Articles by Scott McGee
Is insurer service really that bad?
News Editor View: After comments from Jensten’s Alistair Hardie earlier this week saying no insurer gets service right and that we should “rip up the service rule book and start again”, Scott McGee asks: Is it really that bad?
Aviva’s Blanc hits back at Labour’s motor insurance plans
Aviva’s group CEO Amanda Blanc has hit back at Labour’s proposed plans to address motor insurance premiums in the UK, stating that “you don’t need a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.
Allianz on top again in latest Brokerbility satisfaction survey
After topping the survey in 2022, Allianz has once again come out on top of Brokerbility’s latest satisfaction survey of key insurer partners.
AllClear to grow international presence following sale
Chris Rolland, group CEO of AllClear and InsureandGo, has revealed the travel broker’s plans to expand the international business following the sale of owner InsurEvo.
Brokers looking to non-standard for opportunity
A survey conducted by Prestige Underwriting has found brokers are looking at the non-standard insurance sector for growth opportunities.
Big Interview: Alistair Hardie, Jensten Group
Alistair Hardie, CEO of Jensten Group, updates Scott McGee on the broker’s anticipated sale, its “radical overhaul”, and where it may shift its M&A focus to in the future.
Jensten’s Hardie to wield axe on insurers with shoddy service
Alistair Hardie, Jensten Group’s CEO, has thrown down the gauntlet to “all insurers” to “throw out the service rule book” and start again, because “nobody has got it right”.
Flood Re’s Andy Bord to stand down as CEO
Andy Bord, CEO of Flood Re, will step down at its annual general meeting in July 2024.
Hardie sees Jensten ‘doubling again’ in next few years
Alistair Hardie, group CEO at Jensten, has said he expects to complete “about 10” acquisitions in 2024, and that he believes the broker can “double the size again” in three or fours years’ time.
Ogden to replace Taylor as HDI Global UK&I CEO
Stephanie Ogden has been appointed as the CEO of HDI Global UK & Ireland, effective from September 2024.
Admiral offers refunds after overcharging ‘small percentage’ of customers
A percentage of Admiral customers have been issued a refund after the insurer identified an error affecting the premium quoted at renewal.
Markerstudy and Atlanta deal given FCA approval
The merger between Markerstudy and Atlanta, the personal lines broking business of The Ardonagh Group, has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Kindertons linked with Markerstudy investor Pollen Street
Private equity house Pollen Street has been tipped to purchase accident management and mobility company Kindertons, after a potential deal with Auxillis’s owner fell through, sources have told Insurance Post.
Tribunal slams ‘connected’ leasehold insurance arrangement
A tribunal has ruled that leaseholders in a block of flats were overcharged by 145% after it had “not been presented with one item of documentary evidence to suggest that the insurance premiums for the building are competitive”.
FCA allows four firms to sell Gap insurance
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that four insurance firms are now permitted to recommence their sales of guaranteed asset protection insurance.
Is premium finance still a tax on the poor?
News Editor’s View: Scott McGee considers whether recent steps taken by trade bodies to address premium finance will reassure the Financial Conduct Authority that this payment method is no longer a ‘tax on being poor’ that needs to be tackled.
Singapore Airlines victim named as retired insurance manager Geoff Kitchen
The man who sadly passed away after a Singapore Airlines flight hit by turbulence yesterday has been named as Geoff Kitchen, a former branch manager at Axa and business development manager at Acturis.
Motor to return to profitability in 2024
Data Analysis: The latest Oxbow Partners motor insurance report proves to be encouraging reading for those operating within the space.
Applied building momentum as it enters pilot with Aviva
After increasing the number of brokers on its Epic platform in 2023, Applied Systems Europe CEO Tom Needs said he expects to match that growth again this year.
Aviva building out strategic broker proposition
Aviva is undertaking a process in which it is engaging with key, strategic brokers in order to build out a new proposition, with a view to launch by January 2025 at the latest.
FCA overwhelmed by feedback on naming and shaming
Emily Shepperd, chief operating officer of the Financial Conduct Authority, has said the regulator will “really take our time” when considering its proposed plans to name firms it is investigating before any decision has been made.
FCA lifts Gap restrictions on two firms
The Financial Conduct Authority has lifted its restrictions around guaranteed asset protection insurance for two firms.
Zurich consolidates UK commercial and retail distribution teams
From 20 May, Zurich UK will consolidate its commercial and retail distribution teams into one unit for brokers accessing the business, Insurance Post can reveal.
Biba follows ABI in addressing premium finance
Less than a month after the Association of British Insurers published guidance for members providing premium finance to customers, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association has followed suit.