their individual trading advantage. Following a review during 2000/1 by the ABI of its activities, a decision was reached that it would in future concentrate on representation and lobbying. As a result InStep moved to Polaris UK in June 2001.

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