Tesco Bank
Your Say: Taking on Tesco
Since Axa and Zurich reported improved UK earnings in mid-February, a number of other insurers have impressed with upbeat personal lines results. After a dismal 2011, these performances should be applauded, and demonstrate that, unlike the banks, which…
Telematics: Aggregators - the future of motor insurance
As young drivers are priced out of the market, could the emergence of telematics bring an end to the dominance of the traditional big four aggregators, as others seek to take a share of the market?
Commercial lags behind personal as major insurers reveal their 2011 hands
The results season is more than halfway through and, while analysts have highlighted the increased profit in personal lines despite market saturation, they claim commercial is lagging behind and could worsen.
Smith: Ageas saw "a step change"
Ageas boss Barry Smith has told Post that high street provincial brokers provided the biggest boost to business last year, with broker business growing by as much as 20%.
Tesco deal gives Ageas a record year
Ageas UK cited organic growth and its new Tesco business for a near 70% boost to its premium income for 2011 to £1,979.5m and a record profit of £105m compared with a loss of nearly £25m in the previous year.
Editor's Comment: RBSI takes the Direct approach
The news that Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance is to use the Direct Line brand comes as little surprise.
Expert analysis: Relatively calm
Although competition remains fierce in the aggregator arena, the rush for volume has slowed as the motor market moves closer to break-even point, says Tom Cooper, Igo4.
Marketing: The power of advertising
Effective marketing can be a tough challenge for financial services providers and having a strong presence is not enough, it must also resonate with customers.
Chaucer enhances motor team
Chaucer Insurance has appointed Paul Baxter as head of direct to enhance the division’s commitment to building a leading UK motor business.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: A man for all seasons
As CEO of Ageas UK for the last decade, radical changes in distribution, more intelligent use of capital and the financial turmoil are just a few of the changes Barry Smith has witnessed.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: Steadying the ship
After a tough 2009, the top insurers have managed to maintain GWP levels in 2010 but snapping at their heels are a few new entrants doing their best to prove there is still money to be made in general insurance.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement - brand analysis: Battle of the brands
With commercial pressures and tough business conditions putting the squeeze on insurance companies, the importance of the brand has never been more vital. So who is getting it right?
Ex-Churchill MD joins aggregator start-up
Former Churchill managing director Mike Quinton has taken an “opportunity of a lifetime” to become Debra Williams’ first senior appointment at a new price comparison site, joining as commercial director.
British Insurance Awards 2011: Putting safety first
WINNER – INSURABLE RISK TEAM – TESCO STORES
British Insurance Awards 2011: Rewarding rebrand
GENERAL INSURER OF THE YEAR – WINNER – AGEAS UK
Affinity: Travel bucks trend as affinity share falls
Finaccord managing director Alan Leach has advised insurers that the affinity market is "not just about motor, household and travel" and to look for potential partnerships in niche segments. He pointed to accident & health, which he said has seen "steady…
Solicitors' professional indemnity: Turning off the life support
Potential sweeping changes to the solicitors' professional indemnity market could see the controversial assigned risks pool scrapped. Jakki May investigates the effect on qualifying insurers hoping to turn a profit.
Ex-Tesco head joins Direct Line
Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance has appointed Steve Price as Direct Line motor director.
Ageas to hike household rates to emulate motor
Ageas is set to continue hiking rates on its household insurance, on top of the 10% it has already pushed through in the first quarter of 2011, in a bid to replicate the improved combined ratio already seen in its UK private motor performance.
RSA reports Q1 premium rise
RSA has reported net written premiums of £2.1bn, up 8%, in the first quarter of 2011.
Editor's comment: Beware the brain drain
Sometimes it's good to go against the grain — it can signal creativity, innovation and a desire to differentiate. And then there are the times when mirroring market trends undoubtedly brings the best outcome for individuals concerned.
500 to join Ageas in dedicated Tesco centre
Ageas is set to employ 500 staff in its dedicated claims handling office in Newcastle for its Tesco Underwriting venture within the next five years.
Pleural plaques fight set to continue vow insurers - Insurance News Now – 14 April 2011
Post reporter Amy Ellis outlines this week's major general insurance stories which includes the insurance industry’s vow to continue battling the Scottish government’s decision to compensate pleural plaques, despite losing a judicial review in Edinburgh.
E-business: Google arrival means aggregators will have to work harder
Price comparison sites have been urged to "pedal harder" following the arrival of Google in the aggregator market.