News Analysis
QBE’s takeover of Brit’s regional business hailed as perfect marriage
“The potential opportunities for QBE within the regional market now are massive” Elliot Miller, QBE
Tug of war over Cobra fuels speculation
Cobra Holdings’ sale could create lucrative opportunities for rival networks
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
Industry frets over motor premium drop
Survey reveals drop in premiums, which may be good news for drivers but brokers are not so sure
Brokers face income hit after Ministry of Justice closes CMCs
Closure of claims management companies could lead to significant losses for some smaller brokers
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…
RSA’s agency cull sparks broker unease
Insurer’s new broker strategy could see further reduction in agencies
The new breed of consolidator
With management changes at some of the country’s largest brokers, the consolidator model is evolving
Aviva plan to go regional will “speed up decision-making”
Corporate business underwriting to be conducted regionally in Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham
Brokers increase their PI footprint
Professional indemnity market shows no sign of slow down and attracts slew of new entrants
FSA warns brokers over mis-selling of add-ons
Regulator claims customers may have been sold add-ons and extras they neither want nor need
Sants departure gets mixed reaction
Hector Sants has announced his intention to leave the Financial Services Authority (FSA) for the second time, and this time it looks like it is actually going to happen.
The new breed of consolidator
With management changes at some of the country’s largest brokers, the consolidator model is evolving
Free to compete
The advent of real-time pricing could free brokers’ hands and create a more level playing field
Brokers on the brink?
Administrations, threatened product pull-outs and agency culls have sparked brokers’ fears over the future of the market
Commercial faces long road to hardening rates
Despite insurers announcing improved profitability last year, the commercial market still faces tough trading conditions
Are you ready for the next big thing in motor?
Telematics could transform motor insurance, and brokers who already have a foot in the market could cash in
Maturing market sees more brokers flit between networks
Increasing numbers of brokers switching providers blamed on “bloody competitive” network market
Lessons to learn from FSA
That broker favourite, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has taken a bit of a pasting from the Treasury Select Committee which described the soon to depart regulator as too expensive, aloof, bureaucratic and unable to protect customers.
Straw vows to continue pushing on motor insurance premiums
Transport Select Committee calls for multi-government department approach
How long till a hardening market?
Rumours of the impending hardening market may be premature
Groupama up for grabs
Speculation continues to surround the sale of French insurance giant’s UK operations
Government brings ABI young driver proposals to a full stop
Road safety minister rejects ABI proposals to place restrictions on new and young drivers
HNW players jockey for position
High net worth was the big growth area last year, and the new players will be looking to establish themselves