Insight
Saga reports stable broking results as it pushes on with Acromas sale
Saga is targeting the sale of its underwriting business, Acromas Insurance, in the second half of this year – but arranged a loan in case a deal does not go through.
Biba launches computer insurance scheme
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched a new computer scheme, provided by specialist insurer HSB, to help protect computer hardware and portable equipment.
Spring Insure looks to court brokers in UK professional indemnity launch
Managing general agent Spring Insure has launched a commercial professional indemnity product in the UK and Ireland with backing from a new capacity provider.
GRP’s NE hub Castle buys M R Lonsdale
Castle Insurance Services has made its first acquisition since becoming the North-East hub of Global Risk Partners in May 2022 by swooping for fellow Durham-based broker M R Lonsdale.
UK General lost £7.4m ahead of sale
UK General Insurance lost £7.41m in its financial year before being snapped up by RCapital and Montague, Insurance Age can reveal.
Brokerbility teams up with Broker Insights on bespoke service for members
Brokerbility has signed up with data provider Broker Insights to deliver a bespoke platform for members, Insurance Age can reveal.
Nadia Côté to lead Allianz Commercial in UK
Allianz Group named Nadia Côté as commercial managing director UK, effective 1 May.
Bruce Stevenson reveals growth and plans for Hogg to succeed Bruce as CEO
Howden-owned Bruce Stevenson has reported a 30% increase in turnover to £11.7m with profits up 33% to £3.9m and revealed CEO succession plans.
Broker Diversity Push: Improved broking gender diversity across the leadership board in latest FOI data
New data from a Freedom of Information request to the Financial Conduct Authority has revealed an improvement in the shift to more gender diversity in broking leadership, although the figures remain stark.
Pen adds £90m of GWP with marine MGA buy
Pen Underwriting has bought Tay River Holdings and its wholly owned marine specialist subsidiaries Vessel Protect, Trafalgar Marine Trades and BMM Ports & Terminals for an undisclosed sum.
Esure posts £29.1m loss as tough market conditions bite
Esure chief executive David McMillan explained the swing from a £7.7m post-tax profit in 2021 to a £29.1m loss in 2022 as being caused by significant claims inflation, increased weather-related home claims and a weak pricing environment.
The FCA: 10 years on has it been a success, failure – or somewhere in between?
On 1 April 2013 insurance brokers faced a new regulatory dawn as the baton passed from the Financial Services Authority to the Financial Conduct Authority. Insurance Age canvassed opinion throughout the market to find out views on how the first decade…
Double-digit growth and profit rises at Iprism after MBO
Iprism Underwriting Agency grew turnover by 15.3% to £9.44m in the year ended 30 June 2022 with profits rising even more.
Government launches SMCR review and calls for insurance feedback
The government has launched its review of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, part of a wide-ranging shake-up to make UK financial services more competitive post-Brexit.
People Moves: 27 - 31 March 2023
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves within the insurance industry.
Zurich UK detects 31% increase in fraudulent property claims
Zurich UK detected a 31% increase in fraudulent property claims and a 7% rise in fake casualty claims in 2022, the insurer calculated.
Analysis: The powerful surge in record-breaking tradesman premiums
Insurance Age unpacks the impact of inflation, changing customer needs and rising demand along with the shifting insurer appetite in tradesman insurance.
Towergate targets £1.5bn after breaking through £1bn GWP barrier
Towergate achieved more than £1bn of gross written premium in 2022 for the first time ever and has set its sights on £1.5bn in just a few years, chief executive Richard Tuplin has revealed to Insurance Age.
Brokers cautious about proposals for chartered status on ‘experience’
Brokers are cautious on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s pilot proposals to allow individuals to gain chartered status based on experience.
Vitale Digital becomes Biba associate
Vitale Digital has become the 42nd British Insurance Brokers’ Association associate.
Motor premiums accelerate again with 21.1% annual increase
The average cost of car insurance soared by a record 21.1% in the year to February, taking annual bills to £929, according to Consumer Intelligence.
RSA exits personal lines motor shifting renewals to Swinton
RSA has confirmed pulling out of the UK personal lines motor market, worth £120m in gross written premium, and signing up with Atlanta-owned Swinton on a renewals deal.
Steve Dukes named Confused CEO
Steve Dukes was promoted from chief operating officer to CEO at aggregator Confused, succeeding Louise O’Shea.
AssuredPartners continues south-west push with broker buy
AssuredPartners bought South West Brokers, which trades under the name of Westinsure Plymouth.