Commercial
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.
Bayles: Aviva ‘bullish’ on brokers despite GRP rift
Aviva sees growth across every broker segment despite fall out with GRP, Aviva managing director for intermediaries Phil Bayles has confirmed.
April UK PMI exit deal puts brokers on edge
Exclusive: April UK’s private medical insurance exit has led to a flurry of insurer activity, but brokers have been left feeling frustrated and overlooked after Axa PPP struck a deal and customers were told they could contact the insurer directly.
Aviva UK delivers, GI hit hard by weather claims
Despite weather claims that hit operating profit, Aviva’s UK general insurance arm has reported a combined operating ratio of 94.3% for the first half of 2018, a slight increase on 2017, when it was 93.2%.
Weather losses send RSA profits down 15% at H1
RSA posted a 15% drop in group operating profit for the first six months of the year as British and Canadian weather losses dent the insurers’ results.
Parametric insurtech Floodflash raises £1.9m
Internet of Things start-up Floodflash will aim to roll out in October, having raised £1.9m in a seed round.
GRP-backed brokers Lonmar and Ropner to merge
Lloyd’s brokers Lonmar and Ropner will merge at the end of the month under the Lonmar brand.
Finch-owner triples size in UK market with ICB acquisition
ICB Group joins Finch as part of the Verlingue Group, effective from today.
DLG’s operating profit slides as insurer is hit with weather claims
Direct Line Group saw operating profit slide in the first half of 2018, as it was hit by weather-related claims.
Latest GRP broker will seek acquisitive growth
GRP has acquired a majority stake in DCJ Group Insurance and Risk Management, for an undisclosed sum.
Market must use consortium model to attack expense base, says Hiscox chair
Carriers in the London market must work together in consortiums to spread risk, combat rising expenses ratios and mitigate underwriting pressures, Hiscox chairman Robert Childs said.
Markerstudy creates COO role and makes key promotions
Markerstudy has appointed Dan Fiehn to the newly created role of COO.