Comparison sites
An aggregator explosion in France?
It’s an exciting time for the price comparison market in France.
Compare the Market appoints new director
Price comparison site Compare the Market has named Simon McCulloch as its new director of money.
Comment - Branding & aggregators: Driving greater success
With direct writers accounting for 40% of the motor market, Peter Thompson looks at the importance of branding when it comes to selling on aggregators.
Defaqto adds pub and restaurant ratings
Insurance policies for pubs and restaurants are to be given star ratings by Defaqto after the firm expanded the number of commercial sectors that it grades.
Comparison site offers customer cashback
Cashback and voucher code firm Quidco has launched a motor insurance comparison site that allows users to earn cashback on their quotes.
News analysis - Aggregators: Running out of steam?
Motor rates may be stalling but Tom Cooper pinpoints growth strategies to safeguard comparison site expansion.
Health insurance - review of the year: Care crisis or opportunity?
The past 12 months have been tough for health insurance, with a record contraction in policy numbers. Amy Ellis examines recent market developments and asks whether 2011 will be brighter.
Aggregator targets 30% of SME market in year one
Compare the Market is aiming to attract 500 000 commercial customers to its site over the next 12 months, after agreeing a long-term contract with Towergate to provide SME insurance.
View from the t’opera: The ‘tache triumphant
You insurance types are certainly a very stylish bunch. Since I exploded onto the scene back in August 2009, I’ve been impressed by all the tailored suits, neatly pressed shirts and perma-tans sported by almost everyone that I meet.
Hiscox set to launch US direct PI offering
Hiscox is increasing its US presence with the launch of its first direct commercial insurance offering.
Warning over reserves as retirement age rises – Post in print: 16 December 2010
Senior reporter Leigh Jackson outlines the main news from this week's issue of Post, which includes reports that insurers have been urged to review their reserves, as the proposed abolition of the retirement age could see claimants seeking increased…
Towergate wins SME deal with Compare The Market
Towergate Insurance has won a long-term contract with price comparison website Compare The Market to provide insurance to SME customers.
Green Insurance Company unveils online shop
The Green Insurance Company has launched an online shop offering eco-friendly price comparison.
BGL: European aggregators on hitlist after French buy
BGL Group will look to buy more European aggregators if its purchase of Courtanet proves successful.
Government and police back DVLA motor data access pilot
The government and the Metropolitan police have thrown their weight behind a pilot scheme which will give motor underwriters access to externally held personal data on customers to check whether they have lied on their policy submissions.
Good practice guide backed
The Association of British Insurers' good practice guidance has voluntarily secured the backing of 80% of price comparison websites.
Iprism valued at £50m as PE firm takes a stake
Online commercial comparison portal Iprism has attracted private equity backing, in a move that values the business at £50m.
LV boss pledges growth to £1bn by 2015
LV direct managing director Selwyn Fernandes has pledged to grow the business's gross written premium to £1bn by 2015, despite the competition generated by the aggregators.
Biba outlines eight point motor insurance plan to government
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has called on the Government to implement an eight point plan to reduce the spiralling cost of motor insurance.
Interview - Patrick Snowball: Turning the light on at Suncorp
When Patrick Snowball headed to Brisbane to take the reins at Suncorp, many in the UK industry were surprised. Jonathan Swift finds out why he took this particular job offer and his plans for his tenure.
In series - Professionalism & CPD: Banging the drum
Lynn Richards-Cole extols the virtues of professionalism for brokers and details why technical skill development is essential in serving customers.
BIS 2010 - News: SME sector set to be next big thing for aggregator sites
Price comparison site Beat That Quote has hinted it could move into SME insurance after earmarking the sector as the next stage of aggregator growth.
BIS 2010 - News: Public sector can help fight against fraudulent applications
The public and private sectors should be working together to tackle fraud at the point of application.
AM Best commentary: Keeping the balls in the air
While hardly a vintage year for the general insurance sector, 2009 did see an overall improvement due to investment earnings - but, says Catherine Thomas this year is unlikely to match up.