News
UK General creates new MD role as part of restructure
Michael Warren has been appointed to the new role of managing director of UK General Insurance Group.
Hastings hires ahead of planned flotation
Hastings Direct has appointed a new MD of insurer services ahead of its planned IPO next year.
Regulatory burden on brokers is heavier than tax
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has warned that the regulatory burden imposed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) on the insurance broking sector is a greater competitive disadvantage than the amount of corporation tax it pays.
Solicitors' PI market leader Chartis slams SRA consultation
Chartis has been the latest insurer to react to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority’s (SRA) consultation on the Assigned Risk Pool (ARP).
Arista seeks to double business in next three years
Arista Insurance has unveiled a range of measures in bid to double its business volumes by 2014.
Hastings launches affinity and partnership division
Hastings Insurance Services has announced the launch of a new specialist division, Hastings Partnerships led by business development director Andy Kirton, which will handle all of the company’s affinity and partnership business.
Giles to sell off life sciences business
Giles Insurance Brokers is to sell its life sciences business as it looks to focus on its more traditional lines of business.
John Nelson named next chairman of Lloyd’s
Lloyd’s has announced the appointment of John Nelson as its new chairman effective from October.
Towergate appoints Alastair Lyons as non-executive chairman
Towergate has announced the appointment of Alastair Lyons CBE as non-executive chairman with Peter Cullum CBE, the current executive chairman, taking on the role of non-executive deputy chairman.
Plum hires in bid to fuel further growth
Plum Underwriting has hired two new underwriters to handle its rapid growth in the non-standard household market.
Brokers favour tighter home claims checks, according to Axa
Over one third of brokers (38%) said they believed people were more likely to exaggerate a claim than a year ago, according to research by Axa.
New player enters high end liability market
Lloyd’s broker Kite Warren & Wilson (KWW) is targeting the high end SME asset manager and Lloyd’s managing agents market with a suite of new liability products.
Countdown to Biba 2011: the changing regulatory landscape
With the British Insurance Brokers' Association conference now less than four weeks away, Post and Insurance Age editor-in-chief Jonathan Swift sat down with the Biba CEO Eric Galbraith to discuss the issues which are likely to come to the fore in…
Insurance Age blog: It's a question of taste
According to research from the University of Hertfordshire, a blind taste test performed by over 400 members of the public has revealed that we cannot tell the difference between cheap or expensive wine.
Mitsui Sumitomo confirms Chubb raid as it moves into Ireland
Mitsui Sumitomo at Lloyd’s has confirmed that it is to establish branches in Dublin and Belfast as part of its expansion plans.
Zurich disappointed by SRA changes
Zurich has raised concerns that the changes unveiled by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will not address challenges in the market particularly for small firms renewing professional indemnity (PI) insurance.
Five year fraud investigation results in 33 guilty pleas
A five year investigation by Bedfordshire Police into a major insurance fraud by an organised criminal enterprise based in Luton has concluded with three of the last four defendants being found guilty at Luton Crown Court.
SRA confirms ARP changes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed sweeping changes to the Assigned Risks Pool (ARP) ahead of a full policy statement to be issued on 18 April.
Biba issues response to Treasury consultation
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has responded to the HM Treasury consultation: A new approach to regulation – building a stronger system, and called for proportionate, appropriate and cost-effective regulation for brokers.
Markel goes direct but promises brokers e-trade option
Markel UK, the retail division of Markel International, has launched a direct commercial offering.
Joint venture purchase of Quinn results in 30 UK redundancies
A joint venture of Liberty Mutual and Anglo Irish Bank has been announced as the preferred bidder for the general insurance business of Quinn Insurance.
ABI warns against duplication in regulatory reform
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for transparent and accountable co-ordination between the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
APC to double SME presence in the North
APC has revealed it aims to double its book of SME business in the North of England and Scotland over the next 18 months by hiring a dedicated business development manager (BDM) for the region.
Calls for ban on referral fees after car premiums rise 40%
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for an immediate ban on referral fees following research from the AA showing that the average motor insurance premium has risen by 40% over the last year.