Insurer
Meet the MGA: Qualis
From an internal MGA within Genworth Mortgage Insurance to a subsidiary of AmTrust, Qualis managing director & CEO Roberta Brunelli explains how data helps it to predict future losses and its plans for product and capacity diversification.
Ecclesiastical grows UK & Ireland book but underwriting profit slips in 2023
Ecclesiastical Insurance upped its gross written premium in the UK and Ireland by 15.9% last year to £399.7m, but its combined operating ratio also rose to 92.1% from 87.1% in 2022.
Hiscox teams up with poet Cooper Clarke as first ‘(under)writer in residence’
Hiscox has partnered with punk poet Dr John Cooper Clarke, naming him its first ‘(under)writer in residence’ as part of a new campaign.
Takeover target Direct Line posts £189m operating loss
Direct Line Group has revealed a £189.5m loss from ongoing operations as the sale of NIG pushed the insurer into profit for 2023.
Sabre to ride on in motorcycle with broker deals after MCE collapse
Sabre is in discussions with larger motorcycle brokers and confident of adding two new partners towards the end of 2024 and into next year, CEO Geoff Carter told Insurance Age.
Sabre posts record GWP as profits bounce back in 2023
Motor specialist Sabre grew gross written premiums by 31% to £225.1m last year and improved its combined operating ratio to 86.3% from 93.4%.
Broker worries bubbling up on Ageas-Direct Line but one hope trumps all
Brokers have raised concerns about the impact on the sector if Ageas snaps up Direct Line but expressed confidence in the potential buyer’s management should a deal come to pass.
Three MGAs put motor business on pause as capacity crunch continues to bite
Blagrove Underwriting Agency and two MGAs it supports with capacity have informed brokers that they will not be able to offer quotations or renew policies for 1 April, Insurance Age can reveal.
Swigciski swaps Das for leadership role at HSB
HSB has recruited David Swigciski from Das as managing director of Premier Guarantee succeeding Jacki Goodman who retired at the end of 2023.
Taylor outlines plan to grow Aviva strategic accounts
Michelle Taylor, Aviva strategic accounts director, aims to be responsive and visible for brokers and sees opportunities after the insurer signed up to buy Probitas.
Insurance leaders stay optimistic on growth, says KPMG
Insurance leaders remain optimistic about growth but trail banking and asset and wealth management bosses who are even more upbeat, according to a survey by KMPG UK.
Meet the MGA: Ventis
With a ‘breath of fresh air’ Latin-inspired name, CEO Gareth Roberts, pictured second right, explains why Ventis’ USPs of rapid service and sector expertise are helping it gain traction in the real estate market.
Trade Credit Insurance is again in the spotlight. How can brokers take advantage?
Described as a ‘sleeping giant’ of the insurance market, brokers should wise up to the opportunities offered by trade credit. Especially, as Martin Friel discovers, recent geo-political events mean this vital safety for businesses is edging to toward the…
Fair value not a Trojan Horse for price regulation, says FCA boss Nikhil Rathi
The onus on firms to satisfy themselves about fair value under the Consumer Duty is “not a Trojan horse for price regulation”, according to Nikhil Rathi, CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority.
Interview: Henry Topham, Allianz
As Allianz rebrands its digital motor insurance product Flow, Insurance Age caught up with managing director of UK retail Henry Topham to hear about his route into insurance and what benefits brokers get from the provider’s omni-channel approach.
Fire safety reinsurance facility to launch on 1 April
A reinsurance facility aimed at increasing competition in the insurance market for properties affected by dangerous cladding and other fire safety issues has been unveiled ahead of launching on 1 April.
QBE launches regional healthcare practice group
QBE has created a healthcare practice group which will be supported by all regional offices in the UK, Insurance Age can reveal.
Direct Line rejects second “unattractive” takeover offer from Ageas
Direct Line Group has rejected a second takeover proposal from Ageas labelling it uncertain, unattractive and highly opportunistic.
FCA warns of Admiral clone
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned of a clone claiming to be Admiral Insurance.
Commercial Express launches courier package product
Commercial Express has launched a courier package product, designed for brokers whose clients are couriers or delivery drivers using vans or cars in the UK.
Zurich uncovered £78.5m in bogus claims in 2023
Zurich UK faced down £78.5m in fraudulent claims last year, equating to £215,117 a day.
As Inclusivity Partners closes, how can brokers attract more over-50s returners into the sector?
The over-50s and returners are a large talent pool that brokers are missing out on. Rosie Simms looks into how this demographic can help win the war for talent after a specialist partner with significant intermediary support pulls out.
IWD 2024: Geo’s Jaime Swindle on coaching and mentoring
For International Women’s Day, Insurance Age discussed with Geo Underwriting leader Jaime Swindle how women should embrace their different approach to their male colleagues.
Aspen confirms Sarah Stanford as UK CEO
Aspen Insurance has confirmed Sarah Stanford as UK CEO, a post she has held on an interim basis since 17 January.