Insurer
Tug of war over Cobra fuels speculation
Cobra Holdings’ sale could create lucrative opportunities for rival networks
Products: DAS set for launch of Loss Assist at Biba
DAS Group is to expand its range of assistance products with Loss Assist, set to be launched at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s 2012 conference in May.
Products: Slew of telematics-based policies released
There has been a recent hike in telematics activity, with several black-box products released into the market last month.
How to… secure the best talent
In a nutshell ▶ To get the best management team you must research the market, strike a balance between differing personalities and have a distinct corporate personality
Personal injury exposures could lead to insurer downgrades
“This will have a tremendous financial impact – just how tremendous and when it will impact is uncertain” David Williams, Axa
Products: Keelan Westall targets empty commercial property with product
Hampshire-based wholesale broker Keelan Westall has launched Agility Commercial, a product designed to protect vacant commercial properties from damage caused by vandalism, flooding, fire or squatters.
Industry frets over motor premium drop
Survey reveals drop in premiums, which may be good news for drivers but brokers are not so sure
Products: LV Broker adds home insurance product to its e-trading platform
LV Broker launched its ABC home insurance product on Insurecom, in a move the insurer said would strengthen its e-trading offering and prove beneficial for its broker partners.
Brokers face income hit after Ministry of Justice closes CMCs
Closure of claims management companies could lead to significant losses for some smaller brokers
You’re fired
Changes to employment law swing the balance of power back towards the employer, but there are still pitfalls to avoid, explains Peter Done
Market moves: The moves merry-go-round
The insurance recruitment gene pool has long required dilution but it still seems to be the same names popping up going to new jobs at new companies. Which wouldn’t be so bad if so many of them didn’t end up going back to the company they originally left…
Products: Income protection products still relevant, L&G says
Legal & General (L&G) has launched Lifestyle Cover, a new short-term income protection product.
RSA’s agency cull sparks broker unease
Insurer’s new broker strategy could see further reduction in agencies
Products: Lumley Jacobs signs up forensic coding partner
Non-risk and income specialist Lumley Jacobs has signed a deal to supply Tradewise with a branded forensic coding system. The company will incorporate the forensic coding within its proposition for motor trade and commercial vehicle customers.
Products: Mondial product to help patient recovery at home
Mondial Assistance UK has created a new homecare product, Insured Personal Care at Home, and appointed Phil Carr as head of health services to lead its launch.
Sentiment Survey Spring 2012
The latest Sentiment Survey covers market hardening expectations, increasing broker engagement with social media and the priorities for Biba, all according to brokers
Products: Paymentshield updates its online system
Paymentshield has announced an investment of over £2m in its Inertia Online System, and an overhaul of its insurer panel, in a bid to enhance the products and services it offers to brokers.
LV hires claims director from American Express Insurance
LV has appointed Chris Rolland as claims director responsible for overseeing all aspects of claims within LV's general insurance business.
QBE's acquisition strategy contributes to Moody's downgrade
QBE's "aggressive pace of acquisitions" has led Moody's to downgrade the outlook of the insurer's senior debt ratings from 'stable' to 'negative'.
Liberty sets up Leeds operation
Liberty Mutual Insurance has made four new appointments as it opens a new office in Leeds.
Aviva's Moss waives payrise as shareholders kick back over executive pay
Aviva has agreed to review its remuneration policy as the insurer attempts to avoid a shareholder revolt over executive pay.
Income pressure to hamper premium recovery until 2015
Non-life premiums will not recover to 2003 levels until after 2015, according to the Ernst & Young ITEM Club Outlook for financial services.
Referral fee ban lacks definition and will "damage access to justice"
The LASPO Bill represents “a litany of missed opportunities for the personal injury system” according to John Spencer, director of Spencers Solicitors.
Blanc urges brokers to get online to defend SME market
Axa Commercial’s CEO, Amanda Blanc, has warned brokers they risk losing the SME space to the direct market if they continue to ignore the benefits of e-commerce.