Insurer
Hiscox slumps to half year losses but UK prospers
Hiscox Group has reported a pre-tax loss of £85.6m for the first six months of 2011, in the comparable period of 2010 it made £97.2m in profit.
Quinn issues mass refund after overcharging customers
Quinn has had to refund 20,500 customers after it failed to give them an agreed discount.
How to… sell personal accident cover
▶ There is a common misconception that personal accident (PA) cover is difficult to sell and administer – this is not the case. It is incredibly flexible – there are no rules about the number of employees or size of premium and the benefits can be…
Products: RSA launches “easy to understand” marine product for non-specialist brokers
RSA has claimed an industry first with the launch of its combined Marine Cargo and Marine Stock Throughput policy.
Review: Telematics and fleet in one
This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five stars, based on the policy’s key benefits. * = Poor ** = Average *** = Good **** = Very good ***** = Excellent
Review: Helping hotels
This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five stars, based on the policy’s key benefits. * = Poor ** = Average *** = Good **** = Very good ***** = Excellent
Products: Axa offers chartered brokers benefits
Axa Commercial Lines has announced its intention to favour chartered brokers with the launch of a specialist proposition that it said would deliver a range of unique benefits. The insurer plans to hold a number of discussion groups nationwide to help …
Products: Pruhealth in final stages of SLH product integration
Pruhealth has vowed to take a leadership position in terms of differential commission as it approaches the final stage of its product integration following its acquisition of Standard Life Health (SLH).
Product roundup: It’s a Standard Life for the man from the Pru
The finish line is now visible for the much discussed integration of Standard Life Health into Pruhealth, following its acquisition last year. The insurer has taken the move as an opportunity to adopt what it calls a leadership stance on differential…
How to… boost your CV
▶ In one of the most competitive jobs markets for years, candidates have their work cut out just to get as far as the interview stage. ▶ Your CV has really got to cut the mustard and extra-curricular activities are a prime opportunity to help you stand…
Market moves: Underwriting boost and a nod to brokers
An interesting month saw ongoing developments on commercial business with personal lines remaining steadfastly silent. Insurers looked to boost their underwriting and pricing capabilities while keen to highlight they were reaching out to brokers. Axa…
Profile: Back on track
David Williams tells Emmanuel Kenning how Axa lost its way, his part in putting it on the right track and how he has managed to survive and thrive at the company
Reportage: Back to basics
Is underwriting becoming a lost art, or is technology helping to make it better than ever? Louise Meeson finds out
Power hour: In the grand scheme of things
The industry may not always agree on what constitutes a scheme, but they could hold the secret of future success for brokers, reports Liz McMahon
Brokers react to Quinn return
Rumours of Sean Quinn making a return with an offshore insurance vehicle have caused a furore throughout the UK insurance market, with some brokers demanding preventative regulatory action.
Do insurers have referral fee trick up their sleeves?
Brokers fear impact of insurers changing Tobas to tackle referral fees
Bean Counters 1, Consumers 0
A bad personal claims experience leads Nigel Dyer to question how some insurers achieve their loss ratios
Demand for niche car insurance add-ons is growing, says survey
One in five (21%) of Britons looking to buy a car in the next 12 months will also purchase GAP insurance cover, according to Mapfre Assistance.
Insurance Age blog: Brokers as moths
Brokers often get a bum rap from the public. For years the public have been told that brokers are merely a middle man that adds cost to the insurance process and customers would do well to 'cut them out'.
MGAA to launch in September
The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) has confirmed that it is to officially launch on 1 September.
JLT thrives as Thistle struggles to produce profit
Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) has announced a 9% growth in both revenue and profit before tax for the six months to 30 June 2011.
Solvency II should be delayed until 2014, says European Parliament
The Committee of Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament has released its draft report on Omnibus II with the proposal that the full requirements of Solvency II should not be implemented until 1 January 2014.
Chris Hanks' replacement as CII president elected
Julian James has been elected 115th president of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
Premium increases cooling off, says AA
According to the latest British Insurance Premium Index from the AA, the rate of increase in both car and home insurance premiums has levelled off.