News Analysis
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
Ratings downgrades may spark client flight to quality
With the number of ratings warnings increasing across the industry, brokers need to keep an eye out
Blood on the boardroom floor
What role did regulation play in the sacking of the entire Swinton executive board?
Brokers still pessimistic over commercial market
London Market KPMG survey predicts consolidation and rate hardening
Brokers split over network independence
Loss of independence cited as major reason for shunning networks, brokers explain
Motor drives combined operating ratios down but it’s not all one way traffic
Rate rises in motor boost half year results but commercial market hardening remains elusive
Farewell to the pool
The Assigned Risk Pool will eventually close in 2013, but entrants to the solicitors’ PI market are already trying to exploit this
Is the FSA ready to trash TCF?
FSA assures brokers its focus on TCF remains despite cancellation of workshop road shows
After the riots
Rioting in August took the country by surprise, but the insurance industry responded well, experts say
E-broking 2011: the rise of online trading
Get ready for increased e-trading, panel tells brokers at inaugural Insurance Age E-broking event
Brokers call for clear risk transfer policy
Biba 2011 delegates demand FSA and ABI devise rules governing brokers’ handling of client money.
Is this the end of insurer love affair with MGAs?
Market flux fuels speculation over managing general agents sector
Clarification needed on credit write-backs
Insurer inconsistency over payment of credit write-backs is frustrating brokers
Dual pricing must end, demands broker
Broker claims three cases cost his firm £35,000
Brokers divided over trade body union
Small independent brokers fear their voice will be lost in the crowd if Biba and IIB merger comes off.
RSA buys into calm waters of marine
Insurer snaps up pleasure craft specialist despite softening marine sector