Commercial
Insurtech sees its Facebook chatbot pilot flop
US-based start-up Next Insurance has found that its SME customers are not interested in buying insurance through a Facebook chatbot.
This week in Post: Washouts and windfalls
When you head off to an outdoor festival following a heatwave, you cross your fingers and hope the sun sticks around. Unfortunately it seems like the recent tropical spate has done a runner and I spent last weekend trying not to roll down a hill while up…
ERS sees best first half profit performance in five years
Specialist motor insurer ERS has reported its highest first half profit performance in five years.
FSCS has paid out £104m to failed insurer Enterprise customers
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has paid out £104m in compensation to customers of collapsed unrated insurer Enterprise so far.
Northern Irish hub acquisition pushes GRP’s GWP over £700m
GRP hub Abbey Bond Lovis has acquired a majority share in Northern Irish broker Digney Grant for an undisclosed sum.
XL Catlin's Nicola Harris on why insurers need to change their approach to the energy sector
Challenging times for the oil and gas industry call for a change in the way insurers address energy risks, writes Nicola Harris, head of energy for Europe, Middle East and Africa at XL Catlin.
Blog: Got your A-level results? Check out insurance apprenticeships
On A-level results day, Carmen McDonagh, operations director at Complete Cover Group, urges school leavers to consider an insurance apprenticeship.
UK becomes EU capital of private equity-backed insurance M&A
The UK has seen 28 private equity deals in insurance over the past 18 months, half of total number in Europe.
JLT Specialty's Hamish Roberts on why insurers must continue insuring coal
The pressure on insurers to deny coal projects any form of cover may actually increase pollution, warns Hamish Roberts, head of JLT Specialty’s London-based power business.
Esure receives £1.17bn takeover bid
Esure has received a takeover bid which would see the insurer valued at £1.17bn.
FSCS arranges alternative cover for Alpha policyholders
UK policyholders with failed Danish insurer Alpha have been provided alternative cover via the guarantee scheme.
Broker Network makes seventh ‘powerhouse’ acquisition
Broker Network has bought North West broker MCM, which will form the company’s seventh “regional powerhouse”.
Analysis: Gig economy: The big gig ruling
The Supreme Court ruling in Pimlico Plumbers, granting employment rights to a gig worker, might lead to an increase or a shift in liability claims. But it also opens up a door for new products as gig economy platforms will want to cover their new…
Policyholders face huge premium hikes following April UK withdrawal
Exclusive: Vulnerable customers with serious illnesses who have claimed under their existing private medical insurance policies, are seeing premiums more than double following the withdrawal of April UK from the PMI market.
Zurich weathers H1 storm claims and returns to profit
Zurich UK has seen operating profit rise 24% in H1, as a focus on commercial enabled the firm to avoid huge weather losses seen elsewhere.
Analysis: Cyber terrorism: A ticking digital bomb?
Cyber terrorism is still very much a hypothetical threat but, with governments investing in cyber security to foil attacks, it’s a risk that insurance markets are watching closely
AIG appoints new Europe CEO
Aspen Re’s CEO Thomas Lillelund has been appointed CEO of AIG Europe SA, subject to regulatory approval.
Insurers under fire over climate risk reporting
Three insurers have been reported to the FCA and could face fines for allegedly failing to disclose information which they are “legally obliged to report”.
QBE's Cecile Fresneau on why underwriters ask so many questions
Brokers should value the many in-depth questions asked by underwriters, writes Cecile Fresneau, executive director of the UK insurance division at QBE Insurance.
Analysis: Military recruitment: A call to arms
As insurance tries to attract talent and adapt to emerging risks, the London market is increasingly turning towards the military for new recruits
LMG names Lebecq as CEO
The London Market Group has named JLT Speciality operation director Clare Lebecq as CEO.
Brit profit dives 87.5% at H1
Brit’s pre-tax profit nose-dived 87.5% in the first six months of 2018 on the back of poor investment returns.
Aviva: 'Millions of pounds' of personal lines business to go through Fast Trade this year
Aviva anticipates placing millions of pounds of personal lines business through Fast Trade by the end of the year, according to managing director of UK general insurance Rob Townend and managing director of intermediaries Phil Bayles.
Blog: MGAs need to know how secure their capacity is
Managing general agents are facing a capacity crunch and the 'decile 10' initiative by Lloyd's to remove underperforming business is increasing pressure, explains Chris Hardcastle, managing director of Capsicum Delegated Authority.