Broker
LV denies market charge of 'massaging' motor results
LV has hit back at persistent market speculation surrounding the health of its motor business.
Reward for efficiency required
There is no incentive for accident management companies to perform efficiently and the market requires legislation or a new product in order for it to perform acceptably.
Reportage - insurer service: Less is more
Insurers have shunned small partnerships in favour of big business, but this may have been an error of judgement. Jonathan Davey uncovers why smaller brokers may have more to offer.
Ink hopes facility launch will fill solicitors' PI hole
Ink Underwriting Agencies has stated its intention to seize a "sizeable chunk" of the solicitors' professional indemnity (PI) market following the launch of a new facility.
Broker claims debate: Restoring relations
With insurers under-resourced to cope with growing credit-hire volumes, the industry is feeling the strain. Chris Shaw asks how relations can be improved.
Axa withdraws personal lines business from Westinsure
Axa has confirmed that its personal lines intermediary business has exited the Westinsure broker network and that all preferential commission rates for that book have ceased.
James Hallam undergoes a 'lucky' rebrand
The holding company of James Hallam Insurance Brokers has undergone a rebrand as the group positions itself to make further investments in the broking market.
Interview: A stern lesson
Liz McMahon meets Australia's latest export, Keith Stern, as he explains how his experiences on the other side of the world have equipped him to lead the Lloyd's regional broker pursuit
Stonebridge poaches Bridle staff
Stonebridge Corporate Insurance Solutions has staked a claim to the Southampton market with a raid on rival firm Bridle Insurance Brokers.
Bluefin selected as SPL broker
Bluefin is to target further sporting business north of the border after being appointed by the Scottish Premier League (SPL) as its nominated insurance broker.
Social media users could face rise in home premiums
Aggregators are divided over whether social networkers could see their home insurance premiums rise.
Banks put loan pressure on commercial clients with preferred broker constraints
The broking community has accused banks of abusing their position by placing increasing and aggressive pressure on small commercial clients to use their preferred insurance intermediaries.
Opinion: Editor's comment
We're all fully aware the Financial Services Authority (FSA) is getting tough. Both the trade press and the business pages of the national press are full of stories about the regulator fining and banning financial services practitioners. And this is very…
Agenda: Do big insurance mergers work?
RSA's unwelcome bid for Aviva raises many issues but the main one is whether mergers between large insurance companies work in the long term.
Broker claims debate: Giving credit where it's due
Credit-hire organisations step in to provide replacement vehicles to not at fault drivers when insurers fail to serve their needs. Unsurprisingly, the relationship between the two industries has always been tense. Edward Murray asks where brokers fit in…
Comparison site to provide unique gadget cover service
Moneymaxim has launched what it claims is the first gadget insurance comparison service.
Market Moves
A monthly look at who is moving where...
Product launches: Sterling wins DOA contract
David Oliver Associates (DOA) has chosen Sterling Insurance Company to underwrite its new Platinum Commercial Combined Policy.
News review: September
John Lewis unveiled plans to rebrand its insurance offering as it targeted "rapid growth" in the insurance market.
Industry's achievers reap the benefits at UK Broker Awards
Thomas, Carroll and Caravan Guard scooped two awards apiece at this year's UK Broker Awards.
Reportage - state of the market: Caring for the community
There was a time when networks were touted as the best alternative to brokers that did not want to sell out to a consolidator. Louise Meeson assesses the current state of the market and asks if the same arguments in support of network membership still…
Lloyd's hopes to boost market share by 'getting out to regions'
Lloyd's new regional manager of UK and Ireland, Keith Stern, has revealed plans to target regional brokers in a bid to boost market share.
Reportage - start-ups: Branching out
Starting your own business is exciting but deciding between autonomy and a helping hand can be tough. Edward Murray looks at what to consider to get what you want and make sure your venture flourishes.
Barbon set to expand as comeback proves a success
Managing director of Barbon Insurance Group, Martin Oliver, has said the business was fighting back and had reclaimed a majority of the business it lost in its lettings and commercial property business as Erinaceous Insurance Services.