Personal
Transactor embarks on quotation enhancement trial
Transactor Global Solutions is trialling the use of key external databases in a bid to enhance the quotation process in private motor, motor cycle, commercial vehicle, and household insurance.
Quinn bidders fear outstanding claims, according to reports
The Irish Independent has reported that several of the five bidders for Quinn are reluctant to buy the whole company fearing the outstanding claims and liabilities caused by previous management.
Nearly half of young adults have no contents insurance
Latest research has revealed that 49% of young adults don’t have contents insurance to protect the items in their home.
Heath Lambert and RAC to launch household products
Heath Lambert has agreed a five year deal with RAC to launch a suite of household products in 2011.
Car insurance premiums continue to rise
The average cost of comprehensive cover increased by 8.6% between July and September, however this is a drop on the 14.2% rise last quarter, according to Confused.com/EMB Car Insurance Price Index.
FSA contests judicial review of PPI
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said it will contest the British Bankers’ Association’s (BBA) judicial review of new payment protection insurance (PPI) complaints handling measures.
Meerkat boosts BGL profits
The BGL Group’s financial results for the year July 2009 to June 2010 have revealed an increase in pre tax profit to £62m (H1 2009: £54m) but profit growth dipped to 16% (H1 2009: 24%).
The PB Interview - Tim Ryan: Local hero
Andrew Tjaardstra meets Tim Ryan in Ipswich, where he is fighting hard against the recession and the force of the consolidators.
Homeserve director moves to Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct has appointed a new business development director, Andy Kirton, to develop its relationship with affinity partners.
News Analysis - Broker growth: A step up before the cuts
In the last three months, the financial sector grew at its fastest since June 2007 according to research from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the CBI, which was good news for brokers.
Broking success - Grove & Dean: Racing ahead
Emmanuel Kenning speaks with Damian Collett about mastering the art of a multi-niche approach.
Exeter Friendly launches new family brand
Exeter Friendly has launched a new insurance brand, Exeter Family Friendly.
Westfield absorbs tax increase and holds rates firm
Westfield Health has announced it will not immediately pass on the 1% rise in insurance premium tax (IPT) to policyholders - a decision set to cost the not-for-profit health insurance provider an estimated £530,000 per year.
Axa withdraws personal lines business from Westinsure
Axa has confirmed that its personal lines intermediary business has exited the Westinsure broker network and that all preferential commission rates for that book have ceased.
Social media users could face rise in home premiums
Aggregators are divided over whether social networkers could see their home insurance premiums rise.
Broker claims debate: Giving credit where it's due
Credit-hire organisations step in to provide replacement vehicles to not at fault drivers when insurers fail to serve their needs. Unsurprisingly, the relationship between the two industries has always been tense. Edward Murray asks where brokers fit in…
Industry's achievers reap the benefits at UK Broker Awards
Thomas, Carroll and Caravan Guard scooped two awards apiece at this year's UK Broker Awards.
Lloyd's hopes to boost market share by 'getting out to regions'
Lloyd's new regional manager of UK and Ireland, Keith Stern, has revealed plans to target regional brokers in a bid to boost market share.
Axa online portal encourages discussion via social media sites
Axa has launched an online portal designed to allow personal lines brokers to discuss business issues and ideas with insurers and peers using social media channels such as Twitter, Linkedin and You Tube.
Power Hour: Driving forward
This month's roundtable grapples with the factors holding the motor market back and asks what measures need to be taken for it to return to profitability.Liz McMahon reports.
Home & Legacy joins growing online mid-net-worth sector
Brokers having to work harder than ever to retain MNW clients, according to Home & Legacy.
Injury claims costs in motor rising by nearly a third a year, claims Towers Watson
The cost of injury claims in the UK car insurance market has grown recently by nearly 30% per annum according to Towers Watson.
Editor's comment: The motor market is shot
A senior industry figure told me this month that it is the "worst time" in the history of the motor market for insurers. A pile of news has confirmed this, including RBS's loss of over £200m in its first-half results, Equity's reserving issues and NIG…
P J Hayman warns of unpredictable travel insurance rates
Specialist travel insurance provider P J Hayman has forecast higher rates for scheme holders and brokers with travel insurers revising and renewing schemes after the summer holidays.