Aggregators
Direct Line hails death of the aggregator
Responding to an investigation from consumer magazine Which? that claims aggregators display a lack of transparency to the consumer Direct Line has said that providers in this space “are not always what they seem”.
Aviva to attack motor with online-only brand
Aviva is gearing up to challenge multi-brand motor insurance giants Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance and Admiral on the aggregators with the launch of a new internet-only brand.
Go Compare slips down the rankings
Go Compare has fallen to 11th place in a study of the most visible insurance websites, published by search engine research firm Greenlight.
Consumer insurance reforms will make it harder to turn down claims - Insurance News Now – 19 May 2011
Post news editor Mairi MacDonald outlines this week's major general insurance stories including how, according to MP Jonathan Evans, the first changes to consumer insurance legislation in more than a century will prevent insurers from “hiding behind”…
Aviva to launch internet-only brand following strong growth in motor book
Motor insurance has been the “key highlight” for Aviva in the first quarter, according to the insurer, which plans to launch a new, separately branded internet-only offering in the summer.
Consultancy warns over rate rise complacency
Personal lines insurers have been warned to guard against complacency, despite the potential for improved growth and increased profitability in the sector.
Technology: Will the cookie crumble?
The revised Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive could see computer cookies swallowed up unless explicit consent is given for their insertion in users' computers when they visit a company's website.
Brokers retain appeal in personal lines market
Brokers are retaining their customer appeal in personal lines despite the growth of insurance aggregators - though they must remain in tune with customer needs to stay ahead, according to new Aviva research.
78% of brokers confident about business prospects
A poll by Mapfre Assistance has revealed that price comparison sites are still viewed as the greatest challenge to broker business models.
Admiral "on track" to meet analysts' 2011 estimates after solid Q1
Admiral this morning reported that group turnover in the first quarter of 2011 increased by 56% to £539m; and group vehicle count increased 33% to 2.9 million.
Broking supplement - Private motor: The drive to succeed
Aggregators, question marks over referral fees and a squeeze on margins are all challenging those in the intermediated personal lines space. But, as Leigh Jackson reports, it is not all doom and gloom.
Broking supplement - Online commercial: Changing times
The insurance industry has been slow to embrace the internet for commercial, with the exception of offerings for the SME market. Graeme Newman looks at what this means for brokers.
Brand building - advertising: channelling advertising opportunities
Television remains the most powerful tool in the advertising armoury of insurance companies — but they must adapt to changing view patterns and innovations to survive in the market, says Ralph Savage.
Interview - Mike Brockman: telematics - the future of motor insurance?
Many predict telematics will be the future of motor insurance. Mike Brockman, founder and joint chief executive of Insure the Box, talks to Lynn Rouse about his success so far.
Penny Black's insurance week
Watch out Simon Cowell and congratulations to Hastings boss and music mogul in the making Neil Utley, whose new record label has netted singer Charlie Simpson as its first signing.
HNW - rates: costs under control
The customer is currently winning in the mid and high net worth sectors, with rates only climbing slowly. David Sweeney looks at what the industry must do to price for profit and continue to provide great service.
PwC welcomes “clearer” view of Solvency II
PwC has responded to the speech made by Julian Adams, FSA Director of Insurance, at the FSA Solvency II Conference today.
Motor: real time pricing
Intermediaries remain a significant distributor of motor insurance but, if profitability is to be secured, Laurence Walker says new underwriting models must be embraced.
OFT launches inquiry into Google aggregator deal
The Office of Fair Trading is to investigate Google’s acquisition of UK price-comparison website Beat That Quote.
E-business: Customer service must be priority
The chief executive of online commercial provider Simply Business has said the insurance industry must become more customer-centric if it is to catch up with the online revolution.
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.
Co-op to increase aggregator usage
Co-operative Insurance has set its sights on growing its household book by widening its use of aggregators as a means of distribution.
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.
E-business: Wishman: mobile e-commerce has finally arrived
Mobile technology has "finally arrived" in the insurance space and now is the time to develop a mobile online strategy, according to LV group e-commerce director Paul Wishman.