News
Five year fraud investigation results in 33 guilty pleas
A five year investigation by Bedfordshire Police into a major insurance fraud by an organised criminal enterprise based in Luton has concluded with three of the last four defendants being found guilty at Luton Crown Court.
SRA confirms ARP changes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed sweeping changes to the Assigned Risks Pool (ARP) ahead of a full policy statement to be issued on 18 April.
Biba issues response to Treasury consultation
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has responded to the HM Treasury consultation: A new approach to regulation – building a stronger system, and called for proportionate, appropriate and cost-effective regulation for brokers.
Markel goes direct but promises brokers e-trade option
Markel UK, the retail division of Markel International, has launched a direct commercial offering.
Joint venture purchase of Quinn results in 30 UK redundancies
A joint venture of Liberty Mutual and Anglo Irish Bank has been announced as the preferred bidder for the general insurance business of Quinn Insurance.
ABI warns against duplication in regulatory reform
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for transparent and accountable co-ordination between the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
APC to double SME presence in the North
APC has revealed it aims to double its book of SME business in the North of England and Scotland over the next 18 months by hiring a dedicated business development manager (BDM) for the region.
Calls for ban on referral fees after car premiums rise 40%
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for an immediate ban on referral fees following research from the AA showing that the average motor insurance premium has risen by 40% over the last year.
Car premiums up but leading indices show stall in rises
Two new surveys from the AA and Confused.com/Towers Watson have revealed a slow down in the ongoing rate rises in motor insurance premiums.
Keelan Westall makes new regional appointments
Keelan Westall has appointed two new business development managers to cover the South East and Midlands regions.
Former CBG MD joins rival Manchester broker
Manchester insurance broker Caunce O’Hara has announced the appointment of former CBG director Stephen Darcy as MD.
Allianz unveils PI team ahead of product launch
Allianz Commercial has established a new Professional Indemnity (PI) underwriting team in preparation for the launch of a new product later this month.
Online PI broker opens in Ipswich
PolicyBee, an online professional indemnity broker, has launched from offices in Ipswich targeting SME business, independent consultants and small consultancies.
Sean Genden appointed CEO of Travelers Europe
Travelers has named Sean Genden as chief executive officer for Travelers Europe. The provider said his appointment was designed to support its strategic and growth initiatives in the European property and casualty market.
Norgrove confirmed as Zurich's GI CEO in Ireland
Zurich Insurance has confirmed the appointment of Ken Norgrove as chief executive officer of its general insurance (GI) business in Ireland.
Autonet raids Carole Nash for senior hire
Van insurance specialist Autonet Insurance Group has appointed Phil Evans as its new head of operations.
Biba launches FSCS petition to prompt Treasury review
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has launched a petition of its members on the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to be tabled in the House of Commons by an MP.
MMA launches scheme team
Broker-only insurer MMA has formed a dedicated schemes team designed to build on the 20% growth of commercial schemes it experienced in 2010.
FSA trebles fines to £97m
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) trebled the value of fines it collected from financial services businesses in just one year, from £33.1m to £96.7m, according to Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC).
Groupama launches first product from "Exclusively" range
Groupama Insurances has created a series of specialist commercial insurance products for open market trading with supporting brokers.
Congregational invests in specialist broker
Congregational & General Insurance has purchased a minority shareholding in Solihull-based David Edwards Insurance Brokers.
Mike Smith says MMA will be "a force to be reckoned with"
Former Provident Insurance director Mike Smith has reacted to the news that the specialist motor insurer has been sold to Covea Group-owned insurer MMA.
Insurance Age blog: Space - the final frontier
Up until now, the opportunity to venture into space has been available to a very select few. In fact over the past 50 years less than 500 people have been lucky enough to blast into that vast abyss that exists beyond our rather worn out ozone layer.
Biba in trade credit deal
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has announced an agreement with the Government’s Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) to provide general insurance brokers with access to the ECGD export insurance scheme for their clients.