News Analysis
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?
Insurers moving to limit exposure to neuro sports injury litigation
Impending litigation over neurodegenerative conditions suffered by rugby and football players are presenting challenges for the insurance industry to stay on top of.
Shares tumble following motor pricing and FCA action
In a repeat of what happened in January, the share prices of Admiral and Direct Line Group have taken a hit today as the Financial Conduct Authority and government announced action around motor insurance premium pricing.
Rumoured CGT hike leaving brokers scrambling for a sale
In preparation for the potential hikes in capital gains tax, brokers are already speaking with consolidators and larger brokers in an attempt to accelerate a sale and avoid the higher tax rates, Insurance Post can reveal.
Insurers must bridge the knowledge gap of ‘especially dangerous’ malware
Andrew Martin, CEO of DynaRisk, has called on insurance firms to be better informed around a type of malware that was used as part of the attack on the MGM Grand casino last year.
Could premium finance face Gap-like FCA action?
After the Financial Conduct Authority’s Matt Brewis labelled premium finance a “poor product”, Scott McGee examines if the industry has done enough to defend this method of paying for insurance or whether the regulator will soon feel forced to clamp down…
Why Ageas buying Direct Line makes sense now
Having been talked about as a takeover target itself in recent years, content director Jonathan Swift observes Ageas’ move for Direct Line marks a change in fortunes for the Belgian insurance group and makes perfect sense in terms of fit and timing.
Was the Amazon Insurance Store doomed from its launch?
Briefing: After 15 months, the Amazon Insurance Store is coming to an end. Scott McGee asks the question: ‘What went wrong?’ and ‘Was it doomed from the outset?’
MoJ told to fix whiplash before introducing more reform
Panellists speaking at an Association of British Insurers event about civil justice urged the Ministry of Justice to fix the whiplash reforms before bringing about any new further changes that affect the motor insurance sector.
Many Pets’ £42m loss highlights issues
Many Pets posted a £42m loss for the year to 31 March 2023, on top of the £31m loss for the year before.