News
Ecclesiastical to close two regional offices
Ecclesiastical is closing two regional offices as part of a reorganisation of its regional network , Insurance Age can reveal.
Aggregators Choose Quality says Defaqto
Price comparison websites are moving towards product quality based information rather than just price judging by an increase in demand for whole of market data from Defaqto.
Lloyd's profits slashed
Lloyd’s has announced a huge drop in pre-tax profits in its 2008 interim results.
Allianz to shed jobs in retail division
Allianz is set to make up to 60 people redundant as part of a restructure of its retail division.
Henderson brokers expands with a recruitment drive
Leeds-based Henderson Insurance Brokers has expanded with the creation of 50 new jobs.
Aon approves of no change in equality legislation law
An Advocate-General at the European Court of Justice has rejected Age Concern's claim that forcing people to retire at or after 65 without compensation breaches EU equality legislation.
AMII to address transparency of claims
The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) is to approach UK private medical insurers (PMI) and the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) to form a discussion panel to focus on the serious issue of transparency of claims…
Towergate strengthens its retail team
Towergate has announced a series of key senior appointments to its Retail Division.
Insurance Age on-air news review
Insurance Age news editor Sarah Hills provides a run down of the major news stories from the week - watch it now .
FSA bans short selling
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has slapped down a temporary ban on the practice of short selling in a bid to stabilise the UK’s volatile financial markets.
Allianz latest to reveal Lehman exposures
Allianz SE is the latest insurer to reveal its exposures to Lehman Brothers following the investment bank's recent collapse.
Axa Group confirms Lehman Brothers and AIG equity exposure
Axa has confirmed a €450m non-material equity exposure to Lehman Brothers and AIG.
Insurancewide ‘disappointed’ by NU’s ‘half-hearted’ website.
“Norwich Union’s (NU) new initiative offering customers the chance to 'compare' NU car insurance quotes with other insurers is ill-conceived”, said James Harrison, CEO of Insurancewide.com.
UK pet insurance reaches new highs says Datamonitor
A new report by independent market analyst Datamonitor revealed that the pet insurance market is one of the fastest growing insurance markets in the UK and is set to expand further.
Confused.com admits surprise at NU’s move away from comparison sites
Following the news that Norwich Union (NU) had decided to withdraw all its direct motor products from comparisons sites, Peter Ablett, commercial director at Confused.com, commented: “We were surprised when we heard that NU had decided to stop using…
NU withdraws motor products from comparison sites
Norwich Union (NU) has withdrawn its direct motor products from all insurance price comparison websites.
AIG faces ratings downgrade
AIG’s recent instability has led to a rating downgrade despite a $20bn injection of liquid investments.
Manchester insurance broker expand with acquisition
Manchester-based Stanmore Insurance Brokers, which is part of the Brokerbility Group, has acquired a further business in the North West.
Groupama confirms Cathie Bruce's departure
Groupama Insurances has confirmed that Cathie Bruce, distribution and customer service director at Groupama Insurances will move within the UK Group to take up a new position as managing director of ChoiceQuote Insurance Services, as revealed by…
Cathie Bruce leaves Groupama to head up Choicequote
Groupama’s distribution and customer services director Cathie Bruce will leave the broker-only insurer to head up one of its acquired brokers, Choicequote, Insurance Age has learnt.
Countrywide network launches business growth proposition
The Countrywide network has launched CountrywidePlus, a new proposition to help member brokers generate more income and grow their business with expert support.
New pet insurance claims service launched
Petmeds.co.uk, the UK online pet health store, has launched a pet insurance claims service, which has been designed to save insurance companies millions of pounds in small claims and help them improve their customer service.