Esure reports £15.4m pre-tax loss for "disappointing" 2018

Esure has posted a pre-tax loss of £15.4m in 2018, down from a pre-tax profit of £98.6m in 2017.

In addition its combined operating ratio (COR) deteriorated to 111.8% (2017: 96.7%).

However, the business reported an increase in gross written premiums (GWP) to £862.2m from £820.2m in the preceding year.

Looking at its motor division, Esure posted a 5.1% increase in GWP to £771.4m (2017: £734.3m) and an underwriting loss of £74.5m (2017: profit of £24.9m), which it said was driven by claims