News
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.
Aviva Ireland jobs set to be outsourced
Around 600 jobs at Aviva Ireland are expected to be cut and transferred to the insurance company’s UK operation, while around 400 more are likely to be outsourced.
Personal injury lawyer welcomes referral fee ban
A personal injury solicitor has broken ranks with his peers to welcome Government moves to ban referral fees in insurance cases.
Brit CEO to step down
Brit chief executive Dane Douetil is to step down to make way for Mark Cloutier as part of a board shake up.
Banking changes may hinder lending to SMEs
The implementation of the Basel 3 regulatory framework will dramatically hinder retail bank lending to SMEs, according to the European Savings Banks Group (ESBG).
Plum plucks senior underwriter from Brit
Plum Underwriting has appointed Paul Evans to the position of senior underwriter with immediate effect.
Insurers most insulated against eurozone default
Ernst & Young (E&Y) has claimed that insurers are in the best position of all financial services firms to manage the consequences of a eurozone debt default.
Besso hires new non-exec director
Independent Lloyd’s broker Besso Insurance Group has appointed Tony Hulse as non-executive director.
More QE to help 'worst financial crisis ever'
Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England, has dubbed the current financial crisis the worst the UK has ever seen.
Thatcham to invest in vehicle safety research
Thatcham has announced it is to invest in vehicle-based research in an attempt to mitigate rising motor insurance claims costs.