News
Air frost days cost insurance sector over £1m
The insurance sector is hit by approximately 1000 additional private motor claims and pays out over £1.3m on repairs every time the UK is hit by air frost, according to analysis commissioned by Audatex.
'Value over volume' focus takes its toll on GWP at Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Banking Group’s general insurance business saw its combined operating ratio increase by five percentage points to 77% last year, while gross written premiums reduced by 8% to £1.3bn (2012: £1.4bn).
HSB Engineering launches energy efficiency product
Engineering and construction insurer HSB Engineering Insurance has launched an energy efficiency insurance product.
Axa introduces commission flexibility to Simple landlords policy
Axa has introduced commission flexibility to the landlords product from its Simple range allowing brokers to control their remuneration on a case-by-case basis.
Zurich UKGI arm records 53% profit increase for 2013
Zurich’s UK general insurance arm recorded a 53% increase in its business operating profit for 2013 to £144m from £94m in 2012.
Ace launches casualty practice in South Africa
Ace Group has launched a new casualty insurance practice in South Africa and appointed Lee Stacey as head of casualty for the region.
Ace starts construction practice for Asia-Pacific
Ace has created a construction industry practice group in the Asia-Pacific region.
Axa Assistance looks internally for double appointment
Axa Assistance has promoted its Ireland general manager Eoin Lyons to the role of UK chief operating officer.
FCA slaps broker Homeserve with £30.6m fine
The Financial Conduct Authority has issued its largest ever retail fine of £30.6m to broker Homeserve following “serious, systemic and long running failings” across key aspects of its business.
Lancashire CEO praises ‘strong close’ to 2013 despite profit decline
Lancashire has recorded a 6.2% decrease in gross written premium for the year ended 31 December 2013 writing $679.7m (£408m) compared with $724.3m the year before.
ABI confident insurers will get behind its personal injury code of conduct
Code aims to combat perception of insurers exploiting PI claims.
Zurich sees operating profit up 15% and premiums fall 4%
Zurich's global operating profit climbed 15% in 2013 helped by a significant improvement in its general insurance combined operating ratio.
KPMG warns of long-term flood impact
The economic impact of the recent flooding could be felt for at least two to three years, KPMG has warned.
Tulloch to kick-start flood funding talks after visiting policyholders
Aviva UK chief executive Maurice Tulloch has played down suggestions the insurer should channel funds earmarked for UK infrastructure investment into improving flood defences, but has vowed to act as a facilitator for industry talks with government on…
100mph winds forecast for North west England and Wales
The Met Office has issued its highest level warning for the first time this winter in response to forecasts of extremely strong winds in Wales and North west England.
First Central recruits Roberts to IT director role
Motor intermediary First Central has moved to strengthen its UK senior management, with the appointment of Dan Roberts as director of IT, change and risk.
ABI remains staunch on Flood Re exclusions stance
Association of British Insurers property head Aidan Kerr has dismissed claims that leasehold properties are excluded from Flood Re because of issues with insurers’ computer systems.
Bluefin swoops for Towergate regional boss Hogg
Bluefin has recruited Towergate’s Scotland and Northern Ireland regional managing director Kenny Hogg.
Willis returns to profit despite sliding operating income
Willis has swung back to profit in its latest full year results, 12 months after reporting a loss of $446m, in spite of a reduction in adjusted operating income.
Corpore makes two amputation case manager hires
Rehabilitation services provider Corpore has appointed two new amputee case managers to its catastrophic and specialist services team.
Covéa recruits former RSA, Zurich, Axa underwriters
Covéa has recruited three senior underwriters from rival insurers in a bid to bolster its commercial lines unit.
Allianz takes 8.3% Bayern Munich stake
Allianz has agreed a deal for an 8.33% stake in Bayern Munich football club in a deal worth €110m.
Admiral extends reinsurance deals to 2016
Admiral has added an additional year to reinsurance partnerships with Hannover Re, Mapfre Re, New Re and Swiss Re, extending contracts to 2016.
Insurers urged to direct infrastructure investment into flood defences
MP’s suggestion comes as PWC warns recent flooding could cost sector £500m.