Commercial
E-commerce: Coverzones revival to spark more aggregator integration
The re-launch of Coverzones, which was recently saved from administration, could trigger greater integration between commercial and personal aggregators, following overtures from its chief executive.
E-commerce: MMA products made available on SSP platform
Broker insurer MMA Insurance has made its Master Tradesman and offices and surgeries products available online to brokers via the SSP platform.
Risk management/claims: Halifax tops the league of UK business crime hotspots
Halifax has been named as the UK's top business crime hotspot for the second consecutive year, with one in 15 companies having made a claim last year compared with a national average of one in 37.
Risk management/claims: FSA in warning over bribery and corruption controls
Commercial brokers risk imprisonment and unlimited fines if they do not strengthen their anti-bribery and corruption systems and controls.
Schemes: Scheme boom to drive down rates
Commercial affinity schemes are growing in popularity but increased competition could have a detrimental impact on rates.
Results news: Allianz determined to do away with all loss-making business
Allianz chief executive, Andrew Torrance, has outlined plans to push through rate increases in commercial after admitting that the current level of return was "not terribly attractive".
News: Quinn saga highlights 'chicken letter' risks
Brokers have been warned against relying too heavily on disclaimers to protect themselves from breaching their duty of care, in light of the recent Quinn scare.
News: QBE ambitions realised
QBE looks set to double the size of its commercial property book as it closes in on a deal that could see it snatch £40m worth of business from Axa, Insurance Age has learnt.
UK General completes claims outsourcing deal
UK General Insurance has streamlined its in-house claims processes after signing a new outsourcing agreement with Direct Group.
Arista reports £1.5m operating loss for 2009
Charles Earle, Arista Insurance chief executive, said the 2009 figures were in line ambitions to make a "consistent trading profit" during year three of trading.
BVCA branches into insurance
The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) has launched BVCA Insurance Services.
FBP welcomes coalition policy pledge
The Forum of Private Business claims thousands of smaller businesses could benefit from measures outlined in the coalition agreement between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties published today.
BIBA 2010: Open GI launches online quote and buy SME solution
Open GI has launched eBroker for Open Trader, a new online quote and buy solution designed to enable brokers to sell SME products to clients via the web.
BIBA 2010: Ace launches four new enhanced business covers
Ace UK was today due to launch a suite of new products targeting companies with one or more overseas branches, retailers, hotel groups and machinery manufacturers.
BIBA 2010: Bluefin ties up APC deal
Commercial insurance underwriting agency APC has struck a deal with Bluefin to provide its network brokers with access to a full range of commercial insurance packages.
BIBA 2010: Over half of brokers see value in online platforms
Over half of British insurance brokers believe using an online platform to trade with carriers will help them retain commercial insurance business that would otherwise go direct.
Lloyd's broker PYV and RSA launch new PI scheme
PYV, the Lloyd’s and specialist professional indemnity (PI) insurance broker, and RSA have launched a new PI scheme for appointed representatives of Sesame and Sesame Direct members.
Allianz sees profits slip 10 points in first quarter
Allianz Insurance's pre-tax profits have slumped more than 10% to £36.7m (£41.1m: 2009) for the first quarter of 2010, despite a near 5% increase in gross written premium (GWP) to £411.3m.
FSA criticises brokers' anti-bribery and corruption standards
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has published the findings of its recent review of anti-bribery and corruption systems and controls in commercial insurance broker firms.
Coverzones bought out of administration
Coverzones’ assets have been bought out of administration by its management team, supported by an unnamed major private investor.
Quinn to quit UK PI
Quinn Insurance will not reopen its professional indemnity (PI) business in the UK despite the likelihood it will recommence underwriting other commercial lines.
Bluefin completes first acquisition in planned consolidation surge
Stuart Reid has acquired the general insurance business of Peterborough based G M Towns & Partners.
SMEs give wary approval to new Government
The Forum of Private Business has given a cautious welcome to the new Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the formation of a coalition government between his party and the Liberal Democrats.
Aviva's results suggest GI recovery
Aviva’s first quarter statement has shown “a return to volume growth in 2010” despite tough conditions and cost cutting.