Comparison sites
Aggregator analysis: price comparison evolution reaches tipping point
With signs pointing to a soft market, questions abound about what will now drive a customer to use an aggregator to switch insurer.
Application fraud: deliberate use of inaccurate information on the rise
The number of opportunistic fraudsters has rocketed with the use of aggregator sites, as some customers deliberately provide inaccurate information in an attempt to get cheaper premiums.
Popularity of price comparison sites paves way for master aggregator
The long-tipped 'aggregator of aggregators' is closer to happening than ever, with the proliferation of price comparison brands and online insurance offerings that shun these sites.
Post magazine – 8 March 2012
The latest issue of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Penny Black's insurance week
Penny's not sure she'd use a price comparison website with the name 'Quote Baby'
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?
Brokers issue retention rate warning over commercial insurance aggregation
Insurance firms looking to help aggregators target commercial insurance expansion in 2012 have been warned to check poor retention rates and increased fraud risks before over-committing themselves.
In Series On Data: Insurers and brokers catching on to external data
External data sources are an increasingly important resource for insurers and brokers, as aggregators gain market share
Broker focus - Personal lines: Survival tactics
Embattled personal lines brokers are facing a tough climate with falling incomes and business volumes, but those willing to adapt to the new environment can survive and prosper.
Broking - Mergers & acquisitions: Do not disturb
2011 was a relatively sleepy year for merger & acquisition activity in the broker sector. Could 2012 be a wake-up call or will the market stay snoozing?
View from the top: Fighting fraud
Insurers and intermediaries must act now to beat the rise in personal lines fraud, says Will price, BGL.
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.
Editor's comment: Knowledge swap shop
The first of many: that appears to be the over-riding theme of this week’s insurance market developments. First we had the groundbreaking strategic partnership struck between Catlin and China Re, in a move both parties expect will prove extremely…
News analysis - Smartphone apps: has the prime time arrived to invest in mobile?
The long-held hunch by savvy industry operators that the rapid emergence of smartphone technology presents a potentially lucrative revenue stream was this week underlined by Money Supermarket’s claim to have launched the UK’s first front-end motor…
Website review: Beat That Quote
Web performance specialist Gomez looks at Beat That Quote's website.
Data usage: Made to measure
Can insurers rise to the challenge of utilising multiple real-time data sources to maximise sales while minimising exposure?
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.
Non-standard household: Inclusive innovation
Technological advances mean that non-standard risks can now enter the mainstream, so why are some prospective customers still being left out?
Rating factors - Age: Age-old dilemma
After losing the battle to use gender as a rating factor, could the insurance industry be facing a new threat as age falls under the spotlight?
BGL gears up European expansion plans
Compare The Market owner BGL has turned down acquisition opportunities in Europe, but continues to look to grow its presence on the Continent, with discussions in Italy and Spain ongoing.
Expert analysis - aggregators: Mixing things up
Softening motor rates, more movement between best-price brands and augmented ancillary income emerge as aggregator themes
Online commercial - Driving business online
Take-up of online commercial products remains less than impressive but where does the blame for suppressed demand lie?
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?
View from the top: A multi-channel world
Many brokers will have read the recent update around Zurich’s personal lines strategy, following the announcement that we’re re-entering the direct channel later this year via an outsourced arrangement with Endsleigh, where the majority of new business…