60 seconds with Steve Medhurst

We’re bringing stories from the people across our business to you, so you can hear first-hand what it’s like to work at Intact Insurance. In this series, we spend 60 seconds chatting with colleagues from various parts of the company about their experience in the industry, what their role entails, what they’re currently working on, and more.  

In the first of the series, we chat to Steve Medhurst, Intact Insurance’s Global Transportation Specialism Leader. With 40 years under his belt at Intact Insurance, he’s seen the business and the rail industry evolve in remarkable ways. From his early days in Underwriting to leading our global rail specialism, Steve’s career is a story of seizing opportunities, building trusted relationships, and developing an unrivalled knowledge of one of Intact’s most profitable portfolios.

You've been with Intact Insurance for 40 years. What brought you here, and what's kept you so long?

Like many people, I found my way into insurance unexpectedly. I’d applied for a computer department role at a sister company, but during the interview I was asked if I’d consider a position elsewhere in the business. It was an opportunity I wasn’t about to turn down. That’s how I ended up in, what was then, the Fire Department at City Branch, handling everything except new business. It wasn’t the career path I’d planned, but it turned out to be exactly where I was meant to be. 

Every time I’ve had itchy feet in my career, something new has come up internally. Whether that was a move to London, a shift into new underwriting portfolios, or a decade working in Rotterdam. That variety has kept me engaged. 

Tell us about your role now

It’s varied. I set the high-level rail strategy with stakeholders, act as the senior customer contact for major rail clients, and keep an eye on legislative or market changes. I’m here to make sure Intact Insurance stays a strong, trusted partner to the rail industry. That means being proactive with finding solutions, supporting underwriters, and looking for ways to grow what’s already a huge portfolio.

Why is rail so important to Intact Insurance?

Rail has been part of our DNA for decades. We’ve been insuring rail networks, rolling stock and operators for decades, building a reputation for understanding the industry inside out. Our relationships are long-standing, our market knowledge is deep, and we’re trusted to speak our clients’ language.

That history and skin-in-the-game means we’re a true partner the industry turns to when it needs solutions that work in the real world.

What's something people don't realise about rail insurance?

Most people are surprised to learn that rail is one of the safest and most resilient sectors we insure. Major incidents are rare, and the industry is built around rigorous safety systems. But when things do go wrong, the causes are often more everyday than you’d expect: a simple human error, a mechanical fault, or a small equipment failure can create a ripple effect across an entire network.  

Understanding those risks and how to prevent them is what makes our role so important.

Your rail knowledge is renowned. How did that develop?

Partly through work, partly through my personal interest in the heritage rail sector. I’ve been immersed in the world of steam railways and preservation projects for over 45 years which has given me the language, the contacts, and the knowledge.  

When we pitched for a major French city transport authority, that understanding won us maximum quality scores, even though we weren’t the cheapest option on the table! 

What are your career highlights?

Winning major clients after months of relationship-building and working closely with their teams. When you become the preferred partner, the one they trust before the tender even goes out, that’s when you know you’ve done your job. 

What's next for rail?

Growth. Building on our strong foundations to work with more clients, in more places, and on a wider range of risks. We’ve got the history, expertise and relationships, and now we’re focussed on using that to expand our horizons.

What was your best and worst experience on a train?

Best was The British Pullman. Nothing beats it. But I also remember a rail tour in the 80s, having dinner at 100mph between Newcastle and York, watching a waiter carry a full bowl of minestrone soup without spilling a drop as the train lurched from the fast to the slow line. 

Worst was the old buffet car ham and cheese sandwich. So curled at the edges it could stand up on its own. Thankfully, those days are gone. 

Steve’s mix of technical expertise, deep industry knowledge and genuine passion for rail has made Intact Insurance a market leader in this space. As we look to grow our rail portfolio even further, it’s full steam ahead.

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