Opinion
Is Esure enough for Ageas?
News Editor’s View: After securing two acquisitions, Scott McGee asks if Ageas will look to acquire more rivals in the future to ensure it is a top three personal lines provider or whether it will focus more on organic growth.
Allianz’s Hobbs’ call to action on lithium ion batteries
View from the Top: Nick Hobbs, chief distribution officer at Allianz UK, explores the insurance profession’s role in tackling lithium-ion battery risks and supporting safer innovation through broker collaboration.
Consumer Intelligence CEO argues 0% APR insurance needs a rethink
Ian Hughes, CEO of Consumer Intelligence, argues how 0% APR on insurance may breach regulatory requirements as those paying annually are effectively being penalised for not taking out credit.
What insurers should know about today’s cyber threats
Mark Kirby, director of Intersys, examines how the current cyber threat landscape is evolving and how insurers need to change their approaches to respond to the threat.
Why in-person networking is irreplaceable
Trade Voice: iCan’s Ajay Mistry on why in-person networking is more important than ever in the insurance industry.
How Trump’s tariffs could make motor insurers great again
Editor’s View: US President Donald Trump’s tariffs could prove a fresh road to hell for motor insurers unless they show they’ve learnt lessons from the last few bruising years of claims inflation, according to Emma Ann Hughes.
Aviva’s Washington on what’s next for commercial lines
View from the Top: Matt Washington, managing director of global corporate and specialty at Aviva, says the sector must modernise, innovate and maintain discipline to stay on top of an ever-changing risk landscape.
Why too little red pen in board reports is a red flag
After the FCA raised concerns about non-financial misconduct, Sophie Espinasse, head of client learning at Konexo, warns too little red pen in board reports should be a red flag to them as they seek to crack down on bad apples in their organisations.
Closing Europe’s natural catastrophe protection gap
Trade Voice: Typhaine Beaupérin, CEO of the Federation of European Risk Management Associations, appraises recent proposals for a continent-wide scheme to boost the provision of natural catastrophe cover.
Little less conversation and a lot more insurtech action please
Editor’s View: The Labour government’s insurtech ambition would be laughable if it wasn’t so delusional, argues Emma Ann Hughes.
View from the Top: Don’t allow price talk to drown out the quality of insurance
As the insurance market shifts into a new phase, competition intensifies and price becomes the dominant factor in decision-making, Richard Coleman, managing director of Ecclesiastical, argues while affordability matters the real value of insurance lies…
Failure to prepare for extreme weather causes school closures and education losses
Recent flooding and heavy rain across the UK have once again forced school closures, which Gareth Magrath, senior associate director at Brawdia, argues highlights education providers’ vulnerabilities from weather-related property losses plus the need for…
Why claims are the true test of an MGA
As the MGA sector continues to evolve, Michael Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association, argues claims excellence must be a strategic priority and technology embraced for efficiency, service improvements and complimenting the human touch.
Are pay freezes jeopardising broker staff retention?
With some insurers pushing for a full return to the office and pay increases failing to keep pace with inflation, Scott McGee explores how some employees are voting with their feet – and how the sector should rethink its approach to hiring and retention…
Why Aviva’s takeover of Direct Line is bad news
James Daley, managing director of Fairer Finance, shares his thoughts on Aviva’s £3.7bn takeover of Direct Line Group and raises concerns about the impact of mega mergers on customer service.
Political violence losses and logistical challenges for claims
Dealing with insurance claims relating to political violence demands a rapid, specialised and technologically sophisticated response, according to Hugh Sparks, managing director of onshore energy and mining plus natural resources at Charles Taylor.
What a softer market means for the private client market
Trade Voice: Suzi Rackley, member of the CII Broking Community board and client director at Howden Private Clients, looks at what signs of a softer market mean for insurers, brokers and customers.
How the Battle of Hastings could hurt insurers
Editor’s View: Hastings Insurance’s victory over HM Revenue & Customs marks a significant turning point for insurance intermediaries and their ability to recover VAT, according to Emma Ann Hughes.
Is NI hike a tipping point for insurers?
Ahead of the National Insurance rate for employers increasing from 13.8% to 15% next month, Neil Garrett, sales director at Verisk, considers if Labour's latest hike could force insurers to rethink the way they handle claims.
Transatlantic collaboration key to tackling AI fraud
Mike Brown, partner and head of fraud at law firm Weightmans, discusses how with the Insurance Fraud Investigators Group voting to form a UK chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units, transatlantic collaboration is key to…
Confronting the challenges in our EV evolution
Trade Voice: Jonathan Fong, manager of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers, sets out the challenges the UK faces around increased adoption of electric vehicles.