News Analysis
Headlines I hope to see in 2026
Deputy Editor’s View: With the year drawing to a close, Scott McGee looks back at what he thinks are the main themes of 2025 and how they could develop in 2026.
Motor insurers pay out £885m in redress but complaints begin to ease
Motor insurance continues to be the most complained about product in UKGI, according to an exclusive analysis of Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) complaints data by market intelligence firm Insurance DataLab.
How the AI revolution can unlock neurodiverse insurance talent
As artificial intelligence takes the insurance industry by storm, Damisola Sulaiman analyses the unexpected benefits AI implementation can have for creating a workplace that is inclusive by design for neurodiverse employees.
Can debt-heavy brokers survive rising rates and scrutiny?
Leveraged buyouts have transformed the UK broking sector into a private equity powerhouse, but with debt costs climbing and organic growth harder to achieve, Emma Ann Hughes reveals questions are mounting over how sustainable the model really is.
Experts weigh up AI threats and opportunities within fraud
At Insurance Post’s Claims and Underwriting Clubs last week, experts discussed how fraudsters are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence while insurers are also using the technology to fight back.
Smashing the class ceiling in insurance
Damisola Sulaiman examines why social mobility data and initiatives remain patchy in insurance and how recruitment and culture need to change to smash the sector's class ceiling.
Insurers warned to prepare for rise in targeted protest risk
With targeted protests against the insurance industry set to increase, Damisola Sulaiman discusses with security experts what steps the industry can take to mindfully prepare for even more direct action than it’s used to.
Does the FCA’s premium finance inaction show a lack of ambition?
Briefing: After years of signalling action, the Financial Conduct Authority has finally issued an update on its premium finance market review and while Scott McGee observes the watchdog said surprisingly little, those thinking the regulator is backing…
What the ‘interim’ exec team means for the future of DLG?
Content Director's View: With Aviva finally getting the keys to the Direct Line Group business after the deal closed this week, Jonathan Swift asks if there are any early pointers to the direction of travel for the merged business by looking at who has…
How Applied’s Epic exit is causing rivals to gear up to capture business
With Applied withdrawing Epic from the UK, what are the options now for its broker customers?
Cyber events halt 1 in 7 businesses for at least a day
One in seven businesses have lost a day or more to a cyber event in the last 12 months, according to global research for commercial insurer QBE.
Challenge of reframing flood risk laid bare
Unpredictable weather and the government’s building targets are forcing underwriters to rethink how they assess property flood risk, according to a panel of experts at Insurance Post’s Underwriting Club this week.
Hiscox warns how tech insurance bubble could burst
Hiscox’s head of technology, Adam Atkins, has warned that the influx of new competition into the market could lead to another event which would see many exits in the sector.
Quarterly weather damage claims payouts hit record £200m
In the first quarter of this year, claims for weather-related damage to people’s homes and possessions topped £200m for the first time ever, according to data from the Association of British Insurers.
Aviva refreshes and relaunches HNW offering
Aviva’s private clients managing director Ann Owen has revealed how the insurer has revamped and relaunched its high-net-worth offering, following its Azur and Axa XL acquisitions.
Saga CEO outlines plan to get back to peak trading
Saga Insurance CEO Lloyd East has told Insurance Post the business is pivoting to growth after securing the sale of Acromas, as well as the partnership with Ageas.
Policy Expert bosses outline plan to double GWP
Policy Expert CEO Steve Hardy has laid down a target to double the size of the business within five years and become a top five provider of pet insurance in the UK.
Nichols reflects on Zurich’s personal lines pivot
Zurich’s head of retail David Nichols recalls why Zurich felt the need to exit the brokered personal lines business, how it has fared by focussing on partnerships and HNW, and why no pets are allowed.
Did Markerstudy just set a record for shortest GI CEO stint?
Content Director’s View: Jonathan Swift reflects on the shortest stints in general insurance hot seats this century and mulls whether the CEO of Markerstudy Distribution Ian Donaldson has just beaten the previous record holder, Brendan McCafferty.
Biba’s manifesto demands regulator to raise its game
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association launched its manifesto for 2025 today (15 January), titled ‘Partnering to deliver value’. Scott McGee breaks down the main points, including tougher scrutiny on the regulator.
Are higher home excesses killing smaller claims?
After Verisk saw a 17% increase in the average home insurance claims cost, due to a decline in the number of low-value claims submitted by policyholders, Scott McGee asks: what is causing customers to stop submitting small claims?