Insurers are poor at buying other businesses
The possible sale of RAC shows how insurers have difficulty in enhancing shareholder value when acquiring non-core businesses, writes Tony Cornell
This column has tracked the ownership of RAC over the years and another twist in the story is likely to take place in the next few weeks.
RAC has never been the powerhouse in personal lines that its competitor in assistance services, the AA, has been – RAC always gave prominence to its core business and dabbled in motor insurance. It originally set up a small broker, and then tied to Guardian (later Axa) for a huge initial golden hello, returned to a panel approach and then sold its entire
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Insurer
Amiga targets SME and mid-market with new Lloyd’s capacity for management liability
Amiga Specialty has secured new Lloyd’s capacity to support its management liability proposition for SME and mid-market businesses across the UK, Europe and select rest of-world territories.
End of Year Review 2025: Axa Retail’s Matt Field
Matt Field, intermediary director at Axa Retail, hails the insurer’s domestic violence proposition; keeps a keen eye on its NPS; and predicts new entrants to shake up the retail personal lines market, with a particular focus on data and technology.
People Moves: 15 – 19 December 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
End of Year Review 2025: Bspoke’s Craig Morgan
Craig Morgan, managing director of Bspoke Sports & Leisure, echoes the concerns of others over the speed the market has softened; hails the work of Ajay Mistry in championing transparency and diversity; and shares a giant darts nickname.
FCA commits to expanded work in response to Which? super-complaint
The Financial Conduct Authority has promised to do more work on improving claims handling and consumer understanding of cover in light of Which? hitting the watchdog with a super-complaint about the ‘broken’ home and travel insurance markets.
End of Year Review 2025: Allianz Personal’s Graham Wright
Graham Wright, managing director – broker (interim) at Allianz Personal, acknowledges customers have benefited from the soft market, muses about whether consolidation has suppressed new entrants and keeps his cards close to his chest over the insurer’s plans for 2026.
Mindful placement in a soft market – why discipline still matters
Soft markets demand sharper thinking to avoid a false sense of security and complacency, argues John Dunn, managing director of distribution and market management at The Clear Group and Brokerbility.
Esure CEO Martin-Simon to depart as Ageas unveils new direct MD
Ageas UK has announced that the Esure CEO Peter Martin-Simon is to leave the company in April next year six months after taking up the role.