Aggregators
Free to compete
The advent of real-time pricing could free brokers’ hands and create a more level playing field
SSP launches real-time pricing hub
SSP has claimed that it is set to transform the intermediated personal lines market with the launch of a new ‘quote hub’ providing brokers with real-time pricing.
AA latest provider to dive into telematics
The AA has unveiled Drivesave, a telematics product designed to reward safe drivers with lower premiums.
Homer: Biba should represent all forms of intermediation
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) should be the trade body for all forms of intermediation and not limit itself to brokers according to its new chairman, Andy Homer.
Profile: Biba does Brussels
Distribution, European influence and a united voice for insurance are just some of the key areas new Biba chairman Andy Homer and CEO Eric Galbraith are focusing on, writes Martin Friel
A year to remember
Tony Cornell looks forward to the year ahead and predicts what 2012 holds in store for brokers
Patrick Smith not involved in Swinton share drama, says internal memo
Covea, the French insurer and ultimate parent of Swinton Group, has moved to distance chairman Patrick Smith from any wrongdoing associated with the sacking of the Swinton board.
‘Strategic’ decision delays aggregator offering
The launch of a new aggregator due to hit the market early in 2012 has been delayed as part of a ‘strategic decision’.
FSA warns aggregators not to breach permissions
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has expressed concerns that comparison sites are helping to arrange and advise on sales without the correct permissions.
BGL reports 16% growth in profit
BGL Group has reported pre-tax profits of £72m for the year end June 2011, a year-on-year growth of 16%.
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”.