Articles by Sian Barton
Co-op hits out at Unite over Markerstudy deal claims
Unite said the deal is a “betrayal” of the Co-op philosophy as trade union predicts 200 jobs at risk once deal goes through.
FCA threatens intervention over BI claim deductions
The #justpayit campaign has highlighted that some providers are reducing BI payouts to businesses which have received government support grants.
GRP buys seven business books from Aon
The deal includes a large portfolio in Northern Ireland.
AA confirms offer talks amid refinancing
The group is meeting with Centerbridge Partners Europe, LLP alongside Towerbrook Capital Partners UK, Platinum Equity Advisors and Warburg Pincus International as it flags £2.65bn of debt.
Hiscox COR soars to 114.6% and losses hit $138.9m
The provider has also reserved $232m for Covid-19 related claims as it reports H1 2020 numbers.
Aston Lark buys PHM
The deal adds around £4m in GWP and sees Aston Lark push further into employee benefits.
Pen increases solicitors’ PI capacity to more than £100m
The backing comes from A-rated capacity and lasts for three years.
Finnish provider in cash offer talks with Hastings
Sampo Oyj has approached the business along with Rand Merchant Investment Holdings.
Sabre reports GWP of £86.9m for first half of 2020
The motor insurer said it had continued focus on a strategy of prioritising underwriting profitability over volume whilst reflecting Covid-19 impacts using a data-driven pricing approach.
FCA reveals vulnerable customer guidelines
Insurance Cares: The watchdog has called on financial services firms to do more to ensure vulnerable customers receive positive outcomes as it consults on guidance.
Roles from LV and L&G at risk amid redundancy programme
LV General Insurance has revealed “worst case scenario” of up to 600 job cuts as it restructures and integrates L&G.
LV puts 600 roles at risk of redundancy
The cull follows the acquisition of Legal & General as the personal lines insurer seeks to integrate the businesses and streamline its claims function.
Marsh Commercial offers cashback to former personal lines customers
Exclusive: The broker has handed back cash following an internal review and admits some clients were not offered the most competitive terms between 2012 and 2018.
Hiscox blasted by QC over policy interpretation
The arguments set out by Hiscox in its defence over non-payment of business interruption arising from Covid-19 are too narrow, unrealistic and uncommercial according to Hiscox Action Group.
CMA launches official inquiry into Ardonagh’s Bennetts deal
The regulatory body must make a decision on whether to refer the merger for further investigation by 16 September this year.
FCA versus insurers as test case showdown begins
It was confirmed up to 370,000 policyholders may be affected by the test case which aims to decide on the validity of business interruption cover during the coronavirus outbreak.
FCA seeks views on SM&CR following deadline extension
The regulator has published a consultation paper on amending its rules in the wake of coronavirus.
Insurers haul brokers into FCA BI case again
A joint skeleton argument attacks the FCA’s stance that SME customers are not sophisticated insurance buyers because they used brokers and slams Contra Proferentem as “restrictive” and “out of step”.
Biba reports conference cancellation coverage
The trade body said in its accounts that it was “indemnified against significant financial loss” and is now looking at how it can host future events.
Covid-19 to boost broker M&A
David Hopwood, of Marsh Networks, predicts the pace of M&A will increase as the UK moves out of lockdown.
MGAs under threat as insurers set to crackdown
News Analysis: Covid-19 and BI wordings row likely to see a flight to quality, specialist providers while vanilla offerings set to struggle.
Saga confirms 300 redundancies
The insurance and travel provider said the business had been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
WTW calls shareholder meeting on Aon deal
A meeting of Willis Tower Watson shareholders has been called as US Department of Justice calls for more information on the £22.9bn merger.
FCA: A roadmap for brokers through Covid-19
The regulator exclusively spoke to Insurance Age for the Broker Extra event.