Axa
Bluefin's Elite in run-off to allow greater Platinum focus
Bluefin has announced it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
News review: November 2010
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
E-commerce: Powerplace completes '3 As' with Axa addition
Powerplace has secured what it described as the "3 As" after announcing Axa's intention to join its panel of insurers.
Regional review: Way out west
An area that sometimes falls off the radar, Louise Meeson surveys brokers and insurers in Wales and the South West to discover many have been shielded from the worst of the economic crisis.
Allianz responds to calls for South-west presence
Allianz has responded to regional broker demand by launching a mobile underwriting team in the South West.
E-commerce: Insurers urged not to rush into app development
Insurers have been warned against rushing to create iPhone applications (apps) for basic insurance processes as Aviva became the latest insurer to launch an app.
PB December 2010: News round-up
Apple iPhone apps continue to be all the rage in the insurance industry. Aviva launched MyClaim, a free app enabling policyholders to file a motor insurance claim remotely from their iPhones.
News Analysis: Changing course at Aviva
Andrew Tjaardstra discusses Aviva's change in fortunes and direction since the departure of former chief executive Igal Mayer to head up the insurer's North American operations.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
Axa UK appoints Kevin Murray as chief operating officer
Axa UK has appointed Kevin Murray as group chief operating officer reporting directly to Paul Evans, group chief executive of Axa UK. He is also a member of the Axa UK executive committee.
Axa signs up to Powerplace
Powerplace has finally secured what it describes as the “3 As” after announcing Axa’s intention to join its panel.
Groupama appoints personal lines development underwriter
Groupama Insurances has appointed Julian Abson in the role of development underwriter for its personal lines motor account to develop business through its panel of intermediaries and strengthen relationships with broker partners.
Travel hikes spell trouble for schemes brokers
Following the rise in insurance premiums from Axa, Peter Hayman, director of P J Hayman, has predicted that some scheme holders will have difficulty renewing on competitive terms.
Bluefin to put SME underwriting facility Elite into run-off
Bluefin has announced that it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
News round-up: Insurers
Brit has formally accepted an offer of £888m from Apollo Management and CVC Capital Partners. The deal if agreed by shareholders is £10.75 for each share plus a further 25p if targets are met.
Broking Success - Stonebridge Corporate: Building fast
Andrew Tjaardstra meets two young brokers aiming to make waves in their local market by growing their business fivefold.
E-commerce: Insurers urged to make MTA and renewal options available online
Brokers have called for insurers to include mid-term adjustment (MTA) and renewal facilities as part of their online small commercial offerings.
Product launch: Axa Art pledges speedy service
High-net-worth insurer Axa Art Insurance has committed itself to providing a maximum 24-hour turnaround time when it comes to quoting on new broker business, upon receiving all the necessary information.
Select commission uplifts risk breaking new bribery laws
Insurers offering brokers increased commission rates for new business must ensure they have adequate procedures in place or they could risk breaching the Bribery Act 2010, according to legal experts.
Vacancy remains for Axa chief
Axa Insurance is still searching for a new commercial lines chief following a restructure of its UK business.
E-commerce: CII group to assess how social media can review claims
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has created a New Generation Claims Group tasked with investigating how social media can be used to improve the claims process for brokers and their clients.
Axa's UK personal motor revenues up 35% in first nine months 2010
Property & casualty revenues in the first nine months of 2010 were up 0.7% to €21.4bn across the group at Axa. The UK & Ireland saw a 1.4% increase compared to the same period of 2009 to €3.2bn.
Meehan considering his options
Paul Meehan, formerly customer services director of Axa, is on the move.
Post Intelligence Benchmarking - Commercial Insurers: Waving - or drowning?
Insurance 360's groundbreaking survey of commercial insurers' performance reveals which ones have got their acts together and which ones need to raise their game. Peter Joy reports.