Insurer
News analysis: Will NCDs for fleets catch on, and what does the future hold for the CV sector?
Last year, Zurich Insurance announced it was enhancing its SME e-trade fleet offering by accepting no claims discount (NCD) claims history in response to broker demand. Saxon East examines the ramifications of this move – and explores other dynamics shaping the CV market in 2026 and beyond.
Storah promises brokers more to come as Aviva reaches sub 94% ‘North Star’ COR
Aviva grew gross written premium and policy numbers in a “challenging” SME market, Jason Storah, CEO for UK and Ireland general insurance at Aviva, confirmed to Insurance Age, as he promised further broker focus after its 2025 results.
Aviva posts UK commercial growth as Direct Line boosts GWP to over £9bn
Aviva grew UK commercial premiums by 7% to £3.85bn last year as it improved the combined operating ratio in the line to 93.9% from 95.4%.
Admiral breaks £1bn barrier for UK motor profit in 2025
Admiral’s UK insurance business has reported a 11% jump in profit to £1.09bn in 2025 (2024: £977bn) on a turnover of £5bn (2024: £5.1bn) with motor contributing £1.02bn (2024: £955m) and household, travel and pet £62m (2024: £22m).
Stephanie Cryer promoted to QBE International CUO
QBE has promoted Stephanie Cryer to chief underwriting officer for its international division, effective 1 April 2026.
Policy Expert recruits from PIB for new COO to replace co-founder Powell
Personal lines specialist Policy Expert has appointed Richard Kirby as chief operating officer to support what it has described as “its next phase of growth”.
Beazley profit drops 19% in year prior to Zurich deal
Beazley has reported a profit before tax of $1.14bn (£857.99m) in the year ended 31 December 2025, down from $1.42bn in 2024, as insurance written premiums stayed stagnant.
Zurich and Beazley deal ‘not about laying off staff’ – CEO Greco
Zurich CEO Mario Greco has made clear the £8.1bn acquisition of Beazley is “not about laying off staff” as he noted Beazley will become fully part of Zurich in 2027.
Zurich takeover of Beazley a step closer after boards agree offer terms
The respective boards have agreed the terms of a recommended all-cash offer by Zurich for the entire issued and to-be-issued share capital of Beazley.
Bermuda insurer invests in MGA consolidator
The owner of UK MGAs Avid and Landmark, Bishop Street Underwriters, has announced that it has completed a strategic structured capital investment of $125m (£93m) by White Mountains Insurance Group.
Axa’s door “fully open” to new DA and schemes business – Markham
Joel Markham, Axa Commercial’s director of schemes, delegated authorities, financial lines and speciality, has outlined its pipeline in DA business remains strong; whilst noting its investment in technology means it is more “nimble” and less frictional…
Aviva grows broking Rising Stars programme with largest cohort
Aviva has extended its Rising Stars programme with its 19 cohorts, aiming to help brokers retain the best talent from across their business.
People Moves: 23 – 27 February 2026
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Allianz CEO Holmes: ‘Head-scratching’ rivals holding up commercial market hardening
Allianz UK CEO Colm Holmes has lambasted a couple of rivals for pushing “head-scratching” commercial rates into the market and discounting to a point that is “excessive in extreme”.
Aviva restructures GCS team as Probitas CEO Washington leaves
Matt Washington, managing director of Global Corporate & Specialty at Aviva and CEO of Probitas, is set to leave the insurer as it restores his responsibilities into two roles.
Axa reports UK and Ireland softest markets in Europe in FY results
Axa UK and Ireland saw the softest markets across commercial and personal lines within the group’s European business, it reported today.
Allianz UK profits jump 29.5% to £476.2m on the back of COR improvement
Allianz UK has reported a 29.5% increase in profit in 2025 to £476.2m (2024: £386.8m) on the back of an improved combined operating ratio of 93% (2024: 93%) as its total business volume shrunk by 0.3% to £4.66bn (2024: £4.64bn).
Hiscox recruits Jadav from Axa XL as UK CUO
Anish Jadav has been appointed UK chief underwriting officer at Hiscox, succeeding Ben Horton.
Ageas posts higher UK premium amid deal effects starting to kick in
Ageas grew UK premium by 6% to €1.93bn (£1.68bn) last year with the insurer noting a “solid UK result despite [the] softer market”.
Hiscox grows UK book even faster in 2025
Hiscox’s growth momentum has accelerated again in the UK, with the insurer excited about its results and even “more excited about the future” with brokers, according to group chief underwriting officer Joanne Musselle.
Ex-senior Dual duo launch new specialist manufacturing MGA
Accelerant-backed managing general agent incubator Mission has hit double figures for UK/EU start-ups with the launch of Elitium today.