News
Provident deal receives cautious welcome from brokers
MMA’s acquisition of Provident has been welcomed by brokers, but concern has been voiced over how the merger could impact on the variety of products available.
What the Papers Say
Welcome to the latest edition of What the Papers Say. This month, Insurance Age editor Martin Friel is joined by senior reporter, Liz McMahon and Richard Adams, associate director at FWD.
Business insolvency rate falls again
Business insolvencies in February 2011 fell by 12.5% to 1,605 compared to the same month in 2010 when 1,834 failed in the UK.
Ageas unveils four retail appointments
Ageas UK has announced a series of appointments as it looks to support the growth of its retail operations.
MMA to buy Provident Insurance
Covea Group owned insurer MMA has agreed a long touted deal to acquire the Halifax based motor insurer Provident.
Claims firm shut down and stung with fine following organised fraud
An accident management company director has been hit with “huge” legal bill after his involvement in a string of fraudulent claims topping £200,000.
Brokers give thumbs up to Axa strategy
Brokers have reacted positively to the core strategy unveiled by Amanda Blanc, commercial lines CEO at Axa.
New Aberdeen office for Willis
Willis has opened a new office in Aberdeen to develop business in the city and complement Willis’ existing presence in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
"Give me six months" Blanc asks brokers
Axa Commercial boss, Amanda Blanc, has asked brokers to give her six months to prove that she will genuinely empower her local underwriters to make decisions.
Reed in as MD as Blanc's restructure puts 114 jobs in jeopardy
Axa Commercial Lines CEO Amanda Blanc has merged the insurer's specialist markets and solution and distribution branches and appointed Matthew Reed to lead the new division as MD of intermediary and direct.
FSCS GI levy rises but not as much as feared
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has set the 2011/12 levy on general insurance (GI) intermediaries at £69.5m.
Higos buys again in Devon
Higos Insurance has bought Plymstock Insurance Centre, near Plymouth.
National Friendly withdraws two health products
National Friendly has withdrawn its five Year Fixed Healthcare and Healthguard products for sale to new customers.
Heath Lambert reacts to departures in Scotland
Heath Lambert has announced a series of appointments in Scotland.
Groupama moves to capitalise upon bike opportunities
Groupama Insurances has adapted its motorbike cover in a bid to grow its account in this area.
Heath Lambert loses Aberdeen team to Towergate
Towergate Insurance Aberdeen has recruited Mark Webster and his team from Heath Lambert.
Brokers remain confident but only just, according to survey
Insurance brokers remain optimistic about the overall business situation in the sector, but at a markedly lower level than previously, according to a report by the CBI and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Dual launches combined liability product
Dual Corporate Risks has launched a combined professional indemnity and products liability product for computer consultants and contractors.
Select & Protect enhances product and trading platform
Select & Protect has announced the addition of Groupama to its underwriting panel as part of a re-launch of one of its home insurance products.
Exeter Friendly expands excess options after broker feedback
Exeter Family Friendly has announced the launch of a range of excess options on Health Cover for Me for the first time.
ECInsurance expands in Scotland and Northern England
ECInsurance has promoted one executive and appointed a new hire in a bid to increase its manpower in Scotland and Northern England.
Liberty Mutual's regional presence expands further
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe is to expand its commercial mid market offering with new offices in Birmingham and London.
Blanc begins revamp of Axa's commercial senior management
A strategic review of Axa’s business has led to a host of its UK commercial senior management being informed their jobs are at risk, Insurance Age’s sister publication Post has learnt.
Arc claims market first with new maintenance product
Arc Legal Assistance has launched a specialist cover to enable individuals to pursue defaulting maintenance payers.