Personal

Home is where the work is.

Fed up with commuting into the office every day, more and more people are choosing to work from home. Tim Collison looks at the current market for homeworking insurance.

House hunting.

The household insurance market is tougher than ever with many cut-price deals tempting customers into the direct arena. Simon Threadgold looks at the options open to brokers trying to get a foot in the door.

Construction merger.

Maidstone-based brokers McMurdo Webb and Potipher Douglas Partnership are merging to form McMurdo Po...

Buried treasure.

Many household policyholders are often unaware of the true worth of their antiques and valuables. Tim Collison says that switching them onto a high net worth policy can mean a lower premium and a better service.

David Worsfold.

Will you get value for money from the IBRC next year? It will be hard to tell, as much of the details of its new administration outsourcing contract are shrouded in secrecy.

Sale time.

Term assurance is being sold at rock-bottom prices - Swiss Re has calculated that average premium rates for the top ten life offices have fallen by up to 25% over the last four years. Ian Lindisfarne seeks out the best bargains.

Rough and tumble.

Personal accident insurance is being sold through more and more non-broker outlets, although with many of these schemes, certain occupations and sporting activities are excluded. It is now time for brokers to fight back says Simon Threadgold.

A classic niche.

Back in the '80s, an E-type Jaguar could cost you as much as £100,000. These days, classic cars are surprisingly affordable and there are many players offering specialist insurance. Tim Collison reports.

Metamorphosis.

Budget Insurance started life as a direct writer. It is now an intermediary. Peter Winslow talked Tim Collison through its unprecedented transition.