News
Howden acquires £60m premium broker
Howden has purchased UK health and life insurance broker Help Me Compare Group (which trades as ActiveQuote) and its subsidiaries, supporting Howden’s position in these UK markets.
AM Best takes rating action following Accredited acquisition
AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Ratings of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a-” (Excellent) of Accredited.
People Moves: 5 – 9 August 2024
Follow the latest insurance personnel moves.
Allianz UK grows GWP and profit as COR improves
Allianz UK boosted gross written premiums by 5.5% in the first half of the year to £2.21bn as operating profit jumped by £62m to £174.8m.
FCA sweeps further into green on authorisations services
The Financial Conduct Authority upped its authorisation services delivery in the categories affecting brokers during the first quarter of the financial year.
RSA declares UK first with cloud solution for claims
RSA has launched an enhanced broker and customer claims portal, asserting it was the first UK insurer to implement the Guidewire cloud solution.
AM Best upgrades Lloyd’s to A+ and AA-
AM Best has raised the financial strength rating of Lloyd’s to A+ (superior) from A (excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating to AA- (superior) from A+ (excellent).
FCA to boost headcount in Leeds by 100
The Financial Conduct Authority is to base a further 100 of its workforce in Leeds as it expands its footprint in the city.
CUO hails deals as proof of improved broker sentiment towards Hiscox
Hiscox’s “momentum” with UK brokers has been further underlined by six new distributions deals signed in the first half of 2024.
Twickenham to be renamed Allianz Stadium
Twickenham will become Allianz Stadium from September as part of a deal with the Rugby Football Union that sees the insurer make an unspecified “long-term investment” in the sport.
Brown & Brown buys trade credit insurance solutions specialist
Brown & Brown Europe has acquired 100% of the share capital of trade credit insurance solutions specialist, CI Group.
Alps partners with AmTrust on motor book
Add-on insurance provider Alps has moved its entire motor book, under a full delegated authority agreement, to AmTrust International.
Halo founder launches insurtech Gigasure
Ernesto Suarez has launched insurtech managing general agent Gigasure offering travel, backpackers, and car hire excess insurance.
Paragon buys Cox Mahon
Paragon International Insurance Brokers, a professional and financial lines subsidiary of PSC Insurance Group, has bought PI specialist Cox Mahon.
James Hallam opens new office in Exeter with cyber and technology hub
James Hallam has opened a cyber and technology hub at Exeter Science Park, taking its branch network in the South West to four.
QuestGates adds Equistone as minority investor
Loss adjusting and claims solution group QuestGates has secured investment from private equity investor Equistone Partners Europe.
ABI measures 2% drop in motor premiums in Q2
The average motor insurance premium fell by 2% in April to June compared to the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers.
London-based wholesale broker Lonsdale goes into liquidation
Independent Lloyd’s wholesaler Lonsdale Insurance Brokers went into liquidation on 24 July 2024, after sale talks did not lead anywhere and the directors decided to cease trading in June.
People Moves: 29 July – 2 August 2024
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Zurich sells Navigators & General to Ardonagh’s Geo
Geo Underwriting is buying marine insurance provider Navigators & General from Zurich UK, with the deal expected to close before the end of the year.
Howden scores Allianz musical insurance book
Howden has agreed to acquire the musical insurance book of Allianz UK for an undisclosed sum with the provider staying on as the underwriter.
Alan Boswell buys Priory Insurance Brokers in Norfolk
Alan Boswell Group has snapped up Wymondham-based Priory Insurance Brokers, adding to its purchase of The Insurance Centre earlier this year.
Jensten completes on three deals
Jensten has bought Asprey Harris and completed the purchases of Chris Knott Insurance Consultants and Robert Gerrard & Co in a triple swoop that has pushed headcount above 1,000.
Biba among trade bodies welcoming FCA’s regulation moves
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulation discussion paper, calling it a “positive first step”.