United Kingdom (UK)
Ecclesiastical UK & Ireland COR balloons to 106.6%
Ecclesiastical Insurance’s combined operating ratio in the UK and Ireland shot up to 106.6% in the first half of 2023 from 94.5% in the same period of 2022.
Saga pauses sale of insurance arm Acromas as broking profits slip
Saga has decided to “pause” the sale of its underwriting business Acromas Insurance, the over-50s specialist has confirmed.
Premium finance market warned of serious consequences amid latest FCA concerns
The premium finance market is being warned it faces serious regulatory consequences after the Financial Conduct Authority issued yet more concerns about industry practices.
Brokers confident in commercial motor growth but have capacity concerns: survey
A survey has revealed that 83% of brokers do not believe there are enough specialists or insurers offering capacity for the haulage, waste disposal and courier markets.
Brokers “front and centre” for Hiscox, says Dye on one-year anniversary
Celebrating his first year as UK CEO of Hiscox, Jon Dye tells Insurance Age about the central role of brokers in the insurer’s growth strategy across its new operating model in high net worth, beefed up regional structure and schemes ambitions.
Clear completes hat-trick buying Bluestone in Cirencester
Clear Group swooped for its third deal in September buying Bluestone Insurance Services to boost its presence in the South West.
Arkel Underwriting targets landlord growth with Applied expansion
Arkel Underwriting has rolled out its landlord product, Premier Let, on Applied Systems in its second partnership with the software provider in a matter of months.
MGAs urged to check on capacity partnerships amid Vesttoo fraud scandal
Managing general agents and carriers are being urged to carry out 'robust and periodic due diligence' following the Vesttoo insurtech scandal.
HSB broker research pinpoints computer cover gap
A poll of insurance brokers by HSB has suggested that two-thirds of businesses are not considering computer insurance risks arising from evolving working practices.
One Call boosts policy count and profits in 2022
Doncaster-headquartered One Call Insurance Services has posted double digit increases in profits and policy count for 2022.
Regulators consult on measures to boost D&I in financial services
The Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority have released consultation papers setting out proposals to boost diversity and inclusion to support healthy work cultures, reduce groupthink and unlock talent.
Hiscox names four regional managers in UK broker business reshuffle
Hiscox has appointed Chris Hanson, Darren Love, Laura Garrard and Alex Bailey as the regional managers for its UK broker business, Insurance Age can reveal.
MGA Iprism notches up second post-MBO buy with SK deal
Managing general agent Iprism has bought property specialist SK Underwriting for an undisclosed fee.
R&Q in ‘advanced’ talks for sale of Policy Expert capacity backer Accredited
R&Q Insurance Holdings has admitted that it is in advanced discussions with Canadian investment business Onex for the sale of its fronting business Accredited.
MCE had £5.2m loss before collapse and HMRC now one of biggest creditors
Broker MCE was carrying a £5.2m Ebitda loss before its collapse, leaving HM Revenue & Customs with an estimated £828,844 claim, according to the administrator’s report.
Park Insurance launches formal apprentice programme
Bristol-based Park Insurance has rolled out its first formal broker apprentice programme open to recent school leavers and those with work experience in other areas looking to move their career in a new direction.
People Moves: 18 – 22 September 2023
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
FCA ready to swoop on ‘outliers’ amid concerns on cyber insurance
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned the cyber insurance market over its concerns on policy wordings.
Interview: Mike Latham, Verlingue UK
Verlingue is a French broker that took off in the aftermath of the Second World War. Following publication of its latest financial results, UK CEO Mike Latham explains why the family-owned business is a steady generational business that has clear and…
SRG reveals Hamilton Leigh cost as turnover grows 21% in 2022
Specialist Risk Investments’ bill for buying motor trade specialist Hamilton Leigh in 2022 totalled £11.52m, according to a filing at Companies House.
Ripe Thinking notches up first buy with boat insurance specialist
Insurtech broker Ripe has completed its first acquisition by snapping up specialist boat insurance provider, Craftinsure.
Blog: Market challenges make it the ideal time for brokers to digitise
Far from being a risk, digitisation is the best protection brokers can invest in to reduce the impact of market uncertainty. And Risto Rossar, CEO and founder of Insly, argues the timing could not be better given ongoing challenges from recruitment to…
FCA hammers GAP insurance as it issues general warning on high commission levels
The Financial Conduct Authority has written to insurers, calling on them to take action, as it released the latest set of fair value data and again brought the spotlight onto the issue of high commission levels.
Brown & Brown Europe to buy Occam Underwriting
Brown & Brown Europe, recently rebranded from Global Risk Partners, has signed up to buy 100% of space and terrorism specialist managing general agent Occam Underwriting.