An Exclusive interview with Stuart Lowe of Can Sigorta

Interview:

Q: Stuart, you’ve seen the North Cyprus insurance market change over the years. What makes Can Sigorta stand out?
A: Can Sigorta is unique because it combines deep local heritage with modern service delivery. Being the first Turkish insurance company here gives them unmatched credibility. But they haven’t rested on their history — they’ve invested in digital tools like online branches and easy claims submission, which is essential for today’s customers.

Q: North Cyprus isn’t often seen as a high-risk area, but there are still natural hazards. Can you talk about earthquake risk here?
A: Absolutely. The island sits in a seismically active region, and while major earthquakes are rare, the potential is real. Even moderate tremors can cause significant structural damage, especially to older buildings.

What gives Can Sigorta an extra layer of strength is our long-standing partnership with Milli Reinsurance of Turkey — a company with over a century of expertise in global risk management. They were instrumental in settling around 75% of the earthquake damage claims in Turkey just two years ago, proving their capability under immense pressure.

In the current political and financial circumstances of the TRNC, Milli Re acts almost like an open window to the international financial system. Their backing means we’re not limited by the size of our domestic market — we have access to the resources, stability, and claims-handling expertise of a major reinsurance player. That combination of Can Sigorta’s trusted local presence and Milli Re’s global reach gives our clients confidence that, no matter the scale of the disaster, we can respond effectively.

Q: And what about wildfires? We’ve seen some dangerous summers recently.
A: Yes, wildfires are a growing concern, especially during the hot, dry months. Rural villas, agricultural properties, and even urban edges can be vulnerable. Can Sigorta not only offers wildfire protection in its home insurance policies, but also advises clients on preventative measures — like creating defensible space around properties and using fire-resistant building materials where possible. That’s proactive risk management, not just reactive claims.

Q: Many expats and locals alike worry about underinsurance. How does Can Sigorta tackle that issue?
A: They’re proactive. I’ve seen their team actively review client policies before renewal to make sure coverage matches real asset values — whether it’s a villa, an apartment, or a vehicle. It’s not just selling a policy; it’s protecting people’s actual needs.

Q: What role does trust play in insurance in North Cyprus?
A: It’s everything. In a small market, reputation spreads quickly. Can Sigorta’s advantage is decades of claims-paying history. People remember who stood by them after a storm, a fire, or an earthquake. That trust is their strongest asset.

Q: You’ve worked with many insurers over your career. What exceptional services do you personally focus on delivering to clients?
A: For me, it’s about going beyond the policy document. I make sure every client — whether they’re a lifelong local or a first-week expat — truly understands what their insurance covers and what it doesn’t. That includes:

• Bespoke risk assessments for homes, businesses, and vehicles, so clients aren’t left underinsured.

• Natural hazard preparedness, advising on how to reduce vulnerability to earthquakes, wildfires, and storms.

• Policy audits before renewal, making sure coverage keeps pace with rising property values or lifestyle changes.

• Bilingual, plain-language communication, so no one is lost in legal jargon.

• And on claims, I personally make the initial contact as soon as I’m informed of an incident. I check in with the client, guide them through the process, and make sure every step flows smoothly until the claim is resolved. Clients know they’re not just a policy number — they’re a priority.

It’s about trust. Insurance is a promise — my role is to make sure that promise is understood, delivered, and remembered.

Q: You’ve mentioned service for expats before — could you expand on that?
A: Sure. Many expats are unfamiliar with local laws and insurance requirements. Can Sigorta bridges that gap with bilingual support and clear policy explanations. That reduces misunderstandings and makes customers feel at home, even in a foreign system.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see Can Sigorta in five years?
A: I expect more innovation — perhaps AI-assisted claims, more tailored expat packages, and even stronger community engagement. But the core — personal trust and responsiveness — will stay the same.

Closing note:
As Stuart Lowe’s insights reveal, Can Sigorta is more than an insurance company — it’s a pillar of reliability in North Cyprus. By blending historical credibility with modern tools, the global reach of Milli Reinsurance, natural hazard awareness, and personal claims involvement, they’re setting the standard for what local and expat customers can expect from insurance providers in the region.