Broker
Apil applauds investigation into motor insurers' "grubby practices"
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has claimed that motor insurers have "finally been caught with their hands in the cookie jar" following the Office of Fair Trading decision to refer the sector to the Competition Commission.
LV Broker launches ABC Home on Open GI
The new deal follows the success of the ABC car insurance product on the platform and is part of LV Broker's continuing strategy to strengthen its electronically traded product range.
Industry must work together to tackle motor insurance costs, says Mass chairwoman
The Motor Accident Solicitors Society has called the Office of Fair Trading report into the third-party vehicle repairs issue the "tip of the iceberg" with a Competition Commission investigation almost inevitable.
OFT to refer credit hire study to Competition Commission
The Office of Fair Trading has provisionally decided to refer the private motor insurance market study to the Competition Commission after finding that insurers were too "distracted" with lowering costs and pushing up rivals' premiums to provide…
Coversure opens Devon office
Coversure Insurance Services has opened an office in Ilfracombe.
FSA hits back at Solvency II gold-plating concerns
The Financial Services Authority has hit back at criticism that it is gold-plating regulation and adopting an "audit approach" to Solvency II, claiming it is ensuring that all the directive requirements are met.
ABI boss warns of unco-ordinated regulation rush in push to twin peaks
The insurance market has been warned that there is a "danger" of regulation being rushed through, as a number of unanswered questions remain in the run up to new financial regulation next year.
Giles rejects IPO, claiming 15% rise in 2011 operating earnings beats peers
Strategic acquisitions in 2012 by consolidator Giles could still rival those from 2011 by value, if not frequency, despite a renewed focus on organic growth, as it looks to bolster specialisms and close gaps in its geographic footprint.
Cobra takeover deadline extended as only Alto remains in the running
The protracted sale of Cobra, which has recently ended up as a one-horse race, has sparked debate among industry insiders as to whether networks represent limited appeal.
Application fraud: Revving up rates
In an effort to bring down premiums, many drivers are telling 'white lies' on their application forms, compelling brokers to beef up their own fraud detection alongside insurers.
Market moves: A busy week for recruitment
Insurers were the most active recruiters in the industry this week, with Canopius, Mapfre, Zurich and Ace all welcoming new arrivals to their teams. It was also a busy seven days in the broking sector, after BGL, Giles, Miller and Aon made significant…
Four candidates win place on LMA board following 2012 election
The Lloyd's Market Association has named four successful candidates in the 2012 election for membership to its board.
Euler Hermes pulls cover for Greek importers amid euro concerns
Exporters shipping to debt-stricken Greece will not be able to obtain cover from Euler Hermes for the foreseeable future, following concerns that the country could exit the euro.
AA policyholders keep no claims discount in uninsured driver crashes
The AA's panel of insurers has agreed that the broker's policyholders will not lose their no-claim discount or excess following a crash involving an uninsured driver.
As job cuts hit loss adjusters, firms commit to investing in future talent
The loss adjusting industry has had a tough few months but, as major firms have been forced to shed staff, they are also vowing to continue to invest in the people they have retained.
Editor's comment: Taking evasive action
Failure to prepare is merely preparing to fail, or so says the oft-quoted maxim. And this week has all been about UK insurance companies demonstrating this is not a trap they have any intention of falling into with regard to the continued volatility in…
Terrorism and civil unrest: Risky business
With several parts of the world engulfed by violence and civil unrest, is traditional terrorism and political risk cover increasingly irrelevant?
Giles snaps up ex-Broker Network director Mageean
Giles has appointed Bernard Mageean as managing director of underwriting and wholesale, effective from the end of August 2012.
Hyperion IPO or sale in next two years, analysts predict
Panmure Gordon analysts have said that an IPO or trade sale of Hyperion is likely in the "next year or two".
Next phase of DLG float underway as UBS appointed to advise
UBS has been appointed to advise on RBS' sale of its Direct Line Group insurance arm, with the bank acting as joint bookrunners with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
Hyperion IPO likely in late 2013, BP Marsh boss says
The chairman of venture capitalist BP Marsh, which has a 19.4% stake in Hyperion, said it is unlikely the insurance business will float until after Q2 2013 and warned the firm to wait until economic conditions improve.
Tesco launches van insurance with Axa
Tesco Bank has launched its own van insurance policy.
BP Marsh net asset value exceeds £50m for first time
BP Marsh's chairman has described the venture capitalist firm's largest investment, Hyperion, as "forging ahead with enviable momentum".
170 jobs at stake as Kwik-Fit prepares to shut Birmingham office
Kwik-Fit Financial Services has this afternoon revealed that it is planning to close its Birmingham office and relocate to Glasgow at the expense of 170 jobs.