Aggregators
Smaller brokers may get locked out of SME sector by aggregators
SME aggregator market dominated by two large players may mean brokers get left behind
Trust more important than price when choosing insurer
Brand recognition is a more important factor than price when consumers choose an insurer on aggregators, according to new research.
ABI keen to engage with OFT motor inquiry
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has described the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) announcement of an inquiry into the cost of motor insurance as an opportunity to highlight the increasing cost pressures insurers’ face.
IIL links up with CDL to fight fraud
CDL has confirmed that it is working with data provider Insurance Initiatives Limited (IIL) to launch an enriched data service, designed to aid accurate policy pricing by verifying consumer data.
Towergate and Confused.com in SME tie-up
Towergate Insurance has announced that it is to become the sole provider of business insurance for price comparison site Confused.com.
The 10 most stupid insurance decisions
What are the 10 biggest bloopers committed by the industry? Tony Cornell gives us his top 10 insurance calamities
New aggregator looks to Zurich for commercial director
Mike Quinton has taken on the role of commercial director for a new price comparison site due to be launched next year.
Biba calls for more intrusive regulation of comparison sites
Comparison sites must be recognised by the regulator as more than just introducers, according to The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba).
McMillan wants clear water between Aviva and competition
Mr McMillan said he wanted to make it clear to brokers that the Aviva was absolutely open for business.
Former Confused.com chief returns with new aggregator model
A new Covea-backed aggregator, due to hit the market early next year, is to be headed up by former Confused.com and Tesco Compare chief, Debra Williams.
Editor’s letter – July 2011
“As a broker, it must be pretty galling to see a small desert rodent with a ridiculous accent representing an industry that is worth billions”
Reportage: This time it’s personal
Personal lines is not a market in which you would expect to find brokers thriving, but the big budget aggregators and direct writers are not getting it all their own way, writes Edward Murray.
Insurance Age blog: What did you have for breakfast today?
I'm going to tell you something you don't know about me. Happy Gilmore is one of my all time favourite films. There are a variety of reasons why this is the case but one particular exchange never fails to make me chuckle.
E-broking 2011: Brokers must adopt e-trading or risk losing out to aggregators, warns Cullum
Towergate Partnership executive chairman Peter Cullum has warned if brokers continue to fail to adopt e-trading then aggregators will “eat their breakfast before they get up in the morning”.
FSA review reveals TCF issues for aggregators
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has deemed it necessary to issue proposed guidance on the selling of general insurance policies through price comparison websites.
Broking success: Training to gain
Emmanuel Kenning speaks with a profitable, debt free start-up motor broker that is writing more than £50m a year, targeting 250,000 policies within 18 months and focusing on staff training and development
Biba queries "misleading" survey on aggregator commission levels
The British Brokers’ Association (Biba) has questioned a recent YouGov survey which stated that the average commission taken by comparison sites stood at 24%.
Aviva makes aggregator u-turn
Aviva has confirmed it intends to return to the aggregator space for private motor with a new, separately branded internet-only offering.
Ex-Coverzones boss to lead PowerPlace
Towergate-owned PowerPlace has announced the appointment of Simon Ball as chief executive officer effective 1 June 2011.
Ageas unveils four retail appointments
Ageas UK has announced a series of appointments as it looks to support the growth of its retail operations.
Reportage: Facing up to networks
With networks increasing in popularity, Emmanuel Kenning recounts their development and looks to the future of this crucial market sector.
Management - Broking success: making the connection
Liz McMahon talks to Autonet MD Glynn Keeling about the value of a strong audit process and striking a balance between online business and customer communication.
Google buys UK aggregator BeatThatQuote.com
Google has bought BeatThatQuote.com for £37.7m. The website offers a suite of financial products including insurance, loans and mortgages.
News analysis - online: Brightside comparison site plans spark aggregator debate
The intention of Brightside Group to build a commercial aggregator following its purchase of technology company Quote Exchange, has reignited the debate over whether or not aggregators can eat into the broker commercial lines arena.