Aggregators
Moneysupermarket marketing and site investment contributes to earnings drop
Moneysupermarket this morning said investment in its new motor insurance site and subsequent marketing campaign have contributed to a predicted drop in profits in the first half of 2010.
CN launches scooter cover
Carole Nash has launched an online brand targeting commuter motorcyclists and scooterists, initially via Go Compare.
Online search volumes for travel insurance rise
This is according to the latest research from Greenlight, which shows that search volumes for travel-related insurance since January have increased from 896 000 to 932 000.
MSN in Beat That Quote deal
Microsoft has confirmed it is to partner Beat That Quote for its price comparison site, MSN Compare.
Technology - Global platforms: One size won't fit all
As online distribution becomes more ubiquitous, Paul Ferris warns that such platforms must be used with sensitivity to local practices.
Technology - Underwriting: Shifting focus
Insurers are upping the pace at which they investigate underwriting IT options and, over the past six months, there has been a substantial jump in the number of carriers looking to engage software houses with projects in this area, says Edward Murray
Technology - E-certificates: Certifiable progress
Jakki May explains that changes to the law regarding e-certificates for motor insurance mean that the industry can now make headway in dispensing with old-style postal delivery, potentially saving millions on printing while also reducing fraud.
KFI reaps benefit of non-motor book growth
For sale-intermediary Kwik Fit Insurance's move away from its motor heartland helped it increase pre-tax profits by 24% to £10.93m in 2009.
Biba pushes aggregator issues at European broker meet
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has met fellow European broker bodies in Tel Aviv to discuss the Insurance Mediation Directive and other European issues.
Confused leads the insurance pack in social media usage
Confused has topped an index of the most 'followed' insurance brands on social media websites.
Comparison sites gaining consumer confidence
Almost half of price comparison site customers are more confident using aggregators then they were a year ago, new research from YouGov has shown.
Round table - online customer experience: The evolving role of the insurance aggregator
Online insurance is now a massive part of the industry. Post gathered a number of industry figures together to discuss what drives a customer to buy a policy online or abort and seek a quote elsewhere. Jonathan Swift reports.
Allianz launches comparison service
Allianz Insurance has launched an online comparison service for brokers on its e-broker website.
Williams leaves Tesco Compare
Debra Williams has stepped down from her role as chief executive of Tesco Compare, Post has revealed.
Penny Black's Insurance Week
Insurance and West Bromwich Albion have not appeared in conjunction too often in this column in the past — bar one reference to Baggies fan and Towergate CEO Andy Homer's lucky pants, perhaps.
Williams leaves Tesco Compare
Tesco's commitment to making serious headway in the price comparison site market has come under scrutiny, following the departure of its chief executive.
Start-up claims motor insurance first with Moneysupermarket
A new motor insurer which claims to be the first in the world to charge all its customers solely by the number of miles and the way they drive, is targeting young, newly-qualified motorists and their parents.
Post in print - 10 June 2010
Post reporter Amy Ellis outlines this week's major news stories from Post including: government move over midwives; brokers unite for covenant code; Cooper Gay IPO; Money Supermarket fraud action; and Hyperion flotation insight.
Money Supermarket steps up fraud battle
Price comparison giant Money Supermarket is rolling out a revamped home insurance website, which includes improved measures to combat fraud.
IAG UK to lose 5% of broker partners in recovery plan
IAG UK's largest business Equity Red Star is set to shed around 175 of its broker partners and withdraw from the majority of its aggregated business, as it plans its recovery from a "significant deterioration" in its claims experience.
First Central opens new sales centre
First Central Insurance Management, the service provider for online motor insurer 1st Central, has opened a new sales centre accommodating 80 members of staff.
£20m Lloyds TSB cash injection for Hastings
Personal lines specialist Hastings Direct has become the latest broker to receive third-party capital after agreeing to a £20m cash injection from Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.
HMRC admits defeat in aggregator VAT battle
HM Revenue & Customs has decided against appealing its long-running aggregator VAT battle to the Supreme Court.
IAG pumps $365m into UK reserves after claims deterioration
IAG has ploughed $365m (£207m) into its UK claims reserves following a “significant deterioration” in UK claims experience.