United Kingdom (UK)
Analysis: Whiplash and insurer demand driving claims sector consolidation
Following Davies' acquisition of Keoghs further consolidation is expected in the claims sector and it could push mid-sized firms out of the picture.
Blog: Six months is a long time in politics
December 2019 was the first anniversary of Royal Assent to the Civil Liability Act 2018 and mid-January 2020 marked six months on from one of David Gauke’s last decisions as Lord Chancellor to set a new personal injury discount rate of -0.25% for England…
Insurers face further storm pressure as Dennis bears down on UK
Storm Dennis will hit the UK this weekend, following a claims surge and disruption from last weekend's Storm Ciara.
Cybercriminals look to exploit panic over coronavirus outbreak
Cybercriminals are increasingly using crisis events such as the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak to breach the security systems of businesses and individuals.
Allianz confirms scrapping of Saracens deal
Allianz has confirmed that it will end its headline sponsorship of Saracens this year 12 months ahead of schedule.
More room for improvement says Zurich's Naidu as UKGI profit jumps in 2019
Zurich’s UK general insurance arm saw profit almost double and its combined operating ratio improve in its 2019 financial year.
Questions linger over insurer role in Church of England redress fund
Representatives of the Church of England passed a motion opening the door for redress for survivors of child sexual abuse, but questions remain over what role its insurers will play, if any, in a fund.
Pen Underwriting’s Tom Downey on the market-hardening challenges and opportunities for MGAs
What a difference five years makes. Back in early 2015, we had a nation blissfully ignorant of the division, disruption and economic uncertainty that would follow the 2016 referendum result, writes Tom Downey, chief underwriting officer at Pen…
Interview: Amanda Blanc on life in the NED seat
The former Zurich, Axa and Towergate leader discusses her portfolio of NED positions, challenges for insurers in the current market, the partnership opportunities for insurtech businesses as well as rugby and schools.
Q&A: Gary Humphreys, Markerstudy
Markerstudy’s group underwriting director, Gary Humphreys, discusses taking a pause on commercial business, progress on the Co-op Insurance buy, debt, making further acquisitions and the rated versus unrated debate as well as backing MGAs and the future…
Cross-industry code of practice on flood resilience debuts
A code of practice for property flood resilience aimed at homeowners and industry bodies was yesterday launched at Parliament.
Unsecured creditors of Elite face around £70m shortfall
Elite’s administrators expect around £315m in unsecured claims, but have identified under £246m in assets available.
Markerstudy not 'exercised' by May debt deadline
Markerstudy is in discussions with Qatar Re over the repayment of its $316m (£244m) loan ahead of the next deadline of May this year, group underwriting director Gary Humphreys told Post.
Gallagher UK appoints Jonathan Turner as specialty CEO
Gallagher has announced a number of senior people moves in its specialty broking and underwriting divisions.
Analysis: Insuring care for the elderly – is the insurance sector up to the challenge?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson may be the Brexiteers’ main man, but can he also deliver the goods when it comes to caring for the UK’s growing elderly population?
French insurtech Luko plots UK entry
Exclusive: French insurtech Luko revealed it will aim to enter the UK market in 2020, as it hired Admiral's chief actuary in France.
Claims surge with Storm Ciara impact set to continue
Insurers and loss adjusters are reporting a surge in claims and calls, as they warn more disruption and damage is expected after Storm Ciara hit the UK over the weekend with winds of more than 80mph.
Premfina no longer funding Gefion premiums
Exclusive: Premfina is no longer funding premiums for unrated Danish insurer Gefion.
Gallagher and hotel group reach agreement over alleged Heath Lambert 'secret profits'
Gallagher and Bloody Bay, which is locked in a legal battle with Besso, have reached an out of court agreement over alleged “secret profits” taken by a former Heath Lambert and later Besso employee, Post has learned.
Motor Mouth Podcast 3: Car repairs in the digital age
In the third of our series of podcasts with Motor Insurance World speakers Mike Partridge, paint and body business manager at Volkswagen UK, is interviewed by Post’s content director Jonathan Swift, outlining what challenges insurers can expect to come…
Laka to open Netherlands hub and roll out ‘wellness’ product after seed raise
Following a seed raise bicycle insurance insurtech Laka will open an office in the Netherlands and look to offer a ‘wellness’ product, CEO Tobias Taupitz told Post.
Admiral staff to get bumper bonus as predicted profit soars
Admiral is expecting to see profit before tax of £510m to £540m for 2019, with its staff to each receive a £500 bonus.
Blog: Controlling the business impact of Coronavirus
The human impact of Novel Coronavirus has already been devastating – around 500 deaths so far, and nearly 25,000 people have been infected. Simon Worrell, global medical director at Collinson, explains that businesses can play a significant role in…
PE driving market consolidation but private ownership still dominates
Exclusive: Private equity houses and PE backed firms were behind more than 50% of UK insurance distribution mergers and acquisitions activity last year in the £5m plus category, Imas Corporate Finance has calculated.