Direct Line Group
DLG hits all four 2014 targets despite reduced motor profits
A £50.6m year-on-year reduction in operating profit from ongoing operations within Direct Line Group’s motor business was the main driver behind a marginal dip in the insurer’s group-wide operating profit for 2014.
Q&A: Ash Roots, director of digital at Direct Line Group
Ash Roots has been director of digital at Direct Line Group since joining the insurer from Three UK just over two years ago. Since then, he has built an in-house digital services team and led the successful launches of new apps and consumer websites. He…
Online court proposal queried as a 'white elephant' for insurance claims
The proposal to introduce an online dispute resolution system for civil claims below £25,000 has been branded "overly ambitious" and a "potential white elephant" by industry commentators who have called for thorough testing before such a system is…
CMA no claims bonus deadline branded 'wholly unrealistic' and a distraction
Insurers and brokers have rejected the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed deadline of 1 September for a protected no claims bonus remedy, declaring it “wholly unrealistic” and warning it could lead to market distortion.
Insurers clamour for industry standard on premium comparison
There is a groundswell of support among insurers to establish an industry standard on premium comparison at renewal after Axa broke ranks to introduce such a scheme for personal lines customers.
Plum swoops for DLG underwriter
Household MGA Plum Underwriting has appointed Nicky Whatman as a senior underwriter to its London high net worth team.
DIS 2015 - Speaker: Ash Roots: director of digital, Direct Line Group
Ash Roots has been director of digital at Direct Line Group for just over two years and in this time has built an in-house digital services team, and led the successful launches of new apps and consumer websites.
Lexis Nexis database contains 57% of UK no claims history
The Lexis Nexis’ no claims discount database has grown to contain 57% of the UK insurance industry’s no claims history following contributions from a range of insurers.
Voluntary code mooted to tackle automatism loophole
Insurers should consider adopting a voluntary code to ensure injured policyholders are compensated even in situations where negligence cannot be established, according to the firm at the centre of an automatism loophole dispute.
ABSs highlighted as claims upsurge threat as CMC numbers dwindle
The rapid demise of claims management companies and the subsequent reduction in bodily injury claims is in danger of being offset by the future strategy of insurance companies with alternative business structures, according to market observers.
Smaller motor players facing market exit amid intense competition
Cut-throat competition and meagre rate rises in the motor market could force smaller players to plot an exit, according to industry analysts, as “brinkmanship” continues among certain insurers over potential price increases.
CMA draft order obligations criticised for duplicating existing regulation
Industry players are fearful draft Competition and Markets Authority motor insurance obligations conflict with existing conduct regulation amid concerns the watchdog is not giving firms enough time to implement its suggested reforms.
Insurers warned over SSL phoenix company as ex-staff hit out at former bosses
Former insurer clients of defunct loss adjusting firm SSL have been warned to avoid phoenix company Artemis amid criticism of the company directors’ business practices.
Post's Christmas Q&A
As the festive season is drawing to a close, Post caught up with some of the insurance industry's key players to talk miserable Christmas songs, Die Hard and Mr Blobby...
Insurance Claims Review of the Year 2014 - updated
Having asked the Post Claims Club advisory board for their views on 2014, and hopes for 2015 this is how a number responded.
Post's Christmas Q&A
As the festive season gets well and truly underway, Post caught up with some of the insurance industry's key players to talk New Year's resolutions, champagne and history books...
Post's Christmas Q&A
As the festive season gets well and truly underway, Post caught up with some of the insurance industry's key players to talk Santa slippers, mince pies and terrible Christmas presents...
Review of the Year: General Insurance
General insurers including Ageas, Aviva, Direct Line, Axa and LV reflect on a year that started with immense flood claims, saw the Competition and Markets Authority’s final report into motor insurance and ended with a warning by the regulator on the use…
The POST Power List 2014
After much deliberation, Post finally reveals the top 10 shining lights of the insurance industry, along with details of who we think would play them in a movie of their life, to complete the Post Power List.
Direct Line brand awareness dominance not translated in policy sales
Direct Line is failing to transform dominant brand awareness among consumers into policy sales, according to the latest Global Reviews UK motor insurance providers digital marketing effectiveness study.
New look IFB technical board to be chaired by Axa fraud boss Davies
Axa global chief fraud control officer Richard Davies has been appointed as chairman of the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s technical board as part of a shake-up that will result in an influx of new board members.
Insurers unfazed by CMA probe into Crawford's GAB acquisition
Insurer claims specialists are relaxed about the Competition and Markets Authority investigation into Crawford’s £45.8m acquisition of GAB Robins.
C-Suite Insurer: Vive la revolution
Technological advances mean the insurance industry is on the cusp of something new and exciting
Penny Black’s Insurance Week - 11 December
It was a case of Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now for Kate Syred, Direct Line’s commercial director of home insurance, when she attended Morrissey’s recent concert at the O2.