Direct Line Group
Merlin clients and staff seek new homes after facilities firm quits takeover talks
After almost two decades in the insurance industry, loss adjuster Merlin Claims went into administration last week, arguably the victim of a private equity deal that saddled it with too much debt and a dwindling client list.
DLG claims transformation manager joins First Central fraud team
First Central has appointed former Direct Line Group claims transformation manager Chris Hallett to the role of operations manager at the firm's recently formed counter-fraud services team.
Geddes unmoved by PE takeover talk as DLG divestment date looms
Direct Line Group chief executive Paul Geddes has distanced himself from speculation linking the business with a private equity-backed divestment, insisting that his focus remains on securing a second-half public flotation.
DLG's £40m summer flood loss offset by reserve releases
Direct Line Group has reported home weather claims costs of £40m, conceding that losses were worse than expected but offset by "signficant" releases from reserves held against prior year claims across the portfolio.
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.
View from the top: Much to do about flooding
The need for a new flood strategy is now urgent as the 'temporary' 12 year-long solution is no longer feasible, says Tom Woolgrove.
Telematics Expo: Feedback not a quick fix for improving driving standards
Incorporating a telematics box into a driver's car does not necessarily make a policyholder a safer or better driver, despite claims to the contrary.
Telematics Expo: Data fears unfounded in a social media world
A fear of telematics owing to data protection and privacy issues is outdated in a world where people voluntarily share so much information online.
Speculation mounts that RBS personal lines business will go out to tender
A wave of activity in the affinity space has led to speculation over the future of Royal Bank of Scotland's arrangement with UK Insurance as a provider of personal insurance for its banking customers.
Insurance Fraud Awards 2012 shortlist announced
Post can today reveal the shortlist for the 2012 Insurance Fraud Awards.
Haste linked to Direct Line bid
Former RSA chief executive Andy Haste is heading up a private equity consortium including Blackstone, Bain and Advent, with ambitions to bid for Direct Line Group, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Former Chartis manager Lovatt joins NIG
NIG has appointed Paul Lovatt as area underwriting manager for its Birmingham office.
Amanda Blanc elected CII president
Axa commercial lines chief executive Amanda Blanc has been elected as the Chartered Insurance Institute's 116th president, following yesterday's annual general meeting.
DLG's ambition to float in doubt amid reports of PE bids
The Direct Line Group's plans to float have been put in jeopardy, according to reports claiming that two private equity consortiums could launch rival bids for the business.
NIG strengthens north east team with two new hires
Commercial insurer NIG has appointed an underwriter and a business manager to its north east team.
Expert analysis: The return of motor madness
The push for volume in motor has started again, with a fall in rates for a fourth consecutive quarter, while home is proving more resilient, says Tom Cooper.
Churchill and Privilege launch on Compare the Market
Churchill, Privilege and Sainsbury's Bank motor insurance products can be bought on aggregator website Compare the Market from today.
Direct Line to activate emergency flood plan this weekend
Direct Line has lined up teams of property insurance advisers who will be deployed to flooding hotspots around the UK ahead of another weekend of predicted heavy rainfall.
Postscript: Penny speed meets…
Steve Maddock, managing director — claims, Direct Line Group
Online this week - top ten stories
The top 10 stories from www.postonline.co.uk
Avivia, Axa and DLG on cover for Oldham explosion
Direct Line Group, Aviva and Axa have confirmed they insure some of the properties damaged in the Oldham explosion on but not the house in which two-year-old Jamie Heaton died.
I-Smart targets 'big market share' after launching insurance offering
Claims management firm I-Smart is eyeing a "significant insurance market share" after launching an initial range of products such as gadget, home and travel insurance.
Blog Post: Penalty heartache, Paul who? and private equity
There are some persistent insurance stories that are as predictable as England crashing out of a major football tournament on penalties.
Helphire, DLG and RSA reach agreement on Autofocus evidence
The High Court has granted Helphire restricted access to information on rate surveyor Autofocus after initial objections from Direct Line Group and RSA.