Comparison sites
OFT investigates Google's acquisition of Beat That Quote
An Office of Fair Trading inquiry into Google's acquisition of aggregator Beat That Quote will provide the firm's competitors with a chance to respond to market fears over the deal.
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.
News analysis: shaking up the aggregator market
Google buying Beat That Quote has given the aggregator market a shake-up, claims Tom Cooper, as the 10 million quotes per month barrier is broken.
Aggregators join ABI and Biba in fraud fight
Aggregators have joined forces with the Association of British Insurers and British Insurance Brokers' Association to publish new guidance on online application fraud.
Application fraud: provider info handover is 'gob-smackingly' bad
There remains a serious issue concerning the "question set mapping challenge" between insurers and aggregators. Indeed, Pinsent Masons head of insurance John Salmon told delegates that, in some cases, it is "gob-smacking how badly this is done".
Application fraud: insurers 'oblivious' to extent of issue warns IFB boss
Many insurers are totally oblivious to their exposure to application fraud, according to Insurance Fraud Bureau director Glenn Marr. And one of the prime reasons for this, he added, is its complexity and scope.
Interview - Janet Connor: targeting the over 50s demographic
Managing director of Rias Janet Connor chats to Amy Ellis about targeting the over-50s demographic, embracing aggregators and non-insurance diversification.
Rias to launch on aggregator
Over-50s insurer Rias is set to move onto aggregator websites for the first time in a bid to keep up with the competition.
Interview – Peter Halpin: keeping Swinton on the acquisition track
Swinton CEO Peter Halpin had a lot to live up to - following, as he did, in Patrick Smith’s footsteps. He talks to Leigh Jackson about taking the company forward and continuing its impressive acquisition record.
Admiral not confused over aggregator
Admiral has vowed to retain Confused, despite the aggregator’s profit falling by 54% in the past three years.
Editor’s comment: two new faces to watch
With Google this week snapping up beat that Quote for a little under £40m, and web design firm Vast Visibility simultaneously buying two specialist bike and van price comparison sites, aggregators are very much the insurance ‘buy du jour’.
Web design firm buys motor comparison sites
Insurance comparison site The Bike Insurer has been acquired by web design firm Vast Visibility, Post has learnt.
Concern over Google buying BTQ
Google intends to run Beat That Quote as a separate business in the near term, following its £37.7m acquisition of the aggregator.
Interview – Simon Douglas: the attraction of AA Insurance
Simon Douglas, director of AA insurance, previously worked in the life & pensions and private medical markets. He talks to Mairi Macdonald about what attracted him to the debt-laden business and the challenges it faces.
An aggregator explosion in France?
It’s an exciting time for the price comparison market in France.
Compare the Market appoints new director
Price comparison site Compare the Market has named Simon McCulloch as its new director of money.
Comment - Branding & aggregators: Driving greater success
With direct writers accounting for 40% of the motor market, Peter Thompson looks at the importance of branding when it comes to selling on aggregators.
Defaqto adds pub and restaurant ratings
Insurance policies for pubs and restaurants are to be given star ratings by Defaqto after the firm expanded the number of commercial sectors that it grades.
Comparison site offers customer cashback
Cashback and voucher code firm Quidco has launched a motor insurance comparison site that allows users to earn cashback on their quotes.
News analysis - Aggregators: Running out of steam?
Motor rates may be stalling but Tom Cooper pinpoints growth strategies to safeguard comparison site expansion.
Health insurance - review of the year: Care crisis or opportunity?
The past 12 months have been tough for health insurance, with a record contraction in policy numbers. Amy Ellis examines recent market developments and asks whether 2011 will be brighter.
Aggregator targets 30% of SME market in year one
Compare the Market is aiming to attract 500 000 commercial customers to its site over the next 12 months, after agreeing a long-term contract with Towergate to provide SME insurance.
View from the t’opera: The ‘tache triumphant
You insurance types are certainly a very stylish bunch. Since I exploded onto the scene back in August 2009, I’ve been impressed by all the tailored suits, neatly pressed shirts and perma-tans sported by almost everyone that I meet.
Hiscox set to launch US direct PI offering
Hiscox is increasing its US presence with the launch of its first direct commercial insurance offering.