Analysis/Commercial
The stats: Commercial rates continue to fall in Q4 2025
The latest Acturis Commercial Broking Index confirms softer market conditions, as negative movements in Q4 led to rate stabilisation for the full year and put a stop to a six-year growth period. Ida Axling reports.
Experts say industry is improving on fair value despite FCA criticism
The Financial Conduct Authority’s findings that brokers are still struggling to provide evidence that their remuneration is consistent with fair value rules has sparked mixed reactions among people working in the sector. Ida Axling explores the fallout…
How specialist incubators are helping fuel MGA growth
The managing general agent sector is booming, creating increased demand for specialists who can help would-be MGAs get set up. Edward Murray explores this world of ‘incubators’, and highlights how they can help fledging businesses.
Event insurance – how is the sector evolving to meet the changing risk landscape?
While the event sector has rebounded post-Covid, it still faces a host of challenges. Challenges that offer brokers opportunities to help organisers both manage and mitigate risks to soften the blow if they have to cancel or postpone a planned event due…
Market Movement Index: should I stay or should I go?
New research from analyst Broker Insights shows there is plenty of commercial policy movement – particularly in lower premium classes – which indicates strong competition and adequate capacity. But do brokers agree? Rachel Gordon reports.
The stats: Hard market remains - but for how much longer?
Property and fleet rates remain stubbornly high as shown by the latest Q4 figures from the Acturis Commercial Lines Index, Rachel Gordon reports.
The stats: Q3 hit by rocketing property owners and fleet rates
The latest figures from Acturis show that commercial insurance premiums continue to rise, resulting in an increasingly challenging environment for brokers and their clients, reports Rachel Gordon.
The stats: Q2 2023 sees fleet rates begin upward climb
The latest Acturis stats reveal that the previously stagnant fleet sector has turned a corner as insurers hike premiums to cope with claims inflation, reports Rachel Gordon.
The stats: Q1 2023: Onwards and upwards – commercial rates continue to rise
Insurance rates increased year-on-year by 4.5% in the first quarter of 2023 with property being the key driver according to research from Acturis. Rachel Gordon digs into the data.
The stats: The only way is up - Q4’s commercial premiums continue to rise
Businesses are yet again facing more costly cover with the Acturis Commercial Broking Index revealing increases across the board, reports Rachel Gordon.
Review of the Year 2022: Sean Kemple, managing director, Close Brothers Premium Finance
In the latest part of Insurance Age's review of the year Sean Kemple, managing director, Close Brothers Premium Finance offers his reflections on 2022 and predictions for the next 12 months.
Pressures on fleet market push rates upwards
Figures from Acturis and opinion from market specialists indicate that fleet rates now look set to rise after many months of premium falls and stagnation.
Broker Expo 2022: Brokers warned get "on the front foot" to combat disintermediation threat
The biggest threats to commercial brokers include an inability to understand new growing industries, disintermediation through embedded insurance and talent recruitment.
News analysis: Post FCA Covid-19 test case how are brokers finding the BI market?
Business interruption was put in the spotlight during Covid-19, as insurers insisted that the pandemic was not covered in policies, Insurance Age looks at how BI has changed since then.
Analysis: The inflation challenge
The ever-increasing rate of inflation in the UK and certainty of more to come has led to warnings of challenges for brokers and insurers alike with issues ranging from difficult conversations on premium rises to underinsurance and the prospect of turning…
Analysis: Spotlight falls on personal lines amid consolidation frenzy
After a record breaking year for deals by value and volume, specialists analyse what is driving the market and where the acquisition rush will go next. Emmanuel Kenning reports.
Survey: What direction should commercial and agricultural insurance e-trading be taking?
Brokers explain how providers can improve the commercial and agricultural insurance e-trading experience for a survey conducted by MS Amlin and Insurance Age
News analysis: Construction sector faces hit from hardening market
Brokers must prove their worth as industries face price hikes in professional indemnity insurance
Regional review: Norwich
Cutting the mustard: Known for its association with a fiery condiment, Delia and it’s historical insurance connections, Norwich is growing and, as the city’s brokers tell Insurance Age, the future is bright
Expertise from A-Z: Safe as houses
Overseas investment in London has meant high and stable property prices. How can insurers stay in touch in such a competitive arena?
Expertise In Action - Big data: Thinking big
‘Big data’ has long been hailed as the next big thing in insurance – so why have firms been so slow to harness its undoubted potential?