News
Chaucer bolsters UK motor business with key appointment
Chaucer Insurance has appointed Paul Baxter as head of direct as the insurer aims to build its UK motor business.
Confidence among SMEs slumps
The Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Voice of Small Business Index has revealed that confidence among SMEs slumped by 9.6 points from a positive 0.3 to -9.3 in the third quarter of 2011.
Towergate appoints FSA man as non-exec director
Towergate has announced the appointment of James Strachan to its board as non-executive director and chairman of the group risk and compliance committee, subject to regulatory approval.
Bridge looks to former Cobra director to grow property account
Bridge Insurance Brokers has appointed a new head of real estate as it bids to grow its property account.
Aspen targets brokers with risk management product
Aspen Risk Management has launched Virtual Risk Manager, a service which provides brokers and clients with access to their legal, health and safety, risk management, business continuity and HR systems.
FSA accused of letting brokers foot the bill
PI Expert has questioned the motives behind proposals made by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to change the rules on compensation awards.
Aviva launches multi-car policy for families
Aviva has launched MultiCar, a new insurance policy for family members living at the same address to cover up to five cars or vans in a household.
OFT: consumers can improve professional services sector
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has made recommendations designed to improve the professional services market and driving consumer choice.
MD buys part of Broker Assistance out of administration
The managing director of troubled claims management company, Broker Assistance, has purchased the claims handling part of the company from administrators.
Hastings' GWP leaps 52%
Hastings has announced its EBITDA rose to £27m in its full year figures to the end of June, more than double 2010’s total of £11m.
Ten sentenced in crash for cash scam
Ten people have been sentenced after a three year investigation, led by Ageas, into a crash for cash conspiracy.
Former Heath Lambert MD joins CCV in Towergate shake up
CCV has appointed a former Heath Lambert managing director as its new chief operating officer.
Biba reveals theme for 2012 conference
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has announced the theme for its 2012 conference.
Claims management company enters administration
Broker Assistance, the claims management company, has entered administration.
Car insurance premiums now falling, research says
Comprehensive car insurance premiums fell by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2011 according to the latest Car Insurance Price Index from Confused.com and Towers Watson.
Clear appoints from Willis Networks
Clear Insurance Management has appointed Simon Taylor, previously regional managing director for Willis Network, to the role of executive director.
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.