Articles by Martin Croucher
Markerstudy consolidates businesses into ‘super’ MGA
Markerstudy is consolidating its UK business units into a single ‘super’ managing general agent.
Qatar Re acquisition of Markerstudy still hangs on regulatory approval
Exclusive: Markerstudy is still waiting on its new parent Qatar Re to gain regulatory approval for the acquisition.
Amazon Protect MGA snapped up in $2.5bn deal
The company that underwrites warranty insurance for Amazon products has been acquired by a rival firm in a $2.5bn deal.
Allianz replaces Aviva capacity for GRP-backed Higos
Allianz will provide capacity for Higos’ SME business, following Aviva’s decision to cancel agencies with all GRP-backed brokers.
Home insurtech Luko gets €2m funding round led by French telecom boss
AI-powered home insurtech firm Luko has raised €2m (£1.75m) in a funding round led by French telecom billionaire Xaviert Niel.
Claims bosses face £500,000 fines under ‘phoenix’ company crackdown
Nuisance call bosses could personally face fines of up to £500,000 under plans to tackle ‘phoenix’ claims management companies.
Aviva rejects one in eight whiplash claims
Aviva now rejects one in eight whiplash claims as suspect or fraudulent, the company said, as it revealed a 5.6% growth in fraud last year.
Uber to provide free insurance to drivers in Europe
Uber will provide free insurance to eligible drivers and couriers in Europe following a tie-up with Axa.
Avantia places up to 30 roles at risk in outsourcing move
Exclusive: Avantia Insurance is in the process of relocating frontline roles to Sheffield, placing between 20 to 30 jobs at risk.
RSA backtracks over no bonus for UK staff
Exclusive: RSA has backtracked over a decision to not award bonuses to UK staff, after employees claimed it was unfair that group CEO Stephen Hester received a bonus of almost £5m.
Insurtech funding reaches record high
The volume of insurtech deals reached $724m in the first quarter of 2018, its highest ever level and 155% greater than the same period last year.
Brokers urged to contact FSCS over Alpha collapse
Brokers and managing agents for Alpha Insurance are being urged to contact the UK guarantee fund.
Sedgwick UK will finalise organisational structure by June
Exclusive: Sedgwick UK will have finalised its operational structure following its merger with Cunningham Lindsey by June.
Week in Post: Picking up the pieces after Biba 2018
The possibility of physical and mental collapse is now very real. No sympathy for the Devil. Buy the ticket, take the ride.
Updated: MPs raise ‘strong concerns’ over whiplash reform
The government’s proposed whiplash reform could lead to significant access to justice concerns, according to a Parliamentary committee report.
UK motorists won’t have to apply for green card after Brexit
Drivers and truckers may not need to apply for a ‘green card’ in order to remain insured while driving in the European Union after Brexit.
FCA to publish report on dual pricing by autumn
The City watchdog will report on its investigation into dual pricing in the autumn, a conference heard.
Allianz starts transfer of 2000 personal lines brokers to LV
Allianz will transfer 2000 broker partnerships to LV under the terms of the joint venture, starting next month.
Insurers considering ELTO-like tool for victims of child sexual abuse
Exclusive: Insurers are looking into a potential tracing service to aid child sexual abuse victims in tracking down historic insurance policies of public institutions.
LV will take on Allianz personal lines business from June
Exclusive: LV will start to write renewals of Allianz personal lines business from the beginning of next month.
L&G announces two deals as it looks to ramp up GI premium
Legal & General is now the majority capacity provider for a £550m five year binder with Pen Underwriting, as the general insurance business aims to grow its premium by double digits in the coming year.
Transactor founder takes CEO job at I-Wonder
Former Transactor boss Ray Vincent has taken on the job of CEO of I-Wonder.
Lloyd’s severs links with NRA following inquiry
Lloyd’s has instructed underwriters to no longer do business with the National Rifle Association of America, following fines on Chubb and Lockton.
UK policyholders in limbo following Alpha insolvency
Exclusive: UK policyholders for Alpha Insurance have been left in limbo following the company being declared bankrupt.