Comparison sites
Editor's comment: Knowledge swap shop
The first of many: that appears to be the over-riding theme of this week’s insurance market developments. First we had the groundbreaking strategic partnership struck between Catlin and China Re, in a move both parties expect will prove extremely…
News analysis - Smartphone apps: has the prime time arrived to invest in mobile?
The long-held hunch by savvy industry operators that the rapid emergence of smartphone technology presents a potentially lucrative revenue stream was this week underlined by Money Supermarket’s claim to have launched the UK’s first front-end motor…
Website review: Beat That Quote
Web performance specialist Gomez looks at Beat That Quote's website.
Data usage: Made to measure
Can insurers rise to the challenge of utilising multiple real-time data sources to maximise sales while minimising exposure?
Marketing: The power of advertising
Effective marketing can be a tough challenge for financial services providers and having a strong presence is not enough, it must also resonate with customers.
Non-standard household: Inclusive innovation
Technological advances mean that non-standard risks can now enter the mainstream, so why are some prospective customers still being left out?
Rating factors - Age: Age-old dilemma
After losing the battle to use gender as a rating factor, could the insurance industry be facing a new threat as age falls under the spotlight?
BGL gears up European expansion plans
Compare The Market owner BGL has turned down acquisition opportunities in Europe, but continues to look to grow its presence on the Continent, with discussions in Italy and Spain ongoing.
Expert analysis - aggregators: Mixing things up
Softening motor rates, more movement between best-price brands and augmented ancillary income emerge as aggregator themes
Online commercial - Driving business online
Take-up of online commercial products remains less than impressive but where does the blame for suppressed demand lie?
Top 100 UK insurers supplement - brand analysis: Battle of the brands
With commercial pressures and tough business conditions putting the squeeze on insurance companies, the importance of the brand has never been more vital. So who is getting it right?
View from the top: A multi-channel world
Many brokers will have read the recent update around Zurich’s personal lines strategy, following the announcement that we’re re-entering the direct channel later this year via an outsourced arrangement with Endsleigh, where the majority of new business…
Simply Business gives Moneysupermarket SME cover
Commercial insurance broker Simply Business is launching small business insurance on comparison site Moneysupermarket providing the cover under a white label deal embedded in the site.
OFT clears Google of monopoly rule breaches
One of the UK’s largest aggregators has welcomed the Office of Fair Trading’s decision to clear Google of any monopoly rule breaches following its acquisition of Beat That Quote. Compare The Market said the merger creates “healthy competition”.
Travelers motor exit prompts market withdrawal speculation – Insurance News Now
Post reporter Callum Brodie outlines this week's major general insurance stories including Travelers’ decision to pull the plug on its private motor business in Ireland, leading to speculation that the insurer is planning to withdraw from the country…
Insurance Insight Q&A: Martin Garcia, Now Health International
Martin Garcia has spent almost 20 years in the international private medical health market with over 10 years as managing director for Goodhealth Worldwide. As he returns to the market with his new venture as chief executive of Now Health International,…
Website Review: Go Compare
In the latest of its ongoing series, web performance specialist Gomez looks at Go Compare's website.
Career development & CSR: Hastings supports safety with policy donations
Hastings Direct is supporting the 'Think Bike' motorbike safety campaign by donating £2 for every policy sold.
Editor's comment: Customer conundrum
Cuddly toy or cold hard cash? That appears to be the latest dilemma facing the insurance-buying public.
News analysis - Aggregators: The challenge of converting quotes
In the 10th quarterly price comparison watch, Tom Cooper finds no slowdown in quote volumes but converting them into sales represents a growing challenge.
Post Europe – Aggregators: Passport to Europe
With the aggregator concept set to spread across the Channel, Jane Bernstein asks is Europe ready for it?
Aggregators: Passport to Europe
With the aggregator concept set to spread across the Channel, Jane Bernstein asks is Europe ready for it?
Insurance Age blog: What did you have for breakfast today?
I'm going to tell you something you don't know about me. Happy Gilmore is one of my all time favourite films. There are a variety of reasons why this is the case but one particular exchange never fails to make me chuckle.
Interview - Peter Winslow: Best at building
Backed by an armoury of well-known brands, BGL CEO Peter Winslow tells Lynn Rouse about pan-European aggregation, acquisitions and why there is plenty of life in meerkats yet.