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Aviva eyes commercial improvements by dropping underperforming lines of business
David McMillan, Aviva UK general insurance chief executive, remains confident his firm can recover from a "challenging" year in terms of commercial business, following the decision to drop a number of underperforming lines of motor business.
Your Say: Taking on Tesco
Since Axa and Zurich reported improved UK earnings in mid-February, a number of other insurers have impressed with upbeat personal lines results. After a dismal 2011, these performances should be applauded, and demonstrate that, unlike the banks, which…
'Sticking plaster' Statement of Principles distorts flood insurance market
The Statement of Principles was never designed to be anything more than a "sticking plaster", according to James Dalton, head of property insurance at the Association of British Insurers.
Government warned it cannot 'duck' issue of poor being priced out of flood insurance
People on lower incomes could be priced out of flood insurance following the end of the Statement of Principles.
Renewing Statement of Principles will not solve flood cover issue, says Defra
The issue that confronts the insurance sector and government today is not the ending of the Statement of Principles, as renewing it would not solve the problem, but that underwriters are changing their approach to pricing flood risk.
Aviva bemoans 'challenging' UK commercial sector as CEO Moss heralds 2011 progress
Aviva's UK general insurance continuing operations saw a decrease in operating profit and underwriting result in 2011 to £540m (2010: £567m) and £129m (2010: £184m) respectively. This was mostly as a result of the reduced contribution from Aviva Re.
Popularity of price comparison sites paves way for master aggregator
The long-tipped 'aggregator of aggregators' is closer to happening than ever, with the proliferation of price comparison brands and online insurance offerings that shun these sites.
Social media-based broker heralded as five years ahead of the game
While the UK insurance industry is still trying to understand the financial merits of social media, one German online-based broker has already started using Facebook to encourage its users and their friends to sign up for cover.
At-fault payout product could fill 'deliberate' hole in motor market
Concerns have been raised that a new product that "fills a genuine gap" in the motor market could be plugging a hole that has been left deliberately.
Editor's comment: Insurers must be socially mobile
Joining a party too late can be disastrous. Not least because the early attendees may have drunk the place dry.
Academic paper suggests England learn from Scotland about flood risk prevention
An academic made a splash this week by publishing a paper calling for planners, developers and architects to be held "legally liable when they get it wrong and people are flooded" as a way of preventing further flood plain development.
Fraudulent claims continue to plague insurers, as index shows rise in cases
Location-specific blackspots indicate overall increase in UK insurance fraud
A winning combination: interview with Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt
Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft merged in late 2011 under the DAC Beachcroft banner. Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt discuss the tie-up and their plans for the future.
County Insurance hires law firm to advise on broker acquisition spree
The goal set by bosses at the County Insurance Group of buying 10 new brokers over the next five years has moved a stage closer following the appointment of Harrison Drury to advise on a regional acquisition spree.
Admiral COO describes 2011 as a year of two halves as profit hits £299m
Admiral has reported group profit before tax up 13% at £299m in 2011 (2010: £266m) on a turnover up 38% at £2.19bn (2010: £1.58bn).
HSBC sells GI units to Axa and QBE
Axa and HSBC announced today they have entered into an agreement whereby the French insurance giant would acquire the bank's property and casualty businesses in Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico.
CPS investigates 'fraudulent' Autofocus employees
The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed it is examining the case of the seven Autofocus staff who allegedly doctored credit hire rate evidence.
UK Drainage Network scoops supply chain award
Independent drainage company the UK Drainage Network has received the Co-operative Insurance Claims Supplier of the Year and Supply Chain Collaboration awards at the RSA.
Insurance Insight – top 10 stories
The top 10 stories from www.insuranceinsight.eu over the past seven days.
Markel acquires fine art and collectables business
Markel International has acquired the portfolio of business of Quay Underwriting, a managing agent based in Dorset, UK.
Aggregators dominate Google insurance search rankings
Money Supermarket and Compare the Market are coming out on top in Google search rankings for general insurance, according to online marketing solutions provider Gravytrain.
Direct Line impedes Helphire access to Autofocus evidence
Direct Line has attempted to stop credit hire firm Helphire from accessing Autofocus evidence.
Insurance2go launches spectacles insurance policy
Online insurance brand insurance2go has created an independent glasses insurance policy through its sister website insureyourglasses.
European construction – back to good health?
Construction markets have suffered across the globe with the financial downturn biting hard. Edward Murray investigates whether there are any glimmers of hope for the European market in 2012.