United Kingdom (UK)
FOS compensation limit hiked to £415,000
The Financial Conduct Authority has raised the limit on complaints awards that the Financial Ombudsman Service can dish out to £415,000.
First Underwriting exit a broker ‘blow’ in diminishing personal lines markets
First Underwriting’s exit from standard home and motor is a 'blow', say brokers seeking markets for personal lines.
FCA opens survey on SME thresholds for FOS insurance complaints
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a review on shifting the thresholds for SMEs to be able to refer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service, as it revealed there have been 1,835 insurance complaints since the rules came into force on 1…
Hiscox UK launches underwriting academy
Hiscox UK has launched its underwriting academy following a successful pilot in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Chaucer warns on underinsurance with construction costs at record highs
With rebuild costs 10.4% higher than a year ago, an average property insurance policy set to cover £1m could now be short for the full rebuild value, Chaucer has warned.
Ecclesiastical sells SEIB to Lloyd & Whyte
Ecclesiastical Insurance has sold SEIB Insurance Brokers to associated business Lloyd & Whyte for £45.2m, the insurer has confirmed.
Ecclesiastical UK & Ireland COR stable as investment losses drive group deficit in 2022
Ecclesiastical Insurance grew gross written premiums in the UK and Ireland by 16% in 2022 to £344.8m, the provider has revealed.
People Moves: 13–17 March 2023
Stay in the loop with the most recent insurance personnel moves.
Axa hails importance of face-to-face meetings as it seeks to be more visible
Distribution and trading director Sarah Mallaby claims Axa UK has seen an improvement in broker engagement, as it focuses on face-to-face trading complemented by an investment in digital products and support.
Lloyd’s reveals market increases in female and ethnic minority leadership
Lloyd’s has reported a two percentage points increase in the proportion of women in leadership roles to 32%, as it targets reaching 35% by year-end.
First Underwriting exits private car and home
First Underwriting, part of Kingfisher UK Holdings, has stopped writing private car and home business, Insurance Age can reveal.
Intangic MGA launches with Axa XL-backed cyber parametric policy
Intangic MGA has launched with backing from Axa XL, offering parametric cyber insurance for large public corporations headquartered in the UK.
James Kent promoted to group role with Tom Wakefield named Gallagher Re CEO
Gallagher has promoted James Kent to CEO of global insurance strategic relationships, with Tom Wakefield succeeding him as CEO of Gallagher Re after a transition period.
Gallagher boosts education practice with FE Protect purchase
Gallagher has struck its first UK deal of the year – buying Liverpool-based FE Protect, which specialises in the education sector with a particular focus on further education.
Zurich UK launches climate change resilience services
Following the launch of Zurich’s Global Climate Change Resilience Services, Zurich UK is making the full range of services available to its domestic customers and it will also be available through brokers.
Profile: Abby Houghton – Young female broker
As part of Insurance Age's Broker Diversity Push - Gender Leadership Gap campaign, Sophie Locke-Cooper spoke with Brightside Insurance Services’ Abby Houghton about what it is like being a young female in the industry.
One Call tribute to ‘incredible talent’ director Oliver Rose, who died in a car crash
One Call CEO Nik Springthorpe has given a touching tribute to director Oliver Rose, who died in a car crash.
Close Brothers premium finance drops 2%
Close Brothers has revealed a 2% fall in its premium finance book to £990.1m in its latest set of results.
Profits down two-thirds at Sabre in 2022
Sabre Insurance has reported a 66.5% drop in profit after tax to £10.1m for 2022, as the combined operating ratio deteriorated to 96% from 79.4% in 2021.
SRG buys Consort Insurance
Specialist Risk Group has bought mid-market commercial broker, Consort Insurance, subject to regulatory approval.
MGAs and insurers are urged to chase brokers as Consumer Duty deadline looms
Insurers and MGAs have until the end of April to ensure they have all the product reviews handed in to comply with Consumer Duty deadlines.
‘Massive blow’ for UK insurtechs averted as key bank is rescued
The Financial Conduct Authority has moved to reassure customers of their rights following the rescue of Silicon Valley Bank.
JMG buys HGV and motor trade specialist New Era
JMG Group has bought former appointed representative, Stoke-on-Trent-based HGV and motor specialist New Era for an undisclosed sum.
People on low incomes are giving up insurance due to ‘poverty premium’
More than half of people in poverty are finding it difficult to pay for their insurance, leading some to give up insurance as they prioritise food and energy bills, according to research by Social Market Foundation.