Direct Line Group
Role of PCWs highlighted as insurers hit back against premium finance criticism
The Financial Conduct Authority has been accused of failing to address consumer buying behaviour in the findings of its premium finance thematic review, which singled out insurers and brokers for criticism.
DLG sees GWP dip marginally in Q1 as costs plummet 10%
Direct Line Group has delivered a 0.9% dip in gross written premiums for the first quarter of 2015 after attributing a 1.3% reduction in in-force policies to a fall within its partnerships channel.
From Croydon to Berlin: The geography of insurance disruption
There is constant talk of disruption and digital innovation in the personal lines insurance market, but when it comes to concrete facts about where it's coming from, all we have is – often wild - speculation.
Gallagher hires ex-NIG underwriting boss Hall as CUO
Former NIG underwriting and pricing director Martin Hall is to resurface at Arthur J Gallagher where he will take on the chief underwriting officer role vacated by Sian Fisher.
C-Suite - Insurer: Reducing risk, increasing safety
Telematics can bring down premiums for young drivers, but also alter behaviour in all segments.
DLG director Jones to step down at AGM
Direct Line Group senior independent director Glyn Jones will not be submitting himself for re-election as a director at the company's 2015 annual general meeting.
Esure tipped to wrestle market share from rivals once rates rise
Esure can win customers from “less efficient UK motor insurers” once motor pricing picks up, according to a report by Berenberg, which has backed the insurer's long-term prospects.
Demise of outbound call centres linked to customer attitudes, not cold-calling regulation
The days of insurers targeting policy sales via outbound call centres are “long gone”, according to industry insiders, who have cited evolving customer purchase methods for the demise of such call centres rather than incoming cold-calling regulation.
Geddes rules out further disposals or large acquisitions for DLG
Direct Line Group's CEO Paul Geddes has told the market not to expect anymore disposals or large-scale acquisitions in the foreseeable future.
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.