Broker
The sad loss of our publisher and friend Alex Broad
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the devastating news that Alex Broad, publisher of Insurance Age and sister title, Professional Broking, sadly passed away in early October.
Viewpoint: Time to put things right
With poor motor results continuously dismissed as being due to external factors, David Vine asks why insurers choose to ignore the evidence that would enable accurate pricing and, in turn, profit.
Product launch: Frost Cover collaboration
Commercial gritting organisation Gritit and risk management specialist CelsiusPro have announced the release of winter insurance product Frost Cover Certificates.
Analysis of top 100 brokers reveals market share increase
The UK broking market has weathered the economic storm well with the top 100 brokers managing to increase their market share, according to Insurance Age's 2010 Top 100 Independent Brokers supplement.
MGAA to clear 'mist of confusion' surrounding MGAs
The Managing General Agents' Association (MGAA) has claimed it will establish a clear differentiation between prospective members and the broking community as it gears up for launch this month.
Schemes news: Heath Lambert secures two significant affinity contracts
Heath Lambert has scooped two major affinity deals with RAC and Express Newspapers.
Aggregators are criticised for their poor online security
Price comparison sites Confused.com and Comparethemarket.com have been accused of leaving the door open to criminals by sacrificing security in favour of ease of use.
Poor insurer service feeds existence of MGAs
Consistently poor insurer service levels have allowed managing general agents (MGAs) to cement their place in the market, according to one of the latest entrants to the sector.
Risk management/claims: Brokers warned: enforce EL or risk legal action
Brokers that fail to advise clients about environmental liability risks could face legal action following a government crackdown.
Slow insurer processing could mean a backlog of IPT charges
Brokers could be left to foot the bill if insurers choose to apply the Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) increase from the date it hits their books, according to the British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba).
Product reviews: Flexible and competitive caravan cover
These products have been reviewd by brokers who have rated them from one to five, based on the policy's key benefits.
Health news: Online advice portal to complement launch of EFF
Exeter Friendly has revealed it will shortly go live with an online portal for brokers and advisers following the launch of a new insurance brand.
Select commission uplifts risk breaking new bribery laws
Insurers offering brokers increased commission rates for new business must ensure they have adequate procedures in place or they could risk breaching the Bribery Act 2010, according to legal experts.
Banks and FSA wrangle over new measures for PPI customers
The banking sector has locked legal horns with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) over the handling of payment protection insurance (PPI) claims.
Reportage - Future of regulation: Predicting the future
Everyone is aware the FSA is on its way out but what is less certain is how the new regulatory structure will operate. Liz McMahon explores what brokers can expect in the medium to long-term future.
Broker responsibility to warn clients of rising plant theft issue
Brokers have been urged to flag up the increasing threat of agricultural plant theft to clients as the problem reaches "epidemic" proportions.
News review: October
The founder and chairman of direct insurer Esure, Peter Wood, revealed that 2014 would be the earliest date that the company would launch an initial public offering.
LV Broker sets sights high on £1bn worth of business in first decade
LV Broker has revealed it is aiming to write £1bn worth of business by 2015, less than 10 years after its launch.
Allianz sharpens regional focus with Newcastle plans
Allianz Commercial has announced its intention to expand its regional branch network with the opening of a new office in Newcastle.
E-commerce: SMEs unconvinced by social networking value
Over half (52%) of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use social media but 27% of these have expressed serious doubts about the value of such sites.
Broker profile: Broking in a warzone
William Wakeham is worlds apart from the average Insurance Age reader. Martin Friel profiles the life of a broker working in Iraq as he risks car bombs, mortars and bullets in his bid to crack the Middle Eastern market
Reportage - High net worth: Because they're worth it
HNW was once the preserve of specialist brokers and insurers but there has recently been an increase in this type of business being transacted online. Louise Meeson asks if HNW clients and their prized possessions can really be taken care of without…
Health news: Rockbridge deal underlines CBG's healthcare focus
CBG Group has acquired Rockbridge Healthcare as part of its growth strategy in the healthcare sector.
Power hour: Giving something back
With the Government's introduction of the Big Society concept and public spending review, it is clear the private sector will need to step up its support of communities. This month's roundtable explores how the insurance industry should contribute…