Personal
Datamonitor predicts strong growth for personal GI market
Research from independent market analyst, Datamonitor, has suggested 2010 has shown a return to growth for the personal general insurance market and that 2011 will herald the start of a period of continued strong growth.
Broking success – Wilby: To Halifax and beyond
Emmanuel Kenning meets a passionately independent broker twinning strong local service with national niche products to grow the business.
Non-standard risks: When risks don't fit
David Whitaker discusses the trials of obtaining non-standard insurance and explores how brokers can go about placing these risks.
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.
Entire Choicequote workforce in redundancy consultation
The entire staff and management team at Choicequote have entered a redundancy consultation period just two and a half years after the broker was bought by Groupama.
Referral fee income to stay
Legal experts have predicted that referral fees in personal injury cases will continue to exist in some form even if the Government decides to implement an outright ban on their use.
'Ghost brokers' charged with motor insurance fraud
Three individuals - a man and woman from Kent and a man from west London - have been charged with motor insurance fraud, tax fraud and money laundering with offences totalling £500,000.
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.
2010 review: A year of living cautiously
The economy grew, rival political parties unexpectedly started working together and personal lines rates even hardened, although plenty of surprises and setbacks meant that 2010 was far from plain sailing, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
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.
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.
Flood insurance bills soar to £4.5bn, according to ABI
The cost of flood damage since 2000 has leapt by 200% on the previous decade according to figures released by the Association of British Insurers.
"Ghost" brokers charged with offences totalling £500,000
Three individuals - a man and a woman from Kent and a man from West London - have been charged with motor insurance fraud, tax fraud and money laundering with offences totalling £500,000.
ABI issues advice for Cornwall's flood victims
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued advice for people who have been flooded following heavy rainfall in Cornwall.
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.
Ageas' retail profit remains static while COR continues to improve
Ageas' quarter three results have shown its UK retail operations, RIAS, Kwik Fit Insurance Services and Ageas Insurance Solutions (UKAIS), have delivered a 32% increase in total inflows to £96m.
Exeter Friendly to cut PMI premiums
Exeter Family Friendly has cut premiums on its "Health Cover for Me" private medical insurance (PMI) plan by up to 12.5%.
Biba calls on Government to stem "spiralling" motor insurance costs
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has called on the Government to implement an eight point plan to reduce the rising cost of motor insurance.
Only one in ten automatically renew car insurance
UK consumers are the most determined to shop around for a good deal on insurance, and the least likely to stay loyal, according to Datamonitor.
SME Aggregators: Digital commercial futures
Edward Murray outlines the difficulties being encountered in establishing a successful aggregator template for small and medium-sized enterprise trade.
Market Watch - Networks: Opening connections
Emmanuel Kenning argues that broker networks are becoming more popular, though managers need to think carefully about the offerings available through them before committing their firms.
Editor's comment: Regional gloom with some optimism
The Spending Review dominated October, the speculation leading up to George Osborne's announcement in parliament giving way to analysis of how hard and where exactly the Chancellor's axe will fall on public spending.
News round-up: Business continuity
According to research from the Business Continuity Institute on behalf of the Chartered Insurance Institute, insurance professionals need a more consistent message when promoting the benefits of business continuity plans.