News
Government to ban referral fees
The government has pledged to ban the use of referral fees as part of what it calls its commitment to curb compensation culture.
Biba questions duplication in OFT inquiry
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has welcomed the announcement of an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) inquiry, particularly regarding comparison sites, but added it did risk going over old ground.
Biba demands permanent 42 day notice period for riot claims
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has called on the government to change the Riot Damages Act notification period permanently from 14 to 42 days.
ABI keen to engage with OFT motor inquiry
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has described the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) announcement of an inquiry into the cost of motor insurance as an opportunity to highlight the increasing cost pressures insurers’ face.
Video: how to make your website work for you
As part of a special 13th edition, dedicated to digital marketing in the broking sector, Insurance Age has spoken to a number of experts about various aspects of the digital, business world.
Europe clears Liberty Mutual’s Quinn Insurance takeover
The European Commission has granted clearance, under the EU Merger Regulation, for the acquisition of the general insurance business in Ireland of Quinn Insurance by US insurer Liberty Mutual.
Private equity hungry for insurance investment
More than two thirds (68%) of private equity houses plan to invest in the UK financial services market in the coming year, particularly in insurance and banking, according to a Grant Thornton report.
IIB turns the screw on regulator
The Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB) has called for “fundamental regime changes” in regulation.
Motor market faces OFT investigation
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched an investigation into the private motor market following the sharp increase in premiums over the last 12 months.
IIL links up with CDL to fight fraud
CDL has confirmed that it is working with data provider Insurance Initiatives Limited (IIL) to launch an enriched data service, designed to aid accurate policy pricing by verifying consumer data.
Another insurer throws its hat into solicitors' PI market
Apro Management is the latest insurer to enter the solicitors' professional indemnity (PI) market.
SRA slams suggestions it is responsible for ABS delay
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has hit out at the assertion that it was responsible for the delay in the authority becoming an approved regulator of Alternative Business Structures (ABS).
Towergate and Confused.com in SME tie-up
Towergate Insurance has announced that it is to become the sole provider of business insurance for price comparison site Confused.com.
Results improve at Coface
Trade credit insurer Coface has announced an 8% increase in turnover to €764m (£672m) in the first half of 2011 (H1 2010: €708m).
HSB Engineering lifts Mitsui chief for underwriting role
HSB Engineering Insurance has appointed Andy Kane as chief underwriting officer (CUO).
Aviva could be vulnerable to Zurich bid
Following a dive in its share value, Aviva could be exposed to a takeover bid from rival insurer Zurich, reports suggest.
Capita expands health business with IMG buy
The Capita Group has acquired Insurance Medical Group (IMG) for an undisclosed sum.
Novae underwriting head to join Argo
Argo Group International Holdings has announced that Peter Matson will join the company in October of this year.
LV looks within for new risk chief
LV has announced the appointment of Steve Haynes as chief risk officer, subject to regulatory approval.
FOS names and shames PPI providers
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has named the providers of payment protection insurance (PPI) cases as it announced that complaints more than doubled to 98,632 in the first six months of 2011 compared to the second half of 2010.
Bluefin and Acturis extend partnership
Bluefin and Acturis have completed a successful 14 month project to add 317 new users and 16 offices onto the Acturis system.
Marsh makes senior hire to develop footprint on Isle of Man
Marsh has appointed Ken Watterson as a non-executive director on its board of directors on the Isle of Man.
PPI complaints soar to new high
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has revealed it handled 98,632 new complaint cases for payment protection insurance (PPI) in the first six months of 2011, more than double the total of 46,275 in the previous half year.
MMA deal leads to scheme option for UK General brokers
UK General has signed an extension to its capacity deal with MMA to broaden the terms of its tradesman’s liability offering.