Aggregators
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.
Management - broking success: step forward to look back
Emmanuel Kenning meets Duncan Macbeth of Macbeth Scott & Co as he prepares for retirement after more than 30 years as a broker and casts his eye over the insurance industry.
Power hour - future of broking round table London: Talking heads
The biggest names in the industry come together to debate the key issues facing brokers at the moment, from regulation and rates to consolidation and distribution. Martin Friel reports.
Profile - Henry Engelhardt: Admiral of the fleet
Henry Engelhardt was at the bow when the Admiral ship first set sail and he led the company onto the stock exchange when it floated in 2004. Emmanuel Kenning talks to the CEO about claims, pricing and the source of great market envy - the provider's COR.
Reportage - SME: a blossoming romance
The SME love affair has been flourishing for a while, but what does the term actually mean? With nearly all UK enterprises falling into this category, Liz McMahon explores the sector's diverse needs.
New property aggregator promises to help brokers retain clients
Former KGM group development manager, Doug Phelan, has returned to the market with a new ‘broker friendly’ aggregator proposition.
Brightside building commercial aggregator
Brightside Group has confirmed that it will be using newly acquired technology company Quote Exchange to build a commercial insurance comparison site.