Motor
Amlin UK reports 7.1% improvement in GWP
Amlin UK has reported gross written premium (GWP) of £312.4m for 2011, up 7.1% from the 2010 figure of £291.8m.
Young women drivers face premium hikes of 25% in 2013 warns AA
Average motor premiums fell in the first quarter of 2012 but rose for young women drivers, according to figures from the AA.
Groupama announces second scheme deal in a week
Groupama Insurances has won the contract to underwrite a new non-standard motor insurance scheme for Norfolk-based Adrian Flux.
QBE makes senior appointment to risk management team
QBE has appointed Martin Devaney as senior client risk manager on its risk management services (RMS) team.
MMA sees huge growth in regional bespoke products
MMA Insurance is reporting that it has seen a 40% increase this year in total regional growth for bespoke commercial business.
Aviva to push on broker household, says McMillan
David McMillan, CEO of the UK and Ireland general insurance business at Aviva, has told brokers that the insurer will be looking to match its growth in broker motor business with a push on household in 2012.
The week that was
This was a bad week for the insurance industry in terms of press – consumer group magazine Which? in particular had a field day, accusing insurers of charging customers exorbitant ‘hidden fees’ to make run of the mill changes to policies.
General insurers face credit downgrade over personal injury claims
Ratings agency Moody’s has warned the increase in periodical payment orders (PPO) will be credit negative for general insurers with exposures to personal injury claims.
Groupama in Brightside motorbike deal
Groupama Insurances has agreed to become the sole underwriter of motorcycle policies sold through eBike, part of the Brightside Group.
Which? accuses insurers of taking consumers for a ride
Consumer watchdog Which? has accused several insurers of charging customers exorbitant hidden fees for basic policy changes and renewals.
Motor premiums start heading downwards
Prices for comprehensive car cover fell by 3.3% in the first quarter of 2012, the first time in almost four years that car insurance premiums have seen any reduction, according to the Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.
Quindell adds to shareholding in Lineker-backed insurance offering
Quindell Portfolio has paid £2.85m cash for a further 16.4% stake in Ingenie, the insurance intermediary digital brand aimed at young drivers.
Mondial re-brands as it heads into health market
Mondial Assistance UK has announced that it will rebrand to Allianz Global Assistance in October this year as it embarks on a new foray into the health sector.
Home Secretary gives backing to Biba and ABI signposting initiative
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have revealed a government backed signposting agreement which they claim will make it easier for older customers to find motor and travel insurance.
QBE reveals expansion plans to brokers
Ash Bathia, chief underwriting officer at QBE for property, casualty and motor, has told brokers to expect more engagement and products from the provider after its acquisition of Brit’s UK regional business.
ALPS signs up two Norwich brokers
Norwich-based brokers Alan Boswell and Knowlden Titlow have signed up with Auto Legal Protection Services (ALPS) for motor insurance claims handling.
Oliver to be UK CEO at A&A
Martin Oliver has confirmed to Insurance Age that he will become the new UK chief executive officer at Allen & Allen group once he has completed his notice period at Barbon.
Feeling lucky?
The continuing soft commercial market could be a major threat to the industry, unless lady luck intervenes again, says Tony Cornell
Fitch affirms RSA's rating at A
Fitch Ratings has affirmed RSA’s Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating at A, and its long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at A-.
NIG wins contract for funeral director scheme
NIG has won the tender to underwrite the insurance for Lark Group’s SAIFInsure scheme, taking over the contract from Axa.
R&Q acquires Guernsey insurer NFIL
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings (R&Q) has acquired Northern Foods Insurance (NFIL), a captive insurer domiciled in Guernsey, for just over £700,000.
Hiscox expands HNW motor capability
Hiscox has strengthened its UK art and private client division with three motor appointments.
Bloomer puts down roots at UK General
UK General has appointed ex-Ecclesiastical schemes director Tony Bloomer as head of commercial schemes.
Groupama delivers record profits but sees revenues dip
Groupama UK has experienced a huge upswing in profitability for the second year in a row delivering £43.5m in 2011 against £23.7m in 2010, itself a huge improvement on the previous year (2009: £14.1m).