Insurance Age blog
A round of applause
August is normally the silly season. The obsession with Jeremy Paxman’s beard in the national media shows the tradition is thankfully alive and well.
Time to look in the mirror
It has long been argued by the insurance industry that the public's perception of the sector has been damaged by the actions of bankers, that insurers have been unfairly tarnished by the same financial services brush.
No rest for the wicked
August is usually when we reach the peak of the silly season (if you take a positive view of it – many would term it the trough).
It never ends
In the last few months I have enjoyed four television shows in particular.
Let’s hope the FCA really does uncover the Lance Armstrongs of broking
Hot on the wheels of another great day of sport for Britain (Lee Westwood's final day Open slide excluded) the FCA's chief executive Martin Wheatley seized the opportunity to compare the regulation of financial services to the Tour de France.
Celebrate good times
It’s been a long week in insurance land.
Changing of the guard
A bit over 18 months ago the changing of the guard among the leadership of the big consolidators began.
Not tough enough
One story that really got to people this week touched on an issue that has often been discussed in the Insurance Age blog.
PPI – new eye-boggling numbers
Sometimes figures speak for themselves.
Biba Fever
Having attended two Biba conferences now, I feel like a seasoned pro.
Can brokers sell telematics?
For the past few years telematics has been touted as the future of motor insurance and the solution for young drivers in particular.
Dearth of insurer clarity leaves brokers in a tight spot
The Consumer Insurance Act is less than a month old but already broker alarm bells have begun ringing.
Looking fabulous in yellow – just what is going on at Aviva?
Losing Janice Deakin to Gallaghers is a body blow to Aviva and their relationship with brokers. No matter how they try to dress it up.
Broker Apprentice: The results
Judgement Day… So we come to the final session and my decision.
Broker Apprentice Task Five: The interview
In some respects the interviews were meant to be the toughest assignment of the lot. I was trying to put them on the spot but without destroying them.
Broker Apprentice Task Four: The schemes
This was a great task for the apprentices because it actually tested their imagination and their entrepreneurialism and it did so in a practical way.
Broker Apprentice Task Three: The Campaign
I set this challenge because as an industry we face the real problem that insurance isn't perceived as being ‘sexy', particularly by the young.
Broker Apprentice Task Two: Regulation Overhaul
I thought this was a good task for the young brokers because I suspected regulation is an area which they haven't had much to do with in the past.
Yet another kick in brokers' FSCS teeth
As sure as night follows day, brokers' favourite regulatory cost is set to rise yet again.
Reasons to be cheerful
January is over! That’s the number one reason to be cheerful today, and I’ve actually managed to find some more – and they’re insurance-related. Will wonders never cease?
Shooting from the lip
Last Friday was brilliant.
Lack of support leaves insurance wanting
It has been a week in which insurers have taken a real battering due to Monday's well-documented episode of Dispatches on Channel 4.
An honour to the profession
There comes a point over the festive period when the magic wears off. You’ve eaten too much turkey, ham and chocolate, seen a bit too much of certain family members, and Love Actually is on TV for the 243rd time.
Condiments to Aviva?
Condiment is undoubtedly my favourite word.