Insurer
LV profit stable while GWP rises 6%
LV's general insurance business has reported 6% growth in gross written premium income to £747m (H1 2011: £704m) in the first half of the year.
Motor claims solutions provider signs technology deal with Groupama
Audatex UK has agreed to work in partnership with Groupama Insurances to implement a web-based technology platform designed to improve the company's motor claims processes.
Hiscox UK falters while group profit soars
Hiscox returned an interim pre-tax profit of £125.8m (H1 2011: loss £85.6m), following a more benign catastrophe season compared with the previous 12 months.
Markel promotes House in speciality division
Markel International has promoted Guy House to underwriter, covering property and open market in the firm's speciality division.
Indian government considers insurance reform
The Indian government is looking at financial reforms that will change the face of the insurance industry.
Pakistan takaful industry opens to general insurers
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has issued revised takaful rules for 2012 allowing conventional insurance companies to open takaful window operations.
Childs to succeed Hiscox as chairman
Hiscox chief underwriting officer Robert Childs is to succeed Robert Hiscox as chairman of the Bermuda-headquartered insurer.
1350 jobs at risk as ERGO 'streamlines' sales
Munich Re-owned primary insurer ERGO said today it plans to cut up to 700 salaried sales posts as part of a "quality and efficiency plan" intended to streamline sales.
Trio jailed after attempting to defraud Havering Council
Three fraudsters who attempted to con Havering Council out of an estimated £100 000 have received combined custodial sentences totalling seven months.
FSA tightens grip on package deals offered by banks
The Financial Services Authority has published new rules today requiring banks and building societies to check whether customers are eligible to claim on insurance cover before selling them a packaged bank account.
Brit improves H1 COR to 93.3%
Brit Group posted a combined ratio of 93.3% for the first sixth months of 2012, down from 104.8% for the first half of 2011, reflecting benign cat activity during the period.
Ace boss heralds international pricing turnaround with 88.9% H1 COR
Ace has reported that income excluding net realised gains jumped to $1.44bn in the first half of 2012 (H1 2011: $932m).
Brit CEO vows to target growth while committing to Simply Business
Mark Cloutier has promised to go on the attack by targeting growth in key areas following a business restructure towards global specialty underwriting, which he describes as "99% complete".
Aviva tries to quit Taiwan again
Aviva has confirmed it is seeking regulatory approval to pull out of Taiwan.
AIA posts 28% rise in new business in H1
Pan-Asia life insurer AIA Group posted a 28% rise in the value of new business to $512m in the first half of 2012.
EIP extends affinity deal with Royal British Legion subsidiary
Equity Insurance Partnerships has agreed to extend its 10 year-old affinity partnership with Poppy Insure, the trading subsidiary of The Royal British Legion.
RBS denies speculation of affinity split with DLG
The Royal Bank of Scotland has denied suggestions that UK Insurance will be stripped of its position as personal insurance provider for banking customers following the upcoming separation.
Be Wiser targets college leavers following fourth office opening
Independent broker Be Wiser has marked continued growth in the business by opening the firm's fourth office in Andover.
Brit unveils positive 11.5 point COR swing as business takes new direction
The Brit Group has this morning recorded a combined operating ratio of 93.3% for the first six months of 2012 (30 June 2011: 104.8%), having completed a restructure into becoming a focused global specialty underwriter.
Post Claims Club chair's monthly missive: Beach volleyball and insurance sop
On Wednesday this week I received an email from a Claims Club regular I have been in discussion with about speaking at the next meeting.
Lloyd's Insurance Co China's 'A' rating affirmed
AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of 'A+' of Lloyd's (UK) and Lloyd's Insurance Company (China) Limited.
Atradius advises global firms on pitfalls of Indian market
Credit insurer Atradius has released a guide on how to trade successfully with India, as part of a series of reports designed to help businesses trade profitably with the world's emerging markets.
Insured losses from Chinese storms expected to reach $78.7m
Insured losses from the severe storm that struck Beijing last Saturday are estimated at ¥500m ($78.7m), the city's insurance regulatory commission said on Thursday.
Cooter departs QBE after helping with Brit integration
QBE has confirmed the departure of Simon Cooter, former Brit director of market management and regional operations, having assisted in the business integration following the April takeover.