News Analysis
Analysis: A coronavirus call centre crisis?
Personal lines insurance providers are faced with a potentially “lethal” situation if call centre staff cannot go into work en masse due to coronavirus disruption, compliance experts have cautioned. Post asked brokers and insurers how they are preparing…
Analysis: Broker M&A pace picks up again
Acquisitions in the UK distribution space rose 13% last year, according to research by Imas Corporate Finance. Post investigates what is driving the increase in consolidation and the challenges buyers are facing in their traditional hunting grounds
Analysis: Little leeway from five month delay to whiplash portal
The Ministry of Justice has addressed a “loophole” meaning children and vulnerable adults will be able to recoup representation costs when the delayed whiplash portal rolls out, but questions linger over its start date, pressure on courts and claimants…
Analysis: Reinsurance hikes add to motor pricing pressure
The UK motor market had the unwanted title of the biggest riser in the annual global reinsurance renewal season this January, adding another reason for intense scrutiny on insurance pricing in the loss-making sector
M&A volume grows in 2019 but mid-sized targets scarce
Exclusive: The number of UK insurance distribution mergers and acquisitions rose from 82 in 2018 to 93 last year, driven by a surge in deals valued under £5m, industry specialists Imas Corporate Finance has revealed.
Analysis: Rise of the clones
Insurance clone warnings doubled last year, as fraudsters got creative in their attempts to scam the public. Post investigates the rise of the clones and asks why it is so tough to police these fraudulent firms
Budget 2020: What are the Chancellor's options on IPT?
Insurers have ramped up lobbying attempts to convince the government to slice the rate of Insurance Premium Tax. Post investigates why they may well have good reason to be worried it could be cranked up the other way.
Analysis: Revisiting 'Flood Re Plus' for businesses
The idea of a Flood Re Plus scheme has been mooted by Airmic as a solution for those businesses that struggled to obtain flood cover
Analysis: Brokers urged to keep on top of SMCR as rules kick in
The Senior Managers and Certification Regime regulation focused on greater personal responsibility has come into force for senior broker managers, and businesses have a year to train all relevant staff on conduct rules.
Analysis: We Work and Softbank saga could push insurtechs and insurers to partner up
Amid rumblings in the tech sector and trouble at We Work, which could drive more insurtechs to seek a sale to incumbents, Lemonade has reportedly put its initial public offering on hold.
Analysis: Ageas and Tesco joint venture labelled success with separation on horizon
Experts have predicted an increase in partnerships in the insurance industry but do not see another joint venture on the horizon, as Tesco gears up to buy out Ageas' share of their Tesco Underwriting joint venture.
What has become of the vacant Swinton branches?
What happened to all the buildings that used to house Swinton branches? Post content director Jonathan Swift looks to answer this question on an insurance odyssey through south London
Analysis: Should the government revise the deadline for the whiplash portal?
The small claims portal is due to enter its testing phase in October, before officially launching in April 2020. However, many in the industry are concerned that the proposed deadline is not feasible, given the lack of clarity from the government
Analysis: Should the FCA impose fee caps on CMCs?
The Financial Conduct Authority is working to limit charges for claims management companies’ services, but will new regulation actually be a double-edged sword for consumers?
Analysis: What do recent market exits mean for insurtechs targeting millennials?
Three insurtechs have pulled out of the insurance market so far this year, raising questions around the efficacy of selling insurance to millennials and whether more of these firms will fall.
Analysis: RSA UK&I - getting back on track?
Following two consecutive years of poor underwriting results in the UK, RSA has taken decisive action to restructure its business and shrink premiums
Analysis: Consolidators look to Europe for acquisitions as UK competition grows
The UK has seen a wave of consolidation in regional broking over the past few years, making competition for viable targets a challenge. In response, several consolidators are starting to look to Ireland and Europe as a potential area of expansion.
Analysis: Iprism moving beyond Gable
Managing general agent Iprism's latest accounts show profits dived and tens of millions of pounds was wiped off the valuation of the company, following the demise of former unrated insurer partner Gable.
Analysis: What do the millennials think of insurance?
Insurance has struggled to attract talent in recent years, finding itself competing with ‘sexier’ industries
Analysis: Is the industry prepared if the UK is hit with Brexit riots this year?
Legislation introduced in the wake of 2011 riots aims to simplify claims handling
Analysis: Are cavity wall insulation claims the new PPI?
Insurers are seeing a spike in people claiming improper installation of cavity wall insulation. Is this the new money spinner for CMCs?
Analysis: How regulation could clip the wings of CMCs
In six months’ time, claims management companies will fall under the umbrella of the Financial Conduct Authority.
Analysis: Diversity - how far have we really come?
Insurance has talked the diversity talk for several years now. And yet, the industry still displays all-male or all-pale panels. How can it become truly inclusive?
Analysis: Allianz’s acquisitive appetite
With reports suggesting that CEO Oliver Baete has a big ticket acquisition in mind, rumours have been circulating that Allianz could look to hoover up one of the larger players in the UK market.