News
OFT: consumers can improve professional services sector
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has made recommendations designed to improve the professional services market and driving consumer choice.
MD buys part of Broker Assistance out of administration
The managing director of troubled claims management company, Broker Assistance, has purchased the claims handling part of the company from administrators.
Hastings' GWP leaps 52%
Hastings has announced its EBITDA rose to £27m in its full year figures to the end of June, more than double 2010’s total of £11m.
Ten sentenced in crash for cash scam
Ten people have been sentenced after a three year investigation, led by Ageas, into a crash for cash conspiracy.
Former Heath Lambert MD joins CCV in Towergate shake up
CCV has appointed a former Heath Lambert managing director as its new chief operating officer.
Biba reveals theme for 2012 conference
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has announced the theme for its 2012 conference.
Claims management company enters administration
Broker Assistance, the claims management company, has entered administration.
Car insurance premiums now falling, research says
Comprehensive car insurance premiums fell by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2011 according to the latest Car Insurance Price Index from Confused.com and Towers Watson.
Clear appoints from Willis Networks
Clear Insurance Management has appointed Simon Taylor, previously regional managing director for Willis Network, to the role of executive director.
MGAA secures FSA fees deal
Full members of the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) can pay their Financial Services Authority (FSA) fees by instalments at a discounted rate following its official recognition as a financial services trade association.
Claims experts defend firms against Straw’s “parasite” comments
Claims specialists have defended their offerings after Jack Straw branded claims management companies (CMCs) and credit hire companies as “parasites in the system”.
UK Broker Conference 2011: service more important than price
Businesses look for a range of qualities when choosing a broker, and cost may not be the most important factor, according to business trade bodies.
Nine arrests over crash for cash scam in Huddersfield
Eight men and one woman have been arrested by police in Kirklees as part of a major investigation into suspected fraud and money laundering offences.
Survey finds start ups at risk from lack of PI cover
Small businesses and freelance consultants delay purchasing professional indemnity (PI) insurance for an average of six months after setting up, according to research by PolicyBee.
Willis and Kiln launch new protection policy for hotels
Willis Group and Kiln, a Lloyd’s of London underwriter, have joined forces to create a policy aimed at protecting hotels from financial loss arising out of adverse publicity.
Straw slams CMC “parasites” and near criminal activity
Jack Straw MP has attacked claims management companies (CMCs) and credit hire firms as “parasites in the system” in his evidence to the Transport Select Committee’s investigation into the cost of motor insurance.
ABI warns Transport Select Committee
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has warned that “not for the first time” the Transport Select Committee risked “missing the point” about motor insurance as it re-opened its inquiry.
Survey finds 96% of young drivers feel priced off the road
Research by Young Marmalade has revealed that 96% of young drivers think they are being priced off the road because of high motor insurance premiums.
Ex-Thistle CEO joins GB Underwriting
GB Underwriting has appointed James Gerry as chairman.
Deacon aims for growth with two new managers
Deacon has appointed two new managers for marketing and business sales respectively.
UK Broker Conference 2011: leaders need a long-term perspective
Brokers need to focus on their value proposition, have a long-term perspective and refuse to accept the status quo, if they are to be industry leaders, according to Aon's Lambros Lambrou.
UK Broker Conference 2011: Hilton upbeat on UK prospects, especially for SMEs
Anthony Hilton, financial editor of the London Evening Standard, told delegates at the inaugural UK Broker Conference that recessions were much worse in the 1970s and that he believed the UK’s economy would improve in 2012.
Groupama targets cleaners
Groupama Insurances has unveiled Exclusively Cleaning as the latest addition to its ‘Exclusively’ range of specialist commercial products.
Mageean signs up with Broker Network and Countrywide
Bernard Mageean has been appointed as director of insurer relations at Broker Network and Countrywide.