News
Loss adjusters in spotlight as FOS buildings insurance complaints hit 10-year high
The number of buildings insurance complaints filed to the Financial Ombudsman Service hit a record quarterly high of 2001 between April and June.
Motor FOS complaints stable in Q1 as ombudsman’s workload surges
Car and motorcycle insurance complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service rose fractionally to 3,940 in the first quarter of the financial year as the overall workload soared by 70%.
JMG adds to Yorkshire roots with C P Bennet buy
Leeds-headquartered JMG Group has bought Bridlington-based commercial and personal lines insurance broker C P Bennet.
Ageas delivers 49% growth in UK premiums
Ageas boosted UK gross written premiums by 49% in the first half of 2024 to €992m (£835m) citing customer growth and rate increases primarily in motor with “solid underwriting profitability”.
Home quote prices turn downwards – Consumer Intelligence
The average quoted premiums for buildings and contents insurance fell by 1.1% in the three months to the end of July, according to research by Consumer Intelligence.
Specialist Risk Group grows taxi book with latest buy
Specialist Risk Group has acquired the ongoing renewal rights of Morton Insurance Brokers, a specialist in private hire and taxi insurance across the UK since 1987.
Biba and Flood Re team up on BBB regional push
Flood Re has teamed up with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association as part of its plans to develop wider understanding across the broking community about the mechanics and benefits of the Build Back Better scheme.
AbbeyAutoline grows apprenticeship programme with new recruitment drive
Northern Ireland based broker AbbeyAutoline has launched a recruitment drive for school leavers and young professionals to join its established apprenticeship programme.
Stait takes interim charge of Allianz mid-market business after Carey departure
Allianz has moved to replace Ecclesiastical-bound Dave Carey with interim managing director for mid-market Graham Stait, pictured, effective from today and subject to regulatory approval.
Carey quits Allianz to become Ecclesiastical intermediary MD
Ecclesiastical Insurance has appointed Dave Carey as the new managing director of its intermediary business, to join in February 2025.
Clear makes fourth broker buy of 2024 with South-East swoop
Clear Group has acquired Leatherhead-based insurance broker R T Waters.
People Moves: 19 – 23 August 2024
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Tributes paid to “excellent chair” and “inspiration to many” Jonathan Bloomer
Hiscox and DWF have paid tribute to insurance and financial services veteran Jonathan Bloomer following his passing.
Hiscox chair Bloomer confirmed dead as body recovered after yacht sinking
Hiscox chairman Jonathan Bloomer’s body has been confirmed among the five recovered yesterday following the sinking of the Bayesian yacht on Monday.
Broker HNW clients less concerned about underinsurance than a year ago
More than a third (35%) of wealthy individuals admit they can’t remember the last time they had their art and collections valued, offering brokers a great opportunity to talk to their high net worth customers.
FCA warns it might repeat GAP intervention in other product sectors
The Financial Conduct Authority has said that it might need to repeat the intervention it has taken in the guaranteed asset protection [GAP] market in other sectors.
FCA: brokers struggling to marry remuneration with evidence of fair value assessment
Brokers are still struggling to provide adequate evidence they are appropriately assessing whether their remuneration is consistent with the fair value of the product they are selling.
Markel doubles floor space with Leeds office move
Markel has doubled the size of its Leeds branch by moving to the new City Square House, 34 years after its first office opened in the city.
Ex-Ardonagh MD Barclay takes over as CEO of top 100 broker
Lycetts has appointed Ian Barclay to CEO, succeeding Charles Foster who is retiring after seven years in the role.
Hiscox chair Bloomer named among missing people after Sicily yacht sinking
Hiscox chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have been named among the six people still missing following the sinking of the Bayesian yacht off Sicily yesterday.
SRG snaps up East Midlands broker
Specialist Risk Group has today unveiled Anthony James Insurance Brokers as its latest acquisition, subject to regulatory approval.
New product for beach hut and chalet owners launched
Compass, a specialist provider of caravan and leisure insurance, has launched a new policy offering cover for beach huts and beach chalets.
Arch expands presence in Glasgow with new office
Arch Insurance’s UK regional division has announced it has opened a new office in Glasgow as part of its growth strategy for the region.
Partners& CEO Barton: Mooted Labour tax plan offers “incredible opportunities” for M&A
Speculation that the new Labour Government might increase capital gains tax has created a fertile window for acquisitive insurance brokers.