News
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.
Car premiums up but leading indices show stall in rises
Two new surveys from the AA and Confused.com/Towers Watson have revealed a slow down in the ongoing rate rises in motor insurance premiums.
Keelan Westall makes new regional appointments
Keelan Westall has appointed two new business development managers to cover the South East and Midlands regions.
Former CBG MD joins rival Manchester broker
Manchester insurance broker Caunce O’Hara has announced the appointment of former CBG director Stephen Darcy as MD.
Allianz unveils PI team ahead of product launch
Allianz Commercial has established a new Professional Indemnity (PI) underwriting team in preparation for the launch of a new product later this month.
Online PI broker opens in Ipswich
PolicyBee, an online professional indemnity broker, has launched from offices in Ipswich targeting SME business, independent consultants and small consultancies.
Sean Genden appointed CEO of Travelers Europe
Travelers has named Sean Genden as chief executive officer for Travelers Europe. The provider said his appointment was designed to support its strategic and growth initiatives in the European property and casualty market.
Norgrove confirmed as Zurich's GI CEO in Ireland
Zurich Insurance has confirmed the appointment of Ken Norgrove as chief executive officer of its general insurance (GI) business in Ireland.
Autonet raids Carole Nash for senior hire
Van insurance specialist Autonet Insurance Group has appointed Phil Evans as its new head of operations.
Biba launches FSCS petition to prompt Treasury review
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has launched a petition of its members on the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to be tabled in the House of Commons by an MP.
MMA launches scheme team
Broker-only insurer MMA has formed a dedicated schemes team designed to build on the 20% growth of commercial schemes it experienced in 2010.
FSA trebles fines to £97m
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) trebled the value of fines it collected from financial services businesses in just one year, from £33.1m to £96.7m, according to Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC).
Groupama launches first product from "Exclusively" range
Groupama Insurances has created a series of specialist commercial insurance products for open market trading with supporting brokers.
Congregational invests in specialist broker
Congregational & General Insurance has purchased a minority shareholding in Solihull-based David Edwards Insurance Brokers.
Mike Smith says MMA will be "a force to be reckoned with"
Former Provident Insurance director Mike Smith has reacted to the news that the specialist motor insurer has been sold to Covea Group-owned insurer MMA.
Insurance Age blog: Space - the final frontier
Up until now, the opportunity to venture into space has been available to a very select few. In fact over the past 50 years less than 500 people have been lucky enough to blast into that vast abyss that exists beyond our rather worn out ozone layer.
Biba in trade credit deal
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has announced an agreement with the Government’s Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) to provide general insurance brokers with access to the ECGD export insurance scheme for their clients.
Provident deal receives cautious welcome from brokers
MMA’s acquisition of Provident has been welcomed by brokers, but concern has been voiced over how the merger could impact on the variety of products available.
What the Papers Say
Welcome to the latest edition of What the Papers Say. This month, Insurance Age editor Martin Friel is joined by senior reporter, Liz McMahon and Richard Adams, associate director at FWD.
Business insolvency rate falls again
Business insolvencies in February 2011 fell by 12.5% to 1,605 compared to the same month in 2010 when 1,834 failed in the UK.
Ageas unveils four retail appointments
Ageas UK has announced a series of appointments as it looks to support the growth of its retail operations.
MMA to buy Provident Insurance
Covea Group owned insurer MMA has agreed a long touted deal to acquire the Halifax based motor insurer Provident.
Claims firm shut down and stung with fine following organised fraud
An accident management company director has been hit with “huge” legal bill after his involvement in a string of fraudulent claims topping £200,000.