Personal
2010 review: A year of living cautiously
The economy grew, rival political parties unexpectedly started working together and personal lines rates even hardened, although plenty of surprises and setbacks meant that 2010 was far from plain sailing, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
PB December 2010: News round-up
Apple iPhone apps continue to be all the rage in the insurance industry. Aviva launched MyClaim, a free app enabling policyholders to file a motor insurance claim remotely from their iPhones.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
Flood insurance bills soar to £4.5bn, according to ABI
The cost of flood damage since 2000 has leapt by 200% on the previous decade according to figures released by the Association of British Insurers.
"Ghost" brokers charged with offences totalling £500,000
Three individuals - a man and a woman from Kent and a man from West London - have been charged with motor insurance fraud, tax fraud and money laundering with offences totalling £500,000.
ABI issues advice for Cornwall's flood victims
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued advice for people who have been flooded following heavy rainfall in Cornwall.
Groupama appoints personal lines development underwriter
Groupama Insurances has appointed Julian Abson in the role of development underwriter for its personal lines motor account to develop business through its panel of intermediaries and strengthen relationships with broker partners.
Travel hikes spell trouble for schemes brokers
Following the rise in insurance premiums from Axa, Peter Hayman, director of P J Hayman, has predicted that some scheme holders will have difficulty renewing on competitive terms.
Ageas' retail profit remains static while COR continues to improve
Ageas' quarter three results have shown its UK retail operations, RIAS, Kwik Fit Insurance Services and Ageas Insurance Solutions (UKAIS), have delivered a 32% increase in total inflows to £96m.
Exeter Friendly to cut PMI premiums
Exeter Family Friendly has cut premiums on its "Health Cover for Me" private medical insurance (PMI) plan by up to 12.5%.
Biba calls on Government to stem "spiralling" motor insurance costs
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has called on the Government to implement an eight point plan to reduce the rising cost of motor insurance.
Only one in ten automatically renew car insurance
UK consumers are the most determined to shop around for a good deal on insurance, and the least likely to stay loyal, according to Datamonitor.
SME Aggregators: Digital commercial futures
Edward Murray outlines the difficulties being encountered in establishing a successful aggregator template for small and medium-sized enterprise trade.
Market Watch - Networks: Opening connections
Emmanuel Kenning argues that broker networks are becoming more popular, though managers need to think carefully about the offerings available through them before committing their firms.
Editor's comment: Regional gloom with some optimism
The Spending Review dominated October, the speculation leading up to George Osborne's announcement in parliament giving way to analysis of how hard and where exactly the Chancellor's axe will fall on public spending.
News round-up: Business continuity
According to research from the Business Continuity Institute on behalf of the Chartered Insurance Institute, insurance professionals need a more consistent message when promoting the benefits of business continuity plans.
News Analysis - Spending Review: Coalition cuts deep to stimulate recovery
Emmanuel Kenning finds that brokers are determined to be optimistic in the wake of the Chancellor's £81bn of public sector cuts announced in the Spending Review.
News round-up: Insurers
Brit has formally accepted an offer of £888m from Apollo Management and CVC Capital Partners. The deal if agreed by shareholders is £10.75 for each share plus a further 25p if targets are met.
One in four pay off other driver after crash
A quarter of drivers have avoided using their motor insurance by giving money to a driver they have crashed into to fix the damage, according to website Myvouchercodes.co.uk
Deloitte says industry must address issue of brokers selling motor at a loss
Motor insurers need to increase their premiums while maintaining their customer base in order to return to profitability, according to Deloitte.
Viewpoint: Time to put things right
With poor motor results continuously dismissed as being due to external factors, David Vine asks why insurers choose to ignore the evidence that would enable accurate pricing and, in turn, profit.
Product reviews: Flexible and competitive caravan cover
These products have been reviewd by brokers who have rated them from one to five, based on the policy's key benefits.
Reportage - Future of regulation: Predicting the future
Everyone is aware the FSA is on its way out but what is less certain is how the new regulatory structure will operate. Liz McMahon explores what brokers can expect in the medium to long-term future.
News review: October
The founder and chairman of direct insurer Esure, Peter Wood, revealed that 2014 would be the earliest date that the company would launch an initial public offering.