News
Crawford buys GAB Robins in £45.8m deal
Loss adjusting giant Crawford & Company has completed a deal to acquire GAB Robins in a deal worth £45.8m.
Biba moots several changes to Insurance Bill
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has recommended a number of amendments in its written evidence to the Insurance Bill including around the disclosure of confidential information.
CFS boss Campbell to lead BLM's Irish business following merger
Campbell Fitzpatrick Solicitors managing partner Peter Campbell is to lead BLM’s Irish business following the completion of the merger between the two law firms.
Century Underwriting becomes 101st MGAA member
The Managing General Agents’ Association has recruited its 101st member in the shape of commercial lines specialist Century Underwriting.
Uinsure hires Berkeley Alexander director Hutchings
Manchester-based general insurance provider Uinsure has followed up on the recruitment of five former Paymentshield employees by appointing Mark Hutchings from Berkeley Alexander as national account manager.
Russian market facing 'significant challenges' despite premium growth
A predicted 10% rise in non-life Russian premiums in 2014 would be largely a result of inflation and masks the inherent problems faced by the profession in the country, according to Axco Insurance Information Services.
French floods force more than 3000 evacuations
Floods in Southern France have forced more than 3000 to evacuate their homes, while five people have lost their lives.
Trio sentenced after LV and Esure hit back at £145k crash for cash scam
A trio of crash for cash fraudsters have been handed custodial sentences following collaboration between LV and Esure to bring down a criminal ring.
14% of EU insurers fail 'baseline' EU stress tests
A test of more than half of Europe’s insurers by market share has found that one in twelve are currently likely to fail to meet solvency capital requirements when the Solvency II regime launches in just over a year.
Former LAS COO Dunworth resurfaces at Direct Line
The former chief operating officer of LAS found a new role helping Direct Line manage its supply chain after nine months out of the industry.
Hastings hires from Allstate for underwriting management role
Broker Hastings Direct has hired Ed Biemer from US giant Allstate in a new role as managing director, underwriting services.
Ace shuffles Australian financial lines team
Insurer Ace has promoted two staff and recruited a former broker in its Australian financial lines division.
Premiums in 'emerging Asia' to grow 12.8% in 2015, says Swiss Re
According to reinsurance giant Swiss Re general insurance premiums in 'emerging Asia' countries are set to grow 12.8% on average in 2015.
Almost 40,000 claims from Brisbane storm
Last week's supercell storm in Brisbane has led to 39,677 insurance claims and will cost insurers over A$200m (£108m).
Markel hires two to financial risks division
Markel has made two appointments in its financial risks division including hiring Catlin's Martin McCarron as financial institutions head.
Towergate bondholders declare support
A group of Towergate’s creditors have declared their support for the embattled business as it seeks to resolve its future.
Brightside tipped to dip into £350m warchest for 2015 acquisitions
Brightside is poised to make multiple acquisitions next year from a £350m fund, according to a well-placed market source.
Four men jailed in Operation Catcher crash-for-cash case
Four men have been jailed for a total of nine years at Croydon Crown Court for their roles in fraudulent insurance claims totalling more than £290,000.
Towergate bondholders appoint advisers Moelis & Co
Moelis & Co has been appointed as an adviser by Towergate's secured bondholders in advance of talks with the consolidator about its £1bn debt, according to reports.
Towergate Underwriting CEO responds to concerns on broker ties
Towergate Underwriting CEO Clive Nathan has admitted concerns that he could lose further brokers in the wake of Arthur J Gallagher deciding to cut ties with the embattled business.
Fitch predicts more consolidation among smaller European insurers
Merger and acquisition activity among smaller European insurers is likely to gather momentum as the countdown to Solvency II continues and profitability remains under pressure, according to Fitch Ratings.
Lords holds first evidence session on Insurance Bill
The House of Lords new Special Public Bill Committee on the Insurance Bill will hear from government Minister Lord Newby in its first evidence session next week.
Rates down 2.8% in Q3 as buyers increasingly access global capacity
Global insurance rates fell by 2.8% in the third quarter of 2014, compared with the same period in the previous year, according to Marsh's global insurance index.
AIG re-hires CNA regions boss Somers to help boost non-London GWP
AIG is pushing ahead with plans to bolster its regional presence across the UK with the appointment of CNA Insurance’s head of UK regions Phil Somers.