Meet the team - Jamie Stidwell, National Sales and Development Manager

A proud native of Newcastle upon Tyne, Jamie Stidwell – National Sales and Development Manager for QBE Automotive Protection never imagined he would find himself in the automotive industry. "I fell into the motor trade by accident," Jamie admits. 

With a natural talent for sales, Jamie began his journey in the automotive industry as a trainee salesperson for a major brand in the early 2000s. Over the years, he worked his way up to the role of General Sales Manager before joining QBE in 2023 as a Regional Manager. His ability to connect with people and understand their needs quickly led to his promotion to National Sales and Development Manager. 

Jamie’s down-to-earth nature sets him apart in the corporate world. "I’m probably one of the least corporate people within our business," he says. "This authenticity is one of my strengths, as it allows me to truly understand the challenges that dealers face. Having been on the other side of the desk, I know and understand the frustrations and issues that can arise with warranty companies." This firsthand experience enables Jamie to effectively communicate dealer concerns to the team at HQ, ensuring that necessary changes are made to help dealer partners be more productive and successful. 

“I first encountered QBE Automotive Protection while working in a Ford dealership,” he says.  

“After seeing first-hand how reliable and trustworthy their products were, I couldn’t imagine offering any other warranty product with the same level of confidence.  

“It was love at first claim!” 

The world’s best kept secret 

Passionate about the products that we offer, Jamie says: – “Sometimes, when you’re in the bubble, you forget just how amazing the product you’re working with truly is.” His – Jamie’s main focus, beyond supporting his clients, is to help more of them experience the approach QBE takes to providing financial protection. 

“Once a dealer partners with us, they’re usually hooked for life. We genuinely are the world’s best kept secret and our dealer retention rate is over 95% each year, which speaks volumes.” 

Industry experience, client excellence 

Jamie attributes this loyalty not just to the quality of the products he is selling, but the service the team provides on the back of a deep, collective knowledge of the motor trade sector. 

“We're all ex-motor trade folk so we truly get what it’s like to sit in those dealership chairs or work in the service bays,” he explains.  

“We understand our customers and their needs. We review our policy rejections monthly to ensure full coverage is in place for required and expected items.  

“Best of all, we actually pay claims—and fast. Last year, over 80% of our claims were authorised within 10 minutes.” 

Total transparency and clarity 

Jamie says that working with QBE Automotive Protection is just like working in the motor trade again, but this time with a global company – and all the resource, experience and insight that brings – at his back. 

“We’re one of the largest companies globally, with a ton of experience in point of sale, digital and claims service. We work with nearly every major manufacturer across the globe in some capacity,” he says. 

“So, if you want experience, expertise, and a product that delivers without the frills – with total transparency and clarity – we’re the obvious choice.  

“Plus, we’re pretty fun to work with.”