Motor
Allianz commits to investing in local structure to support brokers
“The strength of the Allianz commercial business in the UK is without doubt our local, regional capability in those markets and the ability to deliver,” Allianz Holdings CEO Colm Holmes told Insurance Age.
Profits drop at Allianz Holdings in first half 2023 as GWP tops £2bn
Operating profit fell 5.5% at Allianz Holdings in the first six months of the year to £112.8m as the combined operating ratio deteriorated to 96.6% from 96.0% in the same period of 2022.
Tradex capacity growing to £450m after Pollen Street deal
As part of the Pollen Street Capital acquisition, Tradex’s capacity is growing from around £100m of gross written premium to £450m, Markerstudy group chief underwriting officer Gary Humphreys told Insurance Age.
Ex-Ardonagh and Gallagher leader Mark Mugge moves from Lucida to Optio
Mark Mugge has left motor specialist broker Lucida Group to be chief financial officer of managing general agent Optio Group.
‘Disappointing’ – brokers react to Zurich personal lines broker exit plans
Brokers have expressed disappointment at Zurich’s plans to exit personal lines motor and home on broker panels.
Markerstudy investor Pollen Street gets PRA approval for Tradex deal
Markerstudy’s owner Pollen Street Capital has completed the delayed purchase of motor trade and taxi specialist insurer Tradex after getting the greenlight from the Prudential Regulation Authority, Insurance Age can reveal.
RSA slips to half-year loss
RSA Insurance Group has reported a £9m post-tax loss for the first half of 2023, slipping into the red after a profit of £192m in the same period last year.
AA Insurance Services switches to CDL from inhouse legacy system
AA Insurance Services has gone live on CDL Strata, kicking of a phased programme to migrate about two million car and home policies, Insurance Age can reveal.
MGA bolsters team following resignations amid Ardonagh staff interest
Managing general agent Mercia Underwriting says it has bolstered the team after a number of staff resigned from positions.
Dayinsure’s Barry Bown made Abacai group CEO after Wilson exit and job cuts
Barry Bown, boss of Abacai Technologies owned-Dayinsure, was promoted to group CEO after the departure of his predecessor Mark Wilson, Insurance Age can reveal.
Ghost broker sentenced after pocketing £302,000
A ghost broker who charged more than 900 motorists up to £300 each for fraudulent motor insurance policies has been sentenced.
UK commercial hardening drops to 1%
Insurance pricing in the UK commercial market rose by only 1% in the second quarter of 2023, according to Marsh, its lowest rate since Q4 2018.
Abacai CEO Mark Wilson resigns as director as DLG/M&A speculation ramps up
A trio of co-founders at private equity-backed insurtech Abacai Technologies, including former Aviva Group CEO Mark Wilson, have resigned as directors, Insurance Age can reveal.
Somerset Bridge Group turnover flat but losses narrow in 2022
Operating profit from Somerset Bridge Group’s broking arm, which includes GoSkippy and Vavista, fell in 2022 by 18% to £2.7m.
Motor specialist Lucida posts second year of double-digit growth
Motor specialist Lucida Broking Holdings grew turnover in continuing operations by 28% in 2022 to £47m, according to a filing at Companies House.
Insurance drives half-year revenue growth at Moneysupermarket
Moneysupermarket grew insurance revenue by 23% in the first six months of the year to £105.6m.
Motorbike market is stable despite MCE downfall – brokers
Motorbike brokers believe the market is stable despite MCE’s broking business entering administration on Monday.
FCA names MCE administrators
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that Mark Holborow, Vincent Green and Steven Edwards of Crowe UK are the joint administrators of MCE Insurance, as appointed by the company’s directors.
WTW/Confused: 12-month motor premium rise the highest since records began
Comprehensive car insurance premiums have risen by a record 40% (£222) during the last 12 months, with UK motorists now paying £776 on average, according to the latest Confused Car Insurance Price Index in association with WTW.
Motorbike broker MCE enters into administration
Motorbike broking specialist MCE Insurance Limited entered into administration last night, it has been confirmed.
Broking Success: Targeting the 100-year milestone
WH&R McCartney is believed to be the oldest independent broker in Scotland. With only a handful of years left to go until its centenary, directors Graeme Robb and Alan Kirkwood are confident of further growth and success for the Motherwell-based firm.
Zurich exits regional and national broker personal lines channels
Zurich UK has today announced plans to refocus its personal lines home and motor business to concentrate on high net worth through Zurich Private Clients, alongside its MGA and partnership channels.
Think Insurance on the hunt for acquisitions – Russell Bence
Think Insurance is on the hunt for acquisitions, targeting brokers with around £3m of gross written premium, commercial director Russell Bence told Insurance Age.
Broking telematics under the spotlight as motor insurers withhold or pull capacity
The broking telematics market has had a few setbacks of late with Unipol pulling capacity and Lumun pivoting to become an MGA. But as Saxon East discovers, there are positive signs on the road ahead too.